Knowledge Hub
Categories:
- Allergy [1]
- Antimicrobials & infection [5]
- Autoimmune [1]
- Chemical Pathology [15]
- Endocrinology [1]
- Epidemiology [3]
- Gastrointestinal [2]
- Genetics [6]
- Genitourinary [2]
- Haematology [9]
- HIV/TB [3]
- Infectious Diseases [10]
- Neurology [4]
- Obstetric and Neonatal care [4]
- Oncology [1]
- Ophthalmology [1]
- Respiratory [2]
- Serology [3]
- Virology [44]
With regard to Designated Service Provider (DSP) Contracts the following law is pertinent for service providers who are not a DSP:
- In terms of Section 59 (2) of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 the medical scheme must pay valid invoices within 30 days of receipt thereof or advise both the member and service provider of reasons why the invoice is not valid and provide the opportunity to correct the invoice.
- Where services are in respect of medical emergencies or involuntarily obtained services for PMB conditions, the scheme has to pay for the full cost of the services provided without deduction or co-payment or limiting the tariff amount. (Regulation 8 (1) of the Medical Schemes Act no. 131 of 1998.)
- DOH notice 214 of 2021 requires that a scheme pays for services provided at the same rate and in terms of the same rules as they pay their DSPs in respect of services voluntarily obtained, whether they are PMBs or not.
- The process followed in respect of appointing a DSP is required to be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost effective as required in terms of Notice 214 of the DOH.
In summary:
- The law protects the patient’s choice to use their laboratory of choice, even if it is not a DSP, and the scheme is still obliged to reimburse us at the scheme rate for valid claims.
- This is true for PMB conditions as well as non-PMB conditions.
- The medical scheme must pay valid invoices within 30 days or advise both the member and service provider of reasons why the invoice is not valid and provide the opportunity to correct invoice.
- A scheme must pay for the services provided at a tariff not less than what they would pay a DSP.
- Should any patient have a valid claim rejected because we are not a DSP, we can assist.
Trends in Diarrhoeal Pathogens detected by PCR
PathCare’s Gastrointestinal (GIT) Pathogen Surveillance Report for June to September 2026 highlights trends in common bacterial, viral and parasitic diarrhoeal pathogens, including a seasonal increase in rotavirus infections during winter and early spring. Findings are based on laboratory submissions and may not reflect trends in the general population.
Respiratory Pathogen Statistics October 2026
PathCare’s October 2026 Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance Report provides an overview of respiratory pathogen trends detected through molecular testing across PathCare laboratories during epidemiological weeks 41–44, offering valuable insights into circulating respiratory pathogens and their clinical relevance.
Discontinuation of the Urine Bilharzia CCA Antigen Test
PathCare advises that the Bilharzia Urine CCA test has been discontinued with immediate effect due to supplier manufacturing challenges. No alternative SAHPRA-approved urine CCA test kits are currently available.
Respiratory Pathogen Statistics August 2026
This report is a summary of the results obtained from various molecular respiratory panels performed across PathCare laboratories during August 2026
Vitamin A & E testing now In-house
We are proud to announce that, from 1 September 2026, PathCare will perform Vitamin A (retinol) and Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) testing using HPLC-UV.
CKD Assessment Beyond Creatinine: The role of Cystatin C in the KDIGO CKD 2024 pathway
Cystatin C is a low-molecular-weight protein produced at a relatively constant rate by all nucleated cells. It is freely filtered by the glomeruli and then metabolised in the proximal tubules.
Blood Cancers Awareness Month
This Cancer Awareness Month, we highlight how one of the simplest and most affordable tests in medicine – the full blood count (FBC)- is often the very first clue to a haematological malignancy.
Respiratory Pathogen Statistics July 2026
This report is a summary of the results obtained from various molecular respiratory panels performed across PathCare laboratories during July 2026
Optimizing TB Diagnostics: Prioritizing Molecular Testing & Culture
The WHO now recommends rapid molecular tests, TB PCR (e.g. GeneXpert), as the initial diagnostic test for all individuals being evaluated for TB, offering improved sensitivity and specificity, rapid identification of MTB and the detection of rifampicin and/or isoniazid resistance.