Elixir, July 2010
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What a pleasure it is to welcome you to our new-look Elixir. It’s bigger and better, allowing for the inclusion of important permanent fixtures like a full set of CMP contact details, which will appear in every edition from now on.
The re-design of the newsletter is inspired by some very exciting developments about to take place: soon we’ll be launching a brand-new website, packed full of additional features and resources to enhance your member experience. This is a mere taste of what’s to come; enjoy it, and watch this space for further developments.
Last month we mentioned the matter concerning the payment of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). If it piqued your interest, this month we take a more in-depth look at what brought about the upset in the industry.
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While we’re on industry topics, we debate the difference between private and public healthcare in terms of maternity experiences. And it doesn’t come from us! Let’s just thank our lucky stars for access to private healthcare facilities. Speaking about private healthcare, we also give you a heads-up about anaesthetists’ pricing – you’ll want to read this, awake.
Administratively, we cover quite a few topics. We explain, in detail, how and why we sometimes impose waiting periods and exclusions on new members. In the same article we discuss why full disclosure on membership applications is so important. Let’s not forget about our series on medical practitioner consultation fees at the NHRPL/CMP tariff – this month, we bring you three more. We also introduce you to members of our finance division.
Finally, before we run out of breath, we’re very proud to introduce you to our new Principal Officer (PO) on page 4. Derek Shardlow took over the PO reins in June. We wish him well in his new position.
Here’s to your health!
Warm regards,
Charlene Schoeman
General Manager
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In last month’s Elixir, we touched briefly on the topic of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). More specifically, we alluded to the conflict currently being experienced in the industry. Because we’re self-administered, and you (our members) actually own the Scheme, we try to ensure that your rights are protected at all times. What follows is an introduction to the confusion surrounding PMBs, and a warning to know your rights as a medical scheme member. Read more>> |
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Are you booked for surgery or a procedure requiring general anaesthetic? Before succumbing to the sleeping gas, there are a few things you ought to know if you’d prefer not waking up to an unexpected co-payment.
Read more>> |
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Medical practitioners are unfortunately not bound by any regulations regarding their tariffs. They can charge whatever fee they feel is representative of their services. At CMP, however, we only pay up to the National Health Reference Price List (NHRPL) tariff, which is why it’s worth negotiating with your medical practitioner. Read more>> |
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We’ve all read the headlines and disturbing statistics in recent months. In May, it was reported that one Eastern Cape hospital had already recorded 180 premature-baby deaths for 2010. In the same month, a Gauteng hospital was investigated after 11 babies died, while 35 more were removed from an overcrowded neo-natal ward. Is it just coincidence, perhaps, that there are fewer private hospital incidences reported? Unfortunately not. Read more>> |
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As harsh as it may seem, restrictions imposed on new members is a medical scheme-industry standard. When a new member applies for membership, they’re assessed in terms of risk and offered membership – with or without restrictions, depending on their health. As an existing member, you went through the same process. While this may sound like discrimination, it’s not that way at all. It’s the law, and our way of protecting the Scheme’s funds – and existing members – from unforeseen expenses. Read more>> |
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After 45 years in the industry – partly as a partner in a healthcare practice and a trustee on various boards – he knows medical schemes inside out. He’s also been a dedicated trustee, chairman and member of CMP for 15 years. All considered, it’s a pleasure to welcome our new Principal Officer (PO), Derek Shardlow. Read more>> |
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Our Designated Service Provider (DSP) for the dispensing of approved chronic medication, Clicks Pharmacy, has opened a few more doors around the country. Read more>> |
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Jill Schoeman
I am the salaries and human resources administrator, but also perform additional accounting functions. I started out as a membership clerk 13 years ago, and have worked my way up into this position.
Read more>> |
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Adri van Huysteen
I have worked in CMP’s finance division since April 2008. As their bookkeeper, I am responsible for paying our creditors and performing other daily and month-end accounting functions. Read more>> |
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Wasiela Shaik
My responsibility within the finance division is to prepare a set of management accounts at each month end. We all work closely together, and I feel privileged to belong to this dynamic organisation. Read more>> |
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Open day reminder
Don’t forget about our next two open days, taking place on the 20th and 22nd of July at our offices. Save money by getting a free health check between 09h00 and 16h00 (no need to book). And don’t forget to reserve your seat for our industry-related presentation on both days – please RSVP to Charne Gordon at 021 937 8300 by 14 July.
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Travelling and need additional chronic meds?
Under normal circumstances, CMP may legally only fund chronic medication for one month at a time. If you ever require more than one month’s supply for travelling purposes, we recommend that you purchase the additional medicine and submit a paper claim for reimbursement. Simply send us your invoice and receipt within three months of the date of sale. Our MCM division may also authorise up to two month’s supply, provided you supply us with proof of travel. |
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Other chronic medication queries
In our April edition of Elixir, we answered your questions about formularies, protocols and chronic medication benefits. Should you still have unanswered questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care division at 021 937 8300 or
email: customers@cmp.co.za. |
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Get screened (for less) at Clicks
Did you know that you can pop into your nearest Clicks Pharmacy clinic for a general health check-up? These check-ups are far cheaper than going through your doctor, and include testing your cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, weight and BMI. |
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Tel: 021 937 8300
Fax: 021 937 8499
Email: mail@cmp.co.za
Website: www.cmp.co.za
Physical address
De Tijger Park
Office Block 2
McIntyre Street
Parow
7500
Postal address
PO Box 966
Parow
7499
Customer Care
Tel: 0860 102 930
Fax: 021 937 8311
Email: customers@cmp.co.za
Medical Case Management (MCM)
Tel: 0860 100 512
Fax: 021 937 8326
Email: mcm@cmp.co.za
Sales
Tel: 0860 102 344
Fax: 021 937 8348
Email: telesales@cmp.co.za
Claims
Fax: 021 937 8316
Email: claims@cmp.co.za
Distribution
Fax: 021 937 8498/9
Membership/Debtors
Tel: 021 937 8300
Fax: 021 937 8475
Email: debtors@cmp.co.za
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