In my opinion which some may argue is not humble. I argue it is.
Medical aids restrict care for patients as well as shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to downstream costs.
Particularly in an environment like south africa where we have this tsunami wave of a diabetes epidemic. Approaching things holistically (as CDE which originated in Joburg and is now all over RSA) is the only way to manage the finances we have. Yet the push back from some medical aids is interesting to use a word so as not to offend.
I am merely a GP – general practitioner. I have made it my mission to stay up to date (as well as the most qualified I can be) regarding diabetes at large. I am passionate about it. I am even more passionate about the best care for my patients. This largely could translate to the best money spent for medical aids but alas it does not turn out that way 9 times out of 10.
There are medical aids who are open minded and practice preventative care like Discovery and medications and appliances are provided with insight and good application.
I wish this were across the board. Alas not in our beautiful country.
Patients vote with where they pay their money. The next few years are critical as to both the direction of medical aids and whether the money will be spent effectively saving downstream costs or whether the whole thing just implodes. Every day another massive wave of patients are added to this problem. It is soon to hit that critical mass where devastation occurs.
We have to become more preventative, we have to manage what we have to the best of our abilities with what we have. That is best done with more brains. Team is key. Technology is key and unfortunately not everyone is on this boat.
Think before you drink before you drive, think before you eat that cake and you don’t survive.
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