We pay in full if you use designated service providers
You want to avoid paying extra when you visit a doctor, and you want your LA Health benefits to last. You can't change how often you get sick, but you can make your benefits and your own money last longer by visiting designated service providers.
What is a designated service provider?
For LA Health, a designated service provider and a network provider are the same thing. They are healthcare providers (like GPs, specialists, hospitals and pharmacies) LA Health has an agreement with to treat Prescribed Minimum Benefit conditions. As part of our agreement, they must charge our rate and give care that meets our quality standards.
Why use a designated service provider?
When you use a designated service provider:
- You just make the appointment and show up.
- We pay them directly, and you don't have to pay them anything yourself (you don't have a co-payment).
- We know each other, so LA Health and the providers do all the admin for you. The providers know what medicine and treatment we pay for.
How do I know if my healthcare provider is a designated service provider?
You can use the Find a provider tool on the Discovery app or the LA Health website at www.lahealth.co.za to find a doctor in our network or check if your doctor is part of our network.
How to find a NEW designated service provider
To find a new doctor, go to Find a healthcare provider on the LA Health website or the Discovery app.
Website:
- On the left, choose the kind of healthcare provider you want to find (for example dentist or general practitioner).
- On the right, choose your area.
- Click on the search icon. The website will give a list of providers.
- Choose one that has Full network cover in the description.
Discovery app:
- Touch the icon of the kind of healthcare provider you want to find or type it in the top search bar.
- Choose one that has a tick with the word Consultation in green.
How to check if your healthcare provider is in our network
To check if your provider is in our network, go to Find a healthcare provider on the LA Health website or the Discovery app.
Website:
- On the left, enter your healthcare provider's name.
- Choose their name from the drop-down list.
- The website will tell you what kind of cover you have for the healthcare provider.
Discovery app:
- Type your doctor's name in the search bar.
- Touch their name to see what kind of cover you have.