Understanding patient billing at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital

Rustenburg – In response to inquiries from our readers, Platinum Weekly has investigated the billing procedures at Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospital. Contrary to common perception, it’s important to understand that services at state hospitals, including Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospital, are not without cost, and patients may be subject to various fees.

Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital has been gazetted as a level 2 hospital and is currently classified as a developing tertiary hospital, which makes it a level 3 hospital. The hospital serves as a referral hospital in the Bojanala District.

Clarifying billing procedures
To enhance transparency and facilitate better communication with the public, the hospital has provided detailed insights into its patient billing process. Billing at Job Shimankana Tabane is regulated by section 41(1) and (2) of the National Health Act, No. 1 of 2003, alongside the annual adjustments to the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS) tariffs, as determined by the Minister of Health. These tariffs are adjusted in alignment with the prevailing inflation rate.

Fees to anticipate
Hospital admission costs range from R100 to R2392.00 per day, varying based on specific patient circumstances. 
To access services, patients are required to present:

• Identification or passport documents for adults.
• Birth certificates for children, provided by parents or guardians.
• Proof of income, such as a payslip.
• A referral letter from primary healthcare clinics or a R100 bypass fee for referrals from private doctors or clinics.
• Medical aid card, if you have one.
• Payment for consultation and admission fees.

Note that scripts or sick notes will only be issued post-consultation.

Acknowledging the diverse financial backgrounds of its patients, Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital employs a tiered pricing system. This approach is based on a guided screening process that assesses household income, ensuring equitable and fair pricing for the services rendered. It’s important to note that these prices are subject to annual revisions with each new financial year.

Through this structured framework, the hospital is dedicated to making healthcare accessible to every segment of our community, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and fairness in medical services.