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.
BD Kiestra™ microbiology laboratory automation
In an effort to further reduce result turnaround time and enhance the quality of the clinical microbiology service, the PathCare Reference laboratory has recently validated and installed the InoqulA sample processing system, part of the modular BD Kiestra™ Talon system, and the first such system to be installed on the African continent.
Solutions for diagnosing sexually transmitted infections (STI)
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are commonly underdiagnosed. Molecular methods have improved detection rates, especially among asymptomatic individuals, and has subsequently replaced conventional culture and serology.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) genotyping to guide dosing of fluoropyrimidines
In collaboration with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), numerous pharmaceutical companies have recommended that DPYD pre-testing be performed to identify patients at increased risk of severe toxicity due to fluoropyrimidine containing medicines
Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS)
Placental DNA circulates freely in the maternal blood stream which can be sampled by venipuncture of the expecting mother. NIPS is able to test for extra chromosome 13, 18 or 21 material in foetal placental DNA.
PathCare offers testing for Monkeypox
PathCare has implemented PCR testing for monkeypox virus. Samples must be double or triple packaged and reach the laboratory without delay. Samples must be kept cold during transport (ice packs may be used).
Respiratory Virus Statistics: July 2022
Influenza A activity peaked in weeks 22-23 (weeks ending 5 June and 12 June) and the percentage positivity decreased to approximately 10% in week 30.
NPG Respiratory Virus Statistics: 2nd Quarter
This report summarises respiratory virus PCR panel results for specimens submitted for testing to the private pathology practices that form part of the NPG from April to June 2022.
Respiratory Virus Statistics: June 2022
The influenza season continued during June, with influenza A positivity rates remaining above 25% throughout the month despite a gradual weekly decline. Influenza B detection rates remained below 5%. Influenza A positive samples were mostly H1N1 strains, although H3N2 positivity increased gradually towards the end of June.
Combined Influenza A/Influenza B/RSV/SARS-CoV-2 panels
Limited multiplex PCR panels are useful when multiple organisms causing similar clinical presentations are in circulation. Rates of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have increased across all provinces in recent weeks while SARS-CoV-2 rates have also increased. Influenza season characteristically starts in early June in South Africa, implying that co-circulation of these pathogens has a high likelihood of occurring.