CONTACT 0860 002 101 | EMERGENCY 0860 255 426
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CALLS ARE RECORDED
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CALLS ARE RECORDED
FRAUD/ABUSE
WHATSAPP: 063 033 1313 | speakout@beheard.co.za
WHATSAPP: 063 033 1313 | speakout@beheard.co.za
COVID-19 INFORMATION GUIDE
Click on a topic below to view more information.
COVID-19 PRESCRIPTION TREATMENT GUIDELINES
The Scheme's clinical team has adopted international best practice aligned with the SA treatment guidelines to ensure our members are provided with optimal treatment for COVID. Immedicate access to treatment is essential and this document's purpose is to be a guide to members regarding the testing and treatment that the Scheme will pay for when we receive a doctor's prescription.Early diagnosis and commencement of treatment ensures better outcomes in the overwhelmingly majority of cases. Therefore the Scheme provides these guidelines to pro-actively manage the disease in an attempt to reduce hospitalisations and severity of the illness.
These prescription guidelines do not in any way replace your doctor's decisions and/or advice pertaining to your treatment or care and merely act as a guide. The Scheme's clinical team will continously review and update these guidelines as more becomes known of the disease and available treatment options.
To ensure payment of the treatment by Alliance-Midmed, the medicine prescription claims must contain the ICD10-codes as indicated above.
For other or additional treatment funding needs, please ensure that your doctor provides the treatment plan to the Scheme via email to service@alliancemidmed.co.za prior to initiating treatment - the clinical team will respond within 48-hours.
VACCINE ROLLOUT INFOGRAPHICS
COVID-19 PROCEDURES TO QUALIFY FOR BENEFITS
COVID-19 benefits have been declared Prescribed Minimum Benefits.That means the Scheme must pay for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of COVID-19.
However, the Scheme will pay for the services when this procedure is followed.
The Scheme has designated the Rx Health team who provide our clinical call centre services, Middok 24/7, and Ampath Laboratories as service providers.
We categorise responses as follows:
1. IF YOU ARE WORRIED,
BUT WELL AND FREE OF SYMPTOMS
BUT WELL AND FREE OF SYMPTOMS
What must you do
Send the word “help” to our COVID-19 WhatsApp number
IF YOU ARE STILL WORRIED, click here to complete the free questioinnaire.
Complete the free questionnaire that will help you to identify whether you are at risk/should talk to a healthcare staff member.
Note that the consultation with the medical staff will be charged to your Scheme benefits.
Send the word “help” to our COVID-19 WhatsApp number
IF YOU ARE STILL WORRIED, click here to complete the free questioinnaire.
Complete the free questionnaire that will help you to identify whether you are at risk/should talk to a healthcare staff member.
Note that the consultation with the medical staff will be charged to your Scheme benefits.
How we will respond
You will be guided through signs, symptoms, contacts, and information about where to go and what to do.
A Professional Nurse will review your questionnaire, under the supervision of the doctor, and:
You will be guided through signs, symptoms, contacts, and information about where to go and what to do.
A Professional Nurse will review your questionnaire, under the supervision of the doctor, and:
- If the doctor confirms that you are likely infected, we will send test authorisation to the laboratory drive-through
- The Nurse will contact you and send you for the test
- If you have symptoms, but do not require a test, the Nurse will inform you.
2. WHEN YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED
What must you do
Click here to for examples of “close contact situations” and contact our staff member immediately on 0860 00 2101 if these apply (tell the staff that you suspect COVID-19 infection)
Click here to for examples of “close contact situations” and contact our staff member immediately on 0860 00 2101 if these apply (tell the staff that you suspect COVID-19 infection)
How we will respond
A Professional Nurse will work through the list with you, collect additional information and submit your results for assessment.
A Professional Nurse will work through the list with you, collect additional information and submit your results for assessment.
- If a risk of infection is identified, we will refer your information immediately to the doctor
- If the doctor confirms that you are likely infected, we will contact you with specific test instructions (see point 5 herein)
- If you have symptoms but do not require a test, the Nurse will inform you.
3. WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED
What must you do
When a business, a health professional or a government agency inform you that you have been exposed, tell them that you are a Scheme member, and that the test will be paid by the Scheme at Ampath.
Contact us at 0860 00 2101 and inform us of the notification (please ensure that we receive written proof of the incident)
What must you do
When a business, a health professional or a government agency inform you that you have been exposed, tell them that you are a Scheme member, and that the test will be paid by the Scheme at Ampath.
Contact us at 0860 00 2101 and inform us of the notification (please ensure that we receive written proof of the incident)
How we will respond
We will confirm and contact you with the test date and instructions - see point 5 herein
(Note that, depending on when you were exposed, the test may not be taken immediately)
Your details will be added to our COVID-19 register to ensure that other qualifying services are authorised.
We will follow up with you telephonically twice a week.
Please ensure that you follow the steps under point 8 herein.
We will confirm and contact you with the test date and instructions - see point 5 herein
(Note that, depending on when you were exposed, the test may not be taken immediately)
Your details will be added to our COVID-19 register to ensure that other qualifying services are authorised.
