Ask the Doctor
Hello Doctor
My pharmacist often recommends generic medicine to me instead of the original medicine . I know it is cheaper but does it work just as well ?
Shaun Dear Shaun
Generic medicine is the same as an original or brand-name medicine in dosage , safety , strength , quality , the way it works and the way in which it should be used . However , not every original medicine has a generic equivalent . When new medicines are developed , they are patented for , in most cases , 20 years . The patent , which protects the company that made the medicine first , doesn ’ t allow anyone else to make and sell the medicine . When the patent expires , other pharmaceutical companies can start selling a generic version of this medicine . Since generic medicine makers do not develop it from scratch , the costs to bring it to market are less , this means generic medicines are , on average between 30 and 80 % less than the original . We encourage you to use generic medicines to save costs and help you stretch your benefits .
Dear Doctor
I recently joined Bonitas on the Standard Option but my GP is not on your network . How can I get him on the network ?
Manu
Dear Manu
We have the largest GP network in South Africa and are always looking to extend it as this helps our members get more value for money . Your doctor can call us on 0861 112 666 and request to join the GP network .
Hi Doctor
I always see the words ‘ Bonitas Rate ’ when I read the brochure or website . But what does this mean ?
Lebogang Dear Lebogang
The Bonitas Rate is the rate at which we reimburse healthcare providers . Where we pay 100 % of the Bonitas Rate and your healthcare provider charges more than this , you will have to pay the difference or outstanding amount . For example , if you visit a healthcare provider who charges 200 % of the medical aid rate ( Bonitas Rate ) and you receive a bill of R1 000 , we will only pay R500 . If you visit a healthcare provider who charges the Bonitas Rate , we will pay the account in full ( if you have benefits available ). On some options , such as BonComprehensive we pay more than 100 % of the Bonitas Rate . The best way to ensure that you get maximum value for money is to use doctors , specialists and providers on our network and make use of our Managed Care programmes where applicable .
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 4 | 2021