Complaint lodged over fees charged by doctors
Publish date: 11 December 2006
Issue Number: 1725
Diary: Legalbrief Today
Category: Competition
The Board of Healthcare Funders, which represents medical aid schemes, has lodged a complaint with the Competition Commission against the SA Medical Association (Sama), requesting it to investigate anti-competitive practices by Sama ... relating to fees charged by medical practitioners.
According to a Sunday Times report, Board spokesperson Heidi Kruger said the complaint came after the board obtained a letter from Sama advising doctors to charge fees of up to 300% more than the current standard medical aid rates. Samas proposed new fees would have an impact on patients, which could result in them paying as much as three times what their respective medical aids would reimburse them. Dr Kgosi Letlape, chairman of Sama, denied it had recommended such fee hikes, but said he was aware of the complaint lodged with the Commission. Full Sunday Times report
