Patients and experts warn of excessive overcharging by doctors

PATIENTS and financial experts are warning of excessive medical fees as doctors charge up to 500% above medical aid scheme rates.

- THAMI MAGUBANE

They said the out-of-pocket demands for payments are forcing patients on medical aid to take out additional gap cover or risk unaffordable medical expenses. They have accused doctors of turning the healthcare service into an unchecked profit-pursuit industry.

Sanjith Hannuman, a director at AVIB and a financial services consultant, spelled out the extent of the crisis. "A crisis of trust and affordability is unfolding in South Africa's private healthcare system. Patients, already strained by high medical aid contributions, face a second, devastating financial blow: out-of-pocket payments for services billed at 200%, 300%, or even 500% above medical aid scheme rates. This practice, known as 'balance billing,' has evolved from an occasional nuisance to a systemic feature," said Hannuman.