To get the most value from your medical aid , follow these tips :
Use network GPs and specialists We negotiate special rates with these doctors to ensure you get quality care at lower rates . This helps avoid paying co-payments and helps stretch your savings and day-to-day benefits .
Make use of our preferred providers Using preferred providers and Designated Service Providers ( DSPs ) will help you avoid co-payments and give more value for money .
Boost your benefits Unlock the Benefit Booster by completing an online wellness assessment and get access to additional day-to-day benefits . You can use this for all outof-hospital claims including acute medicine , GP consultations and non-surgical procedures such as wart removal .
Ask your pharmacist Pharmacists can provide sound medical advice for problems such as rashes , colds or illnesses that are not severe . Buy over-the-counter medication or treat less serious ailments yourself , with their help and advice to reduce your costs .
Get with the programme Our Managed Care programmes are available to help members manage serious conditions such as cancer , diabetes and HIV / AIDS .
Look out for benefits that are paid from risk These benefits are in addition to your other benefits . They give you more value for money , without using your savings or day-to-day benefits . We pay for maternity consultations , wellness benefits , preventative care benefits and dentistry from risk on most plans .
Manage your chronic medicine correctly The golden rule for chronic illness benefits , is to try to use the medication on your plan ’ s formulary and to obtain this from a network pharmacy or a Designated Service Provider . This helps keep costs down and avoid co-payments .
Get a specialist referral Make sure you have a referral from your GP to visit a specialist . You may visit a gynaecologist twice a year , an ophthalmologist or oncologist once a year without a referral .
Don ’ t forget to pre-authorise Pre-authorisation is required for all hospital admissions to ensure your stay will be covered . Always ask if there are any co-payments or sublimits that will apply and what you can do to avoid these . Call 0860 002 108 or email : hospital @ bonitas . co . za to get a pre-authorisation number .
In an emergency , contact ER24 ER24 is our contracted provider for medical emergencies . In an emergency , please call 084 124 .
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 4 | 2021
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