A quick view of medical fees

10 August 2011 - 02:58

By HARRIET MCLEA

Netcare, Mediclinic and Life Healthcare have dominated the private hospital landscape since 1999.

In the four years between 2002 and 2006, according to figures presented by the Department of Health to the parliamentary portfolio committee last month, medical schemes almost doubled their payments to private hospitals for ward fees, from R4-billion to R7.5-billion.

Excluding additional charges for specialist consultations private hospitals charge about R2000 a night.

A snap survey conducted by The Times found that:

In Cape Town: Constantiaberg Mediclinic in Plumstead charges R2000 a night;

Netcare's Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in the city centre costs R2200; and

Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Pinelands costs R3500 per day.

In Johannesburg: Mediclinic in Sandton charges R2500;

Netcare Garden City Clinic in Mayfair West charges R2316.60;

In Durban: Netcare's St Augustine's Hospital charges R2020; and

Life Healthcare's Mount Edgecombe Hospital requires an upfront payment of R9000 covering two-and-a-half days' stay, a portion of which is refunded if you stay for a shorter period.

Fees for specialist gynaecologists at private hospitals vary widely. An initial appointment and scan with medical aid costs:

R1240 at Constantiaberg;
R1172 at Christiaan Barnard Memorial;
R1120 at Vincent Pallotti;
R800 at Morningside Mediclinic;
R920 at Garden City Clinic;
R750 at St Augustines; and
R395 at Mount Edgecombe.