Netcare launches discounted GP consultation vouchers aimed at improving access to private healthcare
Aug 13, 2020
Innovative NetcarePlus GP Vouchers first in a range of new healthcare products to be launched
An innovative approach to improving access to consultations with general practitioners (GPs) in private practice has culminated in the development of NetcarePlus Vouchers, a new product that has just been launched in South Africa.
”The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a fresh appreciation of the importance of one’s health and the value of quality medical care. Primary healthcare represents a cornerstone for maintaining health and wellness. The care provided by GPs speaks to people’s most common day-to-day healthcare needs and is crucial to supporting a person’s health and well-being,” says Dr Richard Friedland, chief executive officer of the Netcare Group.
“The innovative NetcarePlus GP Vouchers can significantly improve access to private healthcare, as it offers a practical and affordable solution to South Africans who need the care of a doctor but for whom it would otherwise be difficult to afford this.”
The NetcarePlus GP Vouchers is the first of many products to be launched under the NetcarePlus brand, and the Netcare Group’s recently established Innovative Products Division is in the process of developing more innovative new NetcarePlus products for the South African market. The division’s managing director, Teshlin Akaloo, an actuary with extensive expertise in the financial and health and wellness sectors, is supported by a team of skilled professionals across actuarial, medical, product development, digital and distribution disciplines.
“The NetcarePlus GP Voucher product offers a choice between three types of pre-paid vouchers that are redeemable for a consultation with a GP. Individuals can choose to buy a voucher that gives them access to an in-person consultation, a voucher that covers the consultation and prescribed acute medications such as antibiotics, or a voucher that will provide access to a virtual doctor consultation,” says Akaloo.
“The competitive pricing of the NetcarePlus GP Vouchers, which is offered at a discount in relation to medical aid tariffs, compares very favourably with private GP consultation fees across the industry, and provides excellent value for money.”
According to Akaloo, a NetcarePlus GP Voucher for a virtual doctor consultation costs R290. A voucher for an in-person doctor consultation costs R350, while a voucher for an in-person doctor consultation including the cost of certain acute medicines costs R430.
“Over 500 doctors across all nine provinces are already part of the fast growing NetcarePlus Trusted Partner Network. Our partner GPs are located in the major centres across the country, but with a virtual option as part of the NetcarePlus GP Vouchers, anyone can now access private GP consultations regardless of where they live or work.
“NetcarePlus GP Vouchers provide a viable new way for persons who are not members of medical schemes to gain access to quality private medical care. It is also ideally suited to employers looking for an affordable way to support their staff with medical care, and represents a practical add-on to existing cover for those with hospital plans, or whose day-to-day medical scheme benefits have run out,” Akaloo explains.
How to purchase and use NetcarePlus GP Vouchers
- An individual can select from the three types of NetcarePlus GP Vouchers and can purchase as many vouchers as they wish through a secure platform on www.netcare.co.za/NetcarePlus. The list of participating GPs can also be viewed here.
- The individual can make an appointment with a participating GP at the same time as buying a voucher, or can make the actual appointment at a later stage when required.
- FNB clients can also purchase NetcarePlus GP Vouchers through FNB platforms such as the FNB App and eBucks shop, using cash, card or eBucks.
- The voucher code confirming the purchase will be sent to the purchaser’s cellphone by SMS.
- NetcarePlus GP vouchers are transferrable, so you can buy a voucher for someone else. In that case, you will need to forward the SMS voucher code to them.
- For virtual consultations, the NetcarePlus Partner GP will send you a unique link via SMS to the secure digital platform on which the consultation will be hosted. If the GP prescribes medication during the virtual consultation, a script will be sent by e-mail.
- For in-person consultations, the NetcarePlus GP Voucher SMS and code needs to be presented to the receptionist at the doctor’s rooms as proof of payment.
“Our health impacts every part of our lives. The new NetcarePlus GP Vouchers can potentially open doors to millions more South Africans, not only to curative private primary care during illness but also for preventative care, which establishes a strong foundation for maintaining better health over the long-term. Through NetcarePlus we intend to improve the quality of people’s lives through enhanced access to private healthcare,” Dr Friedland concludes.
For more information on the NetcarePlus GP Voucher product, visit www.netcare.co.za/NetcarePlus
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