Have a question for the doctor? Email us at [email protected] and your question could
feature in the next issue of B-Living.
Good day Dr,
My name is Spha and I have been struggling to receive my
medical aid card that I ordered for my daughter who no
longer stays with me. Please advise how I can get one for
her quickly.
Thank you
Spha
Dear Spha
I am so sorry to hear that. Bonitas also offers an electronic card
that you can easily download on your device or share with your
dependants. To download the card, please follow these simple
steps.
1. SMS us your medical aid or ID number to 44912
2. You will then receive an SMS with a link and the 'one-time pin’
also known as an OTP
3. Click on the link you’ve received via SMS, insert the OTP and
submit
4. Now you can download or share your electronic card with
your dependants.
Should you encounter any issues with these steps, you are more
than welcome to contact us on 0860 002 108.
Hello Doctor,
For the past few months, I’ve been having terrible back
pain and have been to different doctors but it seems none
of them can find what the problem is. One doctor told me I
will have to have surgery if I want to get better but I don’t
want to have surgery. What else can I do to manage this
pain?
Thanks Nadia
Dear Nadia
Thank you for reaching out to us. Bonitas has a programme
that helps our member deal with back and neck pain. It takes
a comprehensive and holistic approach to chronic pain and
offers individualised treatment to patients. After an initial
assessment, you will receive treatment twice a week for up to
six weeks.
We will also 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 receive a home-based programme to maintain results long-
term results.
For more information, please contact us on 0860 002 108.
Hello Doc,
My name is Zandile and I am 29 years of age. I get bloated
all the time and I have seen a doctor before and nothing
has helped. I’ve also tried to limit my dairy intake but it
seems that hasn’t helped as well.
Thanks, Zandile
Dear Zandile,
Bloating is usually related to a number of health conditions
namely, irritable bowel syndrome (when the nerves linked to
your bowel are too active), acid reflux (which irritates your
oesophagus, the tube between your throat and stomach) and
haemorrhoids, etc.
This can be caused by a number of things like overeating,
consuming foods that have high levels of sodium (salt), soft
drinks, eating too fast and yes, dairy. However, I would suggest
that you visit your GP again and see if he can refer you to
a gastroenterologist who will assist in making the correct
diagnosis and treatment for your condition.
If your GP does not obtain a specialist referral authorisation
on your behalf, you must obtain a referral letter from the GP
stating which specialist you are required to visit. You can then
contact the call centre on 0860 002 108 and the agent will
assist you in obtaining a referral number. The specialist referral
authorisations are valid for 6 months per practice type.
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 Advisor.
Page 7