Patient
Resources
Everything you need before, during, and after your visit.
Before & after surgery
What to expect, step by step
Preparing for Your Surgery
Before your operation, Dr. Hina will talk you through the procedure, its risks and the expected recovery, and answer your questions. You may need blood tests or scans beforehand, and the practice will help arrange your hospital admission and medical aid pre-authorisation. Tell us about every medicine you take, especially blood thinners, as some need to be stopped several days before surgery. You'll be told when to stop eating and drinking (usually six hours before), and what to bring: your ID, medical aid card, any recent scans and a list of your medication.
What to Expect on the Day
Arrive at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital at the time you were given and check in at admissions. The ward nurses will prepare you for theatre, and you'll meet the anaesthetist beforehand. Dr. Hina will see you before the operation to confirm the plan. Afterwards you'll wake in the recovery area or, after some procedures, in ICU or high care for closer monitoring, and your family will be updated as soon as the operation is done.
Recovery & Aftercare
Hospital stays range from a day to a week or more, depending on the procedure. Before you go home you'll receive instructions on wound care, pain relief, activity and driving, and a follow-up appointment, usually within two weeks. Contact the practice straight away if you develop a fever, increasing pain, redness or discharge from the wound, a severe headache, or new weakness or numbness. Most patients return to normal activities gradually over several weeks.
Downloadable forms
Paperwork, sorted before you arrive
International patients
Care away from home, without the stress
Located in the beautiful city of Cape Town, the practice is a premier destination for international patients and travellers — whether for a planned elective procedure or an unexpected surgery. The team understands the stress of receiving care away from loved ones, and provides personalised support every step of the way. Service care packages designed specifically for international patients are planned for the near future.
- English
- Français
- Português
Payment Options
Local patients: medical insurance accepted. International elective patients: Guaranteed Payment (GOP) options available. Prefer to pay the account yourself rather than claim from medical aid or insurance? Secure online payment links are available for added convenience.
FAQ
Still unsure? Contact the practice and the team will help.
Medical aid & gap cover
Medical Aid
Which medical aids do you work with?
The practice sees patients on most South African medical schemes. Because cover differs between schemes and plans, please contact us with your scheme, plan and membership number, and we'll confirm how your consultation and any procedure will be covered. International patients can use a Guaranteed Payment (GOP) from their insurer. Anyone can also choose to pay the account themselves, without claiming from medical aid or insurance, through a secure online payment link.
Do I need pre-authorisation?
Yes, for any hospital admission or procedure your medical aid must authorise it in advance. Once a treatment plan is agreed, the practice will give you the procedure and diagnosis (ICD-10) codes; you then contact your scheme for an authorisation number and send it to us before admission. Consultations usually don't need pre-authorisation, though some plans require a GP referral.
Gap Cover
What is gap cover and do I need it?
Specialist and anaesthetist fees are often higher than the rate your medical aid pays, which leaves a shortfall you'd otherwise pay yourself. Gap cover is separate, low-cost insurance that pays this shortfall for in-hospital treatment. It isn't compulsory, but it's worth having for planned surgery. Many policies have a waiting period, so take one out well in advance.
How do I claim from gap cover?
After your procedure, send your gap cover insurer the practice and hospital accounts, your medical aid's statement showing what it paid, and your authorisation letter. The insurer then pays the shortfall, either to you or directly to the practice. The practice can give you copies of the accounts and codes you need; just ask.