Bonitas Member Magazine B-Living Issue 1, 2019 | Page 8
Have a question for the doctor? Email us at [email protected] and your question could
feature in the next issue of B-Living.
Hello Doc, Hello Dr
I am on Standard Select and I recently moved from
Mpumalanga am now staying in Johannesburg and I am not
too familiar with the place. Do I have to nominate another
GP and where can I find all the list of the GPs to choose
from in my new area. I’ve recently been experiencing back pain and had a
number of consultations but still the pain does not seem to
go away. I now fear that I will have to undergo an operation.
operation. Is there any other way I can have this sorted
without having an operation?
Thanks
Sandile Thanks,
Nobe
Dear Sandile,
Welcome to Johannesburg. Yes you will have to nominate
another GP in your new area by completing the GP nomination
form which is available on www.bonitas.co.za. For the list of all
the GPs you can choose from, please visit our website and use
our ‘locate a provider’ tool. The tool will also help you locate all
the doctors, pharmacies and hospitals on our network. This will
also help you avoid co-payments and make your benefits last as
long as possible. Good day, Nobe,
The common cause of back pain is linked to muscle or ligament
strain. Before undergoing surgery for back problems, Bonitas
members are encouraged to first enrol for the back and neck
programme, which helps members living with chronic back and
neck pain treat the cause of their pain and improve their quality
of life. You will be assessed by a biokineticist and a doctor. This
includes a physical examination and tests to check your range
of movement, nerve health, etc.
Hello, Dr,
I have a three-year-old and I want to know whether you
cover child vaccinations. I recently heard that you do. Is this
true?
Regards,
Anne
Dear Anne,
Yes, it is true. As of this year, we have taken a decision to
cover childhood immunisations according to the Extended
Programme schedule for members on BonComprehensive,
BonClassic, BonComplete, BonSave, BonFit, Standard, Standard
Select, Primary and Primary Select. This is all paid from Risk
and does not affect your savings or day-to-day benefits.
After this assessment, you will then receive treatment twice
a week for up to six weeks. We cover the full cost of the
programme. This multidisciplinary programme includes
treatment from doctors, physiotherapists and biokineticists
to treat severe neck and back pain. The treatment consists of
active exercise with appropriate weights and motion. After the
initial treatment, you will receive a home-based programme to
maintain long-term results.
Please note: If you are on BonComprehensive, BonClassic,
Standard, Standard Select or BonComplete and you choose
to go for spinal surgery without first visiting DBC and
enrolling for the back and neck programme, you will have to
pay a R6 000 co-payment.
Disclaimer: The advice included above is for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or medical practitioner. We strongly urge
you to consult with your family practitioner before embarking on a health treatment or programme. All information has been checked by a Bonitas clinical Adviser.
Page 7