Discovery Health
Delays with authorization

I have been a member of Discovery Health since 01/10/2011 on the Keycare Plus plan. My GP recently referred me to a specialist because of the large (2x2 cm) lump in my breast and node in my armpit. Discovery declined this referral as - I was told when I queried - they don't pay for diagnostic tests on breast lumps. I have had to pay for these tests myself. The results have now come back that the lump is indeed malignant and the specialist wants to remove it. We applied for authorisation on 24/01 and were told that it could not be granted as there was no referral number - as Discovery had declined the referral. We were told that the referral number would have to be given before authorisation can be granted. Today 28/01 we are still waiting for the referral number and meanwhile I have now missed two available spaces for surgery and am likely to miss the next one (Thursday). It feels like every time we speak to Discovery there is a different story and while we are trying to meet their requirements it doesn't seem possible. I am ill and require medical treatment yet it feels like my medical aid is doing everything they can to avoid giving it to me.

Company: Discovery Health
Country: South Africa
City: Northern Cape

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