Frequently Asked Questions by Patients

- Can I register on the JointCare programme?

If your medical scheme, and your surgeon have an agreement with JointCare, and the type of joint replacement you require is covered, then you are eligible for the JointCare programme.
The surgeon's practice will do the registration on your behalf.

- Can I register my replacement operation directly with JointCare?

Your surgeon's practice will need to register your joint replacement with JointCare.
Please contact JointCare for information on orthopaedic surgeons close to you.

- I was told by my medical aid to contact JointCare because I have a co-payment for my replacement operation.

If your replacement is done out-of-network then a co-payment may result.
If your medical aid has an agreement with JointCare, and your orthopaedic surgeon is part of the JointCare network, then you should not have a co-payment.
A co-payment maybe required irrespective, when your plan type has a hospital admission deductible.

- Do I pay for my follow up appointment after the operation?

That should be discussed between yourself and the surgeon, follow up appointments are not covered by JointCare.

- Can I do both my replacements on the same day?

Currently not. JointCare's agreements only covers one primary replacement operation at a time.
If your medical scheme allows for two replacement operations in a year, this may attract a co-payment due to a prosthesis benefit shortfall.

- Why did JointCare not pay for my take-home medication (TTOs)?

Take-home medication is not covered by JointCare for the majority of medical aids.
Please refer to the confirmation email JointCare sent to you before your surgery.
This email outlines which accounts are covered, and not covered, by the bundled fee paid to JointCare by the medical scheme.

- Why was I sent an account from the hospital?

This normally should not happen, since all the items typically found on the hospital bill are covered by JointCare.
Please email JointCare the account so that we can advise you further.

- Why was the orthotic devices bill given to me?

The bundle payments made to JointCare by medical aids do not cover orthotic devices, even if they are received in-hospital.
Therefore orthotic devices fees need to be settled directly between you and your medical aid.

- What plan type should I upgrade to in order to qualify for an operation?

That depends on your medical aid. Please contact them directly and they will be able to advise accordingly.