As the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies over the coming weeks, we recognise the impact this disease is likely to have on our country's healthcare professionals who are at the forefront of the challenge. Discovery Health and Discovery Health Medical Scheme have extended its benefits to Healthcare Professionals.
Funding the flu vaccine for Healthcare Professionals
Discovery Health Medical Scheme provides cover for flu vaccines to all healthcare professionals that are members of the Scheme, given their potential exposure to COVID-19.
Any healthcare professional who is a member of the Scheme and already registered with Discovery Health will be able to automatically access the benefit. All other healthcare professionals that are members of the Scheme should register for this benefit.
Screening and testing benefit
On referral following the screening consultation by a Discovery Network GP or via the Connected Care platform, appropriate cases are funded up to:
- Two COVID-19 PCR tests per beneficiary per annum, regardless of the outcome of the test.
- This includes pre-admission PCR testing for approved hospital admissions, subject to referral by a doctor.
- Registered healthcare professionals that are members of the Scheme, have access to four PCR tests per annum.
This benefit is available on all plans for cases of outbreak diseases and out-of-hospital healthcare services related to COVID-19 and do not affect day-to-day benefits.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
In collaboration with SAMA and the UFFP, Discovery Health is establishing a process whereby GPs can submit requests for required PPE and be matched with distributers who have the necessary stock. This process will also protect GPs from "price gouging" which is unfortunately a current reality.
We are very pleased to inform you that this workgroup has launched an initiative to increase your access to affordable PPE.
Supporting doctor wellness through Healthy Company
Healthcare professionals are on the front line, caring for patients with confirmed or possible COVID-19 infection, and thus have an increased risk of exposure to the virus. In order to proactively support the personal wellness of South African doctors during the COVID-19 outbreak, Discovery Health is providing all private and public sector doctors with access to Healthy Company at no cost.
Healthy Company is a digitally enabled, comprehensive, fully integrated personal assistance programme that focuses on physical, emotional and financial wellbeing as well as providing legal support, on a personal and small business level.
Vitality Active Rewards for Doctors
Discovery cares deeply about the health of doctors and invites all doctors with a valid HPCSA (MP/IN number) to join Vitality Active Rewards for Doctors (VARD) and Healthy Company for Doctors free of charge. Activate Vitality Active Rewards for Doctors (VARD) on the Discovery app for FREE, and get a complementary fabric Discovery mask and weekly rewards for achieving your exercise goals.
For more details on VARD please watch our VARD Video, and to sign up, simply follow these links respectively; Vitality Active Rewards for public sector doctors and private sector doctors.
What's more, you'll earn boosted benefits simply for being a doctor. Now more than ever, taking care of your health is essential. This is one way for us to support you during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discovery Health Medical Scheme, registration number 1125, administered by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider and administrator of medical schemes.