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