ALLIANCE-MIDMED DAILY UPDATE

1. Covid-19 cases
   
   Middelburg reported confirmed Covid-19 cases.
   
   
2. Prevention
   
   a. There is a greater shortage of the Vaxigrip Tetra flu vaccine. The vaccinations become available sporadically, and we encourage you to check with your pharmacy and get the vaccine as soon as possible.We will also follow up and advise as it becomes available. Please remember that the Scheme pays R136.00 for the vaccine and you must present your medical aid card and ID.
   
   b. The Midmed Hospital is ready to receive us should we or anyone of us contract the disease. Please follow the steps above during regular hours and if you develop severe symptoms after hours, please go to the hospital’s ambulance entrance and hoot twice. Phone the hospital advise them that you are on your way with Covid-19 symptoms.
   
   i. Please remember that more than 80% of cases recover fully, and within two weeks. And that the most severe symptom that you should look out for, and respond to urgently is difficulty in breathing.
   
   c. The Alliance-Midmed team continue to function remotely and remain accessible via 0860 00 2101 or service@alliancemidmed.co.za. They have been working hard the last two weeks and they are inundated with calls. We request that you only make necessary calls.
   
   
3. Treatment and care
   
   a. From 28 March, Covid-19 care and treatment is classified as Prescribed Minimum Benefits. It is important to note, however, that we will pay for the treatment and care under PMB if a medical practitioner confirms that it is urgent and necessary PMB care.
   
   b. Please note that we have suspended elective treatment until further notice and it will be managed according to the guidelines below.
   
   

   Official guidelines and Alliance-Midmed response

   

   These are general guidelines that will be reviewed and updated as circumstances change

   
   
4. Payment arrangements
   
   a. During the lockdown period, the Scheme will pay for telephonic consultations, relating to Covid-19. Our systems are being changed and should be ready by Monday morning 08H00.
   
   b. The cost of the screening test plus a screening fee of R235 will be paid, provided that the doctor at the hospital confirm that that the test is medically required (the screening fee is for the evaluation of the official documentation and confirming whether the test is required or not, as well as follow up on suspected cases while we wait for test results.

We will continue to place information at www.alliancemidmed.co.za as it becomes available.

You are welcome to forward questions to service@alliancemidmed.co.za, and we will try our very best to respond quickly.

ALLIANCE-MIDMED LOCKDOWN UPDATE

Lockdown preparations are well underway.

Our team continue to function remotely and remain accessible via 0860 00 2101 or service@alliancemidmed.co.za.

We continue to place regular updates on the website - www.alliancemidmed.co.za.

Please be advised as follows:

1. Flu vaccines arrived at pharmacies. The Scheme refunds R112.00 per person. Please call your pharmacy to ensure staff availability and stock. Important to note:
   a. The benefit is for the Vaxigrip Tetra vaccine, which protects against the latest flu strains expected in South Africa. Our medical advisors do not recommend the 3-strain injections, and therefore, there is no benefit.
   b. The benefit is available for all members and dependants.
   c. Members who reside outside Middelburg can approach their pharmacist. Dischem and Clicks are aware of the Scheme and the benefit – note to claim from ALLIANCE-MIDMED MEDICAL SCHEME (some medical insurance products, confusingly, have Alliance in their names).
   d. It is unlikely that you will be helped without your member card.
   e. The team is setting up our systems and processes for the new prices. Should the pharmacy be unable to process the claim, please scan and email the claim to service@alliance-midmed.co.za. We have set up to pay member refunds weekly during this period.
   f. Please tell the staff if you have an underlying fever or a chronic condition or if you are pregnant, have previous reactions to vaccinations or if you are allergic to egg or neomycin.
   
2. Claims and documentation
   a. During this time, we continue to process claims and scheme documentation.
   b. A postbox is available outside the offices at 21 Dolerite Crescent in Aerorand Middelburg and the Columbus Stainless North and Stainless gates.
   c. Our team continue to monitor 0860 00 2101 and service@alliancemidmed.co.za.
   
3. The team is under strict instruction to isolate, and no exceptions are allowed. They need to stay healthy for the sake of all our members.
4. For the time being, all elective treatment authorisations are suspended (defined as care that is not absolutely essential at that time). Should your doctor disagree, they should submit a written motivation to service@alliancemidmed.co.za, which the medical team will prioritise.
5. Please continue with hygiene and social distancing, as explained - https://coronavirus.datafree.co.
6. For emergencies, as usual, please call the Midmed Hospital at 013 283 8700 or Europ Assistance at 00860 255 426.

We continue to update you on any developments as soon as we have further information.

PLEASE CALL US AT 0860 00 2101 IF YOU EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS.
WE WILL HELP YOU PREPARE TO HAVE SMOOTH ACCESS AT THE MEDICAL FACILITIES AND TOGETHER WE WILL HELP NOT TO OVERBURDEN HOSPITALS.

ALLIANCE-MIDMED UPDATE

These are truly extraordinary times. We request your patience and cooperation while we deal with the challenges during the next three weeks.

It is not yet clear how the lockdown will impact our services. Please regularly refer to the Scheme website at www.alliancemidmed.co.za, where we will provide you with available information.

Some information is already on the website and later this morning we will provide you with a table that will enable you to distinguish between Covid-19 and illnesses like the common cold.

