Hello Dr
My pharmacist often recommends generic medicine to me instead of original medicine . I know it is cheaper but does it work just as well ?
Shaun
Dear Shaun
Got a question for the doctor ? Email us at socmed @ bonitasmarketing . co . za and your question could feature in the next edition of the magazine .
Hi Doctor
I suffer from chronic headaches . I have hypertension ( diagnosed this year April ) but have had my headaches for 7 years now . I went to the physio and nothing helps . I also tried almost every pill and nothing helps . Please give me advice on how to make it a little lighter or what to do to make it go away .
Stella
Dear Stella
Sorry to hear that . Headaches can be extremely painful . The first thing you need to do is determine the type of headaches you experience as well as the root cause of them . Headaches could be triggered by anything – from hypertension , to stress , poor vision or back and neck pain . They may be migraines , tensionheadaches Visit your GP for a thorough check-up as he or she is best placed to assist you .
You can also try any of the following to get some natural relief from your headaches :
• Place a warm cloth around your neck and the base of your skull
• Rub your temples or consider getting a back and shoulder massage
• Exercising has been shown to reduce headache intensity and frequency , so go for a short walk daily
A generic medicine is the same as an original or brand-name medicine in dosage , safety , strength , quality , the way it works , the way it is taken and the way it should be used .
However , not every original medicine has a generic equivalent . When new medicines are first made 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 the medicine . Since generic medicine makers do not develop it from scratch , the costs to bring it to market are less ; therefore , generic medicines are usually less expensive .
Dear Doc
I always see the words Bonitas Rate when I read the brochure or website . But what does this mean ?
Inyathi
Dear Inyathi
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 outstanding amount . For example , if you visit a healthcare provider that charges 200 % of the medical aid rate and you receive a bill of
R1 000 , we will only pay R500 .
If you visit a healthcare provider that charges the Bonitas Rate , we will pay the bill in full ( provided that 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 .
I hope you get some relief soon .
Disclaimer : The information 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 any health treatment or programme . All information has been checked by Dr Carla Von Benecke ,
Page 78 Bonitas Member Magazine 2016 Issue 43