We will follow up with you telephonically twice a week.
Please ensure that you follow the steps under point 8 herein.
4. WHEN YOU SHOW SYMPTOMS
What must you do
Click here to complete the free questionnaire to check your symptoms.
(This is necessary because of the flu season and the similarity of some symptoms.)
If you do not get a response in two hours, call 0860 00 2101, option 2 and tell them that you have COVID-19 symptoms.
What must you do
Click here to complete the free questionnaire to check your symptoms.
(This is necessary because of the flu season and the similarity of some symptoms.)
If you do not get a response in two hours, call 0860 00 2101, option 2 and tell them that you have COVID-19 symptoms.
How we will respond
The nursing team must respond immediately. They will check your questionnaire, clarify symptoms, and ask with the doctor for instructions.
Your details will be added to our COVID-19 register to ensure that other services that qualify are authorised.
We will follow up with you telephonically twice a week.
Please ensure that you follow the steps under point 8 herein.
The nursing team must respond immediately. They will check your questionnaire, clarify symptoms, and ask with the doctor for instructions.
Your details will be added to our COVID-19 register to ensure that other services that qualify are authorised.
We will follow up with you telephonically twice a week.
Please ensure that you follow the steps under point 8 herein.
5. WHAT TO DO WHEN I MUST GO FOR THE TEST
(e.g. the doctor orders a test as per points 1 to 4 above)
What must you do
(e.g. the doctor orders a test as per points 1 to 4 above)
What must you do
- During office hours (07H00 to 16H00), go to the laboratory drive-through.
- The laboratory drive-through is in Joubert Street, at the old Life Midmed Hospital entrance.
- Stay in your vehicle and call the laboratory (their numbers are displayed at the drive-through).
- Continue to wear your mask.
- Identify yourself (medical aid card).
- Follow the laboratory staff instructions.
- Ampath will contact you with your test results, which will take about 48-hours.
- Self-isolate while waiting for your results (point 9)
- Should your symptoms worsen in the interim, contact us immediately on 0860 00 2101 or follow the emergency procedure - point 6 below
How we will respond
The nursing team will forward an authorisation to Ampath and let you know when this is ready.
Your details will be added to our COVID-19 register to ensure that other services that qualify are authorised.
You will be placed on a watch list contacted in 24-hours to check your symptoms and twice again in the week that follows.
Please ensure that you follow the steps under point 8 herein.
The nursing team will forward an authorisation to Ampath and let you know when this is ready.
Your details will be added to our COVID-19 register to ensure that other services that qualify are authorised.
You will be placed on a watch list contacted in 24-hours to check your symptoms and twice again in the week that follows.
Please ensure that you follow the steps under point 8 herein.
6. WHAT DO I DO AFTER HOURS
What must you do
If you have trouble breathing, immediately go to the ambulance entrance at Midmed and hoot twice.
(DO NOT DISEMBARK FROM YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO)
Should you experience other symptoms after hours call the Life Midmed Hospital at 013 283 8700 - ask for the emergency unit (option 1).
What must you do
If you have trouble breathing, immediately go to the ambulance entrance at Midmed and hoot twice.
(DO NOT DISEMBARK FROM YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO)
Should you experience other symptoms after hours call the Life Midmed Hospital at 013 283 8700 - ask for the emergency unit (option 1).
How we will respond
The emergency team will guide you. Tell them that you experience COVID-19-like symptoms.
They will perform a telephonic screening and give you further instructions.
At all times maintain social distancing and wear your mask.
Please ask a family member to contact us early the next morning on 0860 00 2101, option 2.
The emergency team will guide you. Tell them that you experience COVID-19-like symptoms.
They will perform a telephonic screening and give you further instructions.
At all times maintain social distancing and wear your mask.
Please ask a family member to contact us early the next morning on 0860 00 2101, option 2.
7. WHAT IF I DO NOT STAY IN MIDDELBURG
What must you do
Please follow the steps as outlined in points 1 to 5 above.
For after-hour emergencies, please ensure that you have your local private hospital’s emergency telephone number, contact them, and follow their instructions.
What must you do
Please follow the steps as outlined in points 1 to 5 above.
For after-hour emergencies, please ensure that you have your local private hospital’s emergency telephone number, contact them, and follow their instructions.
How we will respond
During normal hours we will follow the steps in point 1 to 5 above.
After hours, please follow the steps in point 6 above.
During normal hours we will follow the steps in point 1 to 5 above.
After hours, please follow the steps in point 6 above.
8. YOU TESTED POSITIVE AND RECOVERED – WHAT NOW?
ONCE YOU HAVE RECOVERED
ONCE YOU HAVE RECOVERED
- PRECAUTIONS. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Maintain at least 1.5-meter distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands.
- LIFESTYLE. Avoid excessive drinking, and smoking, get enough sleep and maintain a routine.
- Eat healthy foods containing vitamins to boost your immune system and help fight infections:
- Vitamin A is present in Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, pumpkin, cantaloupe.
