Virtual consultations keep you and GPs safer

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During lockdown in South Africa, the public are discouraged from attending to anything but essential needs. Patients are also discouraged from attending facilities where they may drain emergency resources.

Whether you are infected with COVID-19, or develop another medical problem that requires immediate medical attention, you are urged to not visit your GP, as that will pose an increased risk of exposure for you and for the medical professional. Please use one of the following channels for a virtual or telephonic consultation, instead:

  • You can contact your GP, and your GP can claim if you have a telephonic or video call consultation. The GP can also issue scripts and/or specialist referrals telephonically.
  • If your GP uses the Medici App (see www.medici.md/), he/she can also claim if you use this platform for a consultation.

How these consultations will be covered by the Society during the COVID-19 pandemic

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, the Society will cover such a consultation in accordance with Prescribed Minimum Benefits protocols.

If your health problem is not as a result of COVID-19 infection, the consultation will be seen as a standard consultation and be covered from your available 15 consultations per beneficiary per year.

IMPORTANT: In line with industry practice and guidelines, the tariff code that should be used by your healthcare provider to claim for these virtual consultations is TR0130. If the correct code is not used, the claim will not be covered. Please check your monthly statement to make sure that any such consultations have been correctly claimed and processed.

There are also a number of free COVID-19 related information and consultation services available:

You can visit the Government’s online resource and new portal on sacoronavirus.co.za
Emergency Hotline: 0800 029 999
WhatsApp Support Line: 0600-123456

Mediclinic offers a wide range of articles and information about COVID-19, including an online assessment tool. Visit mediclinic.co.za

ER24 also offers an “Ask the Nurse” medical advice and information line that could assist you with health-related queries and concerns. Call 084 124.