Please be advised as follows:

1. We have sent all out staff at the Middelburg offices to work from home - with immediate effect. It is essential that we keep them safe and healthy to continue their service. Please phone us on 0860 00 2101 or email us at service@alliancemidmed.co.za.
   a. The team is under strict instruction to self-isolate, and no exceptions are allowed, under any circumstances.
2. For the time being, we have suspended all elective treatment (defined as care that is not absolutely essential at that time). Should your doctor disagree with the assessment, they should submit a written motivation to service@alliancemidmed.co.za. The medical team will prioritise these responses.
3. We will continue with the essential work of the Scheme and lockdown requirements will be prioritised.
4. Our specialist medicine provider has verified that there are no chronic medicine stock threats – enough medicines are available and your normal cycle applies. Pharmacies will remain open and you are requested to please make use of delivery services and remain at home if this is at all possible. We will continue to monitor the situation and respond when things change.
5. The advanced supply of medicines can not be approved at this time because it has a major cost implication for the Scheme.
6. Please refrain from visiting hospitals or clinics if you are not the patient.
7. Continue with the hygiene and social distancing regimes as explained - https://coronavirus.datafree.co.
8. Do not allow anyone in your home at this time (thieves pose as health workers and rob people).
9. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BY THE AUTHORITIES. UNDER THE NEW LAWS THEY WILL LOCK YOU UP IF YOU DISOBEY.

We will update you on any developments as soon as we have information.

PLEASE CALL US AT 0860 00 2101 IF YOU EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS.
WE WILL HELP YOU PREPARE TO HAVE SMOOTH ACCESS AT THE MEDICAL FACILITIES AND TOGETHER WE WILL HELP NOT TO OVERBURDEN HOSPITALS.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) FOR US AS MEMBERS

Covid-19 is caused by a respiratory virus that is spread through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing or talking). We are infected by inhaling these viral particles. The particles also land on surfaces (door handles, handrails, coins, keys, counters tops, phones, keyboards, etceteras), where it can live for several days. Covid-19 can also be transmitted when someone coughs or sneezes in your face.

Infections mainly seem to occur when we touch unclean surfaces and then touch our faces. Regular hand washing (with soap and water), remains the most effective prevention.

About 90% of patients fall ill within two to five days and recover in about 14 days; showing mild flu symptoms. A big challenge is that some infected people carry the virus for up to five days without symptoms. Note that wearing a mask is effective only when the infected person wears it to prevent the spreading of the virus.

Who is at risk?

From age 65 patients seems to be more at risks and a small number become critically ill. The elderly and patients with several chronic conditions/reduced immunity, such as Asthma, COPD, TB, HIV, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Hyperventilation, Diabetes, and Smokers are at risk.

Alliance-Midmed benefit for Coronavirus

There is no treatment, but preventing the rapid spread of the virus is essential. The Board approved the following COVID-19 benefits until the WHO no longer classify the disease as a pandemic. We will pay for the following upon your doctor’s request:

1. The cost of the COVID-19 test at AMPATH, if you followed the procedure described elsewhere in this document.
   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.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE THE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

• Do not panic!
• Avoid contact with other persons, including your loved ones (self-isolate).

• If you are outside of Middelburg and you develop the Covid-19 symptoms, please contact the emergency facility at your local Lihe Healthcare, Mediclinic or Netcare Hospital. And follow their instructions. Please call us on 0860 00 2101 to assist you.

(Please note that most doctors and medical facilities will ask you to leave if you have not called them beforehand and explained that it relates to Covid-19. They cannot afford for their staff or other patients to get sick.)

WHAT WE HAVE DONE AND WILL BE DOING

• All non-essential travelling is cancelled, and meetings must be held electronically where possible.
• Home visits have been stopped for the time being.
• We have placed a post box at the gate to our office (21 Dolerite Crescent, Aerorand; close to the guardhouse (it is safe) and letterboxes will be placed at the employer sites The best option is, however, to scan and email documents to service@alliancemidmed.co.za. We will process claims in three days and contact you within twenty-four hours where a call is required.
• Furthermore, to ensure that we continue to provide you with our usual service, the onsite office at Columbus and Nurse visitations are suspended and the office will be closed for walk-ins. We will work remotely, and the whole team will be on duty.
• Unfortunately, we have to apply the social distancing rules and sincerely apologise for the inconveniences that this may cause.
• We remain available on email and telephone and if you need to Skype, we can do so too.
• The Scheme is also working hard to ensure that you receive the services that you need when you need it, including medicines, hospitalisation, etc.
• Updates and advice will be available on the Alliance-Midmed website (www.alliancemidmed.co.za).

OTHER STEPS THAT YOU CAN TAKE?

• Avoid gatherings (yes, thi sis a repeating, but this is really important).
• Avoid visits to hospitals and other medical facilities.
• Delay non-essential medical care, including routine visits to your doctor and non – emergency surgical procedures. But you must please continue to attend to visitations for chronic conditions and using the medications as prescribed. Please call the doctor beforehand.

Contact us on 0860 00 2101 if you have other questions or if you are unsure what to do. We are hopeful that things will return to normal soon again.

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

• Sudden, mild to severe respiratory illness, fever(or a recent fever), a cough and a sore throat.
• Some patients reported body aches, shortness of breath (seldom a runny nose).
• Severe cases develop viral pneumonia and will require medical treatment.

PREVENTION:

• Social distancing – at least one meter.
• Elbow-greet.
• Cough and sneeze into disposable tissue or the crook of your arm.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid touching common surfaces.
• Avoid gatherings, public transport and meetings.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay healthy (sleep, nutrition and a multi-vitamin).
• Get the flu injection.
• Stay informed and avoid rumours – call 0860 002101.
• Clean and disinfect everywhere, all the time.