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 (Text or Voice)
SMS: 44666 ("Please call me") | speakout@beheard.co.za
SMS: 44666 ("Please call me") | 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.
Click on the relevant guideline below to view more:
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.
COVID-19 VERSUS THE FLU
The typical symptoms related to COVID-19 disease are similar to those of influenza (the flu).
COVID-19 and Common Flu symptoms:
Since the 2022 flu season overlaps with winter, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa has recommended that every South African citizen receive a flu vaccination for influenza season.
COVID-19 VACCINATION CHANGES
From February 2022, The Department of Health (DoH) announced changes to its COVID-19 vaccination programme, as part of ongoing efforts guided by scientific evidence to increase vaccine uptake in South Africa.
The interval between the first and second doses of Pfizer was reduced from 42 days to 21 days.
VACCINATION CHANGES INCLUDE:
CHANGES TO COVID-19 QUARANTINE, ISOLATION AND CONTACT TRACING
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, there is new knowledge regarding the nature of infection and a greater appreciation of the costs associated with current practices. Rising vaccination rates and the immunity to COVID-19 infection amongst South Africans have necessitated a substantial revision of recommendations regarding quarantine, isolation, and contact tracing.
ISOLATION FOR ASYMPTOMATIC COVID-19 INFECTION
People with an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection do not need to isolate. However, they should be advised to:
Those with a symptomatic COVID infection, who have mild symptoms (they do not require hospitalisation for COVID pneumonia), should isolate for 7 days from the date when symptoms arise. There is no need for testing before de-isolation.
The typical symptoms related to COVID-19 disease are similar to those of influenza (the flu).
COVID-19 and Common Flu symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/having chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
Since the 2022 flu season overlaps with winter, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa has recommended that every South African citizen receive a flu vaccination for influenza season.
COVID-19 VACCINATION CHANGES
From February 2022, The Department of Health (DoH) announced changes to its COVID-19 vaccination programme, as part of ongoing efforts guided by scientific evidence to increase vaccine uptake in South Africa.
The interval between the first and second doses of Pfizer was reduced from 42 days to 21 days.
VACCINATION CHANGES INCLUDE:
- A reduction of the time interval between first and second doses of Pfizer from 42 days to 21 days.
- Fully vaccinated individuals with the Pfizer vaccine are eligible for a booster 90 days after the second dose.
- Individuals older than 18 years, who received one dose of the COVID-19 J&J vaccine, are eligible to receive a booster of the same vaccine or a booster of the Pfizer vaccine after 60 days.
- Individuals over the age of 18 years, who have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, are eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine or a booster of the COVID-19 J&J vaccine - at least 90 days after the second dose.
CHANGES TO COVID-19 QUARANTINE, ISOLATION AND CONTACT TRACING
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, there is new knowledge regarding the nature of infection and a greater appreciation of the costs associated with current practices. Rising vaccination rates and the immunity to COVID-19 infection amongst South Africans have necessitated a substantial revision of recommendations regarding quarantine, isolation, and contact tracing.
ISOLATION FOR ASYMPTOMATIC COVID-19 INFECTION
People with an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection do not need to isolate. However, they should be advised to:
- Wear a mask whenever interacting with people, 5 days from the date of the test.
- Avoid social gatherings (3 or more people) for 5 days from the date of the test.
- Avoid socialising in indoor spaces, for 5 days from the date of the test.
- Avoid interacting with the elderly (>60 years) and anyone with co-morbidities (diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, uncontrolled HIV, immunocompromised). For 5 days from the date of the test.
Those with a symptomatic COVID infection, who have mild symptoms (they do not require hospitalisation for COVID pneumonia), should isolate for 7 days from the date when symptoms arise. There is no need for testing before de-isolation.
COVID-19 MYTHS AND FACTS
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 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.