- B vitamins are present in Animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs), and leafy greens.
- Vitamin C is present in Citrus, strawberries, kiwis, red peppers, broccoli.
- Vitamin D is present in Sunlight, oily fish (salmon, sardines), meat, chicken, eggs, fortified cereals, margarine, beans, broccoli, and mushrooms.
- Vitamin E is present in Nuts and oils from the likes of soybean, corn, canola, safflower, and sunflower.
- EXERCISE. Exercise only from one week after your symptoms have cleared up. Thereafter, gradually reintroduce exercise, e.g. walking for 10 minutes a day for 7 days, then 20 minutes a day for 7 days, then 30 minutes a day.
- SUNLIGHT. Ensure that you are in the sun at least 10 minutes a day but avoid sunburn.
- MONITOR YOUR TEMPERATURE. Scan your temperature once a day.
- If you develop fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, then follow Paragraph 4 above.
- If you develop breathlessness or very fast heart rate, then follow Paragraph 6 above.
9. WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE SELF-ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS
Self-isolation is keeping to yourself for 10-days after you have been in contact with COVID-19 positive person.
You may, for instance, go for a walk in the countryside where there is no-one else, and you must avoid contact with relatives, friends and colleagues. You must stay in isolation for 10 days if you have been in contact.
You must also avoid public places and public transport.
Self-isolation is keeping to yourself for 10-days after you have been in contact with COVID-19 positive person.
You may, for instance, go for a walk in the countryside where there is no-one else, and you must avoid contact with relatives, friends and colleagues. You must stay in isolation for 10 days if you have been in contact.
You must also avoid public places and public transport.
Quarantine is remaining at home away from other people if you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should stay at home for 2 weeks plus the resolution of the main symptoms (fever and shortness of breath).
Loss of smell and taste can take a lot longer to go away, so if these are improving but not gone, yet main symptoms have gone, it is okay to go out of quarantine.
Loss of smell and taste can take a lot longer to go away, so if these are improving but not gone, yet main symptoms have gone, it is okay to go out of quarantine.
10. IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
- Never enter any medical facility, pharmacy, or doctor’s rooms if you suspect that you contracted COVID-19. Phone them, inform them of your symptoms and follow their instructions.
- Having had contact with a person that may have contacted covid-19 or that tested positive is not a medical emergency.
- It is essential that you follow strict isolation instructions.
- The Scheme will pay for the test even if the result is negative when you use the designated service providers.
- If your doctor has a COVID-19 specific request, ask them to call us on 0860 00 2101, mention that it relates to COVID-19 and speak to one of our senior nursing practitioners. The clinical committee will respond in 24-hours.
- If your employer asks you to go for a test, then your employer must pay the cost of the test.
- All Scheme rules apply, e.g. pre-authorisation, update every 24 hours, etc.
EXAMPLES OF COVID-19 CLOSE CONTACT
WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS?
Close contact of a probable or confirmed case is defined as:
A person living in the same household as a COVID-19 case.
A person having had direct physical contact with a COVID-19 case (e.g. shaking hands).
A person having unprotected direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g. being coughed on, touching used paper tissues with a bare hand).
A person having had face-to-face contact with a COVID-19 case within 2 metres and for longer than 15 minutes.
A person who was in a closed environment (e.g. classroom, meeting room, hospital waiting room, etc.) with a COVID-19 case for 15 minutes or more and within two metres.
A person providing direct care for a COVID-19 case, or laboratory workers handling specimens from a COVID-19 case without recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) or with a possible breach of PPE.
A contact on public transport such as a bus, sitting within two seats (in any direction) of the COVID-19 case, travel companions or persons providing care, and crew members.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS?
Close contact of a probable or confirmed case is defined as:
A person living in the same household as a COVID-19 case.
A person having had direct physical contact with a COVID-19 case (e.g. shaking hands).
A person having unprotected direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g. being coughed on, touching used paper tissues with a bare hand).
A person having had face-to-face contact with a COVID-19 case within 2 metres and for longer than 15 minutes.
A person who was in a closed environment (e.g. classroom, meeting room, hospital waiting room, etc.) with a COVID-19 case for 15 minutes or more and within two metres.
A person providing direct care for a COVID-19 case, or laboratory workers handling specimens from a COVID-19 case without recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) or with a possible breach of PPE.
A contact on public transport such as a bus, sitting within two seats (in any direction) of the COVID-19 case, travel companions or persons providing care, and crew members.
HERE YOU WILL FIND ALL RELEVANT AND NEW INFORMATION OF YOUR SAFETY ON COVID-19.
Click on the image below to download:
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION.
If you are experincing any symptoms, CALL YOUR DOCTOR or any of the numbers below:0860 00 2101
Send the word “help” to our COVID-19 WhatsApp number
ARE YOU AS AN ALLIANCE-MIDMED MEMBER FEELING ILL OR HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT HAVING CONTRACTED COVID-19?
Do our online assessment and, subject to your risk rating, a clinical consultant may contact you and guide you further.
