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