I was referred for a MRI scan of the brain and neck. The call centre informed me that I would be responsible for an amount of R2450. When verifying this with the radiologist I was told that it is in fact R4900, because my brain and neck had to be scanned. They said that Discovery is the only medical aid that has a policy of charging PER CODE, i.e. per body part that had to be scanned and that is why it is double the amount that Discovery gave me. This did not make any sense as it is only one procedure. I contacted the call centre again and once again I was reassured that I am only responsible for R2450. When having the procedure the next day, I had to pay R4900. When contacting the call centre for the 3RD time, they confirmed that they do in fact charge per code. The procedure was traumatic and having to deal with this financial shock added to the trauma. Perhaps it is time to change to a medical aid who charges for services rendered and not codes. Members should be made aware of this as it is a lot of money to have to pay on top of your exorbitant monthly membership fees. Somehow, members are always on the losing side with Discovery.
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