Medical-aid and private patients
We welcome both medical-aid and private patients who have been referred by their own doctor or renal unit for outpatient haemodialysis. This page explains, in general terms, how approvals, accounts and booking arrangements are handled before scheduled sessions start.
Who this page is for
This page is for patients who have already been advised by their renal team that outpatient haemodialysis is needed and who are looking at practical arrangements for treatment in Bedfordview. We accept new patients by referral from their own doctor or renal unit, and we welcome both medical-aid and private patients for scheduled chronic dialysis sessions in morning, afternoon and evening shifts.
Our clinic team can explain the booking and account process in general terms, but your own renal team decides on treatment matters. If you have urgent symptoms or a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency unit rather than waiting for a clinic reply.
- Referred chronic dialysis patients
- Medical-aid members needing authorisation guidance
- Private patients who need an outline of likely account steps
- Families helping with transport and paperwork
What is included in account and approval handling
Before a starting date is confirmed, our admin and nursing team work through the referral information and the practical details linked to your account. This usually includes checking that the referral documents are complete, confirming the intended shift, and identifying whether further information is needed from the referring doctor or renal unit.
For medical-aid patients, the process generally includes submitting or following up on the required approval information according to the fund rules that apply to the member and the treatment requested. For private patients, it usually includes discussing the expected billing basis, deposit or payment timing if needed, and the documents required before attendance. Exact treatment decisions, changes in dialysis prescription and clinical planning stay with the patient's renal team.
- Review of referral paperwork received from your doctor or renal unit
- General guidance on approval requirements for funded care
- General explanation of private account arrangements
- Confirmation of shift availability and practical booking details
- Advice on what documents to bring on your first visit
How the process works step by step
The process starts when an enquiry is sent through our contact page. We then advise what referral documents are needed and how they should reach the clinic. Once the referral pack is received, the team reviews it to make sure the essential information is there for scheduling and account handling.
If the patient is using medical-aid cover, the next step is usually to confirm membership details and check what approval or pre-authorisation documents are required. If the patient is paying privately, the clinic explains the account process in general terms so there are no surprises on the day of treatment. Where information is missing, our team will ask the referring unit or the patient to assist with the outstanding items.
After the referral and account details are in order, a provisional start arrangement can be discussed based on shift space and the referral plan. Final booking is only confirmed once the clinic has the information it needs for both clinical acceptance and account administration. If there is any change from your side, such as a different transport plan or a delayed discharge from another unit, let us know early as this helps with shift planning and handover notes.
- Send an enquiry through the contact page
- Provide referral details from your doctor or renal unit
- Submit medical-aid information or private billing details
- Wait for confirmation of any required approvals or account arrangements
- Receive your scheduled shift information and arrival guidance
What you should prepare before your first booked session
Good preparation makes the first visit smoother, especially for patients travelling through the East Rand or coming at busy traffic times. Please have your identification, referral documents and any membership information ready before the booking is finalised. If a family member is assisting, it helps when one person keeps all papers together and checks that names and membership numbers match exactly.
You should also plan the practical side of treatment days. Think about transport, parking, who will fetch you after the session, and whether your shift time fits work or family arrangements. Bring any items your renal team has told you to keep with you, and wear comfortable clothing that suits a clinic visit. Do not rely on general internet advice for medical decisions, your renal team must guide treatment.
- South African ID or other accepted identification
- Referral letter or referral documents from your doctor or renal unit
- Medical-aid membership details if funded care is being used
- Private payer details if you are not claiming through medical-aid
- Transport plan for arrival and collection
- A list of questions to ask your own renal team if anything is unclear
How pricing and billing are worked out in general terms
We do not publish set prices on this page because account arrangements depend on the referral circumstances and on whether the patient is funded by medical-aid or paying privately. For funded patients, billing is generally linked to the approved treatment arrangement and the member details supplied for the account. For private patients, the clinic explains the charging basis in general terms before treatment starts so the patient or family understands how the account will be raised.
Amounts may depend on the treatment arrangement authorised by the patient's renal team and on the information available at the time of booking. If approvals are still pending, treatment dates and account handling can also be affected. It is important that membership details, payer details and referral information are correct from the start because corrections later can delay statements or cause avoidable queries.
If you are unsure what your fund covers, ask the fund directly and ask your renal team what documentation they expect to support the referral. Our role is to handle the clinic side of the account process and to keep the practical steps clear, but we cannot decide benefit rules on behalf of a fund.
After booking and ongoing account support
Once treatment has started, the admin side does not stop. The clinic may still need updated approval information, revised payer details or notice of any change in your referral status. If your doctor or renal unit changes your schedule, or if you are planning time away from Bedfordview, tell the clinic as early as possible so that account and shift arrangements can be updated properly.
Families often ask what happens after the first few visits. In most cases, ongoing support simply means keeping records current, checking that the correct account information is on file and dealing with ordinary account queries through the clinic process. Clinical concerns must still go back to the patient's renal team, and emergencies must go to the nearest emergency unit. Early communication helps a lot here and avoids last minute confusion.
What our Outpatient Dialysis customers say
Verified Google reviews
Questions we get asked
Can I book directly without a referral?
No. New patients join by referral from their own doctor or renal unit. The referral helps the clinic and your renal team align the planned outpatient arrangements.
Will the clinic tell me what my medical-aid will pay?
The clinic can explain the general approval process, but benefit decisions sit with your medical-aid. It is best to confirm cover and any member responsibilities directly with the fund.
What if I become unwell before or after a scheduled session?
For urgent symptoms or an emergency, go to the nearest emergency unit. Treatment decisions and medical advice must come from your renal team.
Also worth a look
Ask about a referral or a session time
Send a note through our contact form with your name, your referring doctor or renal unit and the shift you prefer, and the clinic team will contact you.
Open the contact form