FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vascular surgeon?

A vascular surgeon is a highly specialised medical doctor that deals with circulation. Vascular surgeons are qualified general surgeons who have super specialised in vascular surgery. They deal with the high-pressure arteries that bring blood from the heart, the low-pressure veins that take blood back to the heart and the lymphatics that transport fluid back to the heart. Vascular surgeons manage blood vessels in every part of the body, except the heart and the brain.

What do you bring to your first consultation?

Bring any referral letter, details of your medical condition, past treatments and very importantly, all your medication. You will be also be asked to provide your medical aid and GAP cover details.

What treatments do we specialise in?

Modern-day vascular surgeons are trained to do complex open surgical procedures as well as minimally invasive endovascular techniques. Not all patients who see a vascular surgeon require a surgical procedure and many are managed with medication, lifestyle changes and exercise.

What is our billing policy?

All in rooms consultations are to be settled on the day and claimed back from the Medical Aid by the patient. Although accounts for procedures will be submitted to the medical aid, the patient remains liable for the account should the medical aid not pay the account or partially pay the account. The fee charged by the practice may be different from the benefits paid by the medical aid. A quotation will be provided by the practice for any procedure. If the quote is accepted, the patient is responsible for the co-payment that may arise as a result of the difference.

Can I request a motivation for my medication through my medical aid?

At Dr Vinesh Padayachy's practice, we understand the importance of accessing necessary cardiovascular medications. We offer a motivation service for certain cardiovascular medications that we have prescribed. Please note that a small nominal fee is associated with this service, except for pensioners who are exempt from the fee.

It is essential to clarify that our motivation service is limited to cardiovascular medications within our scope of practice. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide motivations for medications unrelated to vascular conditions, such as those for asthma and COPD.

We would like to highlight that most medical aids do not cover certain medications. If your prescribed medication falls under this category, we encourage you to discuss the matter directly with the relevant medical specialist or contact your medical scheme. We appreciate your understanding in this regard. Please feel free to reach out to our team if you have any further questions or require assistance regarding your medication and medical aid coverage.

How can I renew my prescription?

If your chronic prescription has expired before your next appointment with us, we offer a convenient solution for existing patients. You can contact us to request a repeat prescription. Please note that a small nominal fee is associated with this service.

To ensure the smooth processing of your prescription renewal, we kindly ask that you provide a copy or photo of your previous script if available. This will help expedite the service and ensure accurate medication renewal.

It is important to note that we can only repeat scripts for patients who have had an appointment with us within the past 12 months. If you have not seen us in the last 12 months, we encourage you to schedule an appointment before requesting a repeat prescription. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance with renewing your prescription. We are here to help and ensure your continued access to the necessary medication for your condition.

How can I obtain an evaluation, report, or certificate for insurance, unemployment benefits, or travel purposes?

At Dr Vinesh Padayachy's practice, we offer a comprehensive service for evaluations required for insurance coverage, unemployment benefits, or travel purposes. To obtain these documents, we kindly ask you to follow the guidelines below:

Insurance and Work Evaluations: To receive an evaluation for life insurance or other insurance coverage, as well as cardiac work evaluations, please contact our office and schedule an appointment for a full evaluation. During the appointment, our team will conduct the necessary assessments and provide the required documentation. Please note that a nominal fee is charged for the completion of these forms.
Requests for Known Patients: If you are a known patient of our practice, you have the option to request these evaluations via email. Kindly send your request to info@sa-vascular.com, providing all the necessary details and specific requirements. Our administrative team will assist you in completing the required forms and providing the relevant reports.
Certificate for Travel Purposes: For known patients requiring a certificate for travel purposes, we are able to issue the necessary documentation. Please inform our team of your travel requirements during your appointment or include the details in your email request. We will ensure that you receive the appropriate certificate.

It is important to note that the completion of these reports and evaluations may take some time, typically ranging from 10 to 14 working days. The turnaround time depends on the current workload within our system. We make every effort to complete them as soon as our workload permits. To avoid any deadline conflicts, we recommend requesting these documents in a timely manner. We understand the importance of these evaluations and certificates for your specific needs, and our team is committed to providing you with accurate and timely documentation. Should you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our rooms.