AS
Annetjie S
Active since Feb 2021
2
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2 reviews1 month ago
Treatment declined by Bankmed despite unbearable pain
Subject: Urgent Complaint – Denial of Essential Medical Procedure and Ongoing Suffering I am writing to formally raise a serious concern regarding the treatment I have received from Bankmed Medical Aid under the Essential Plan. Following an MRI, my neurologist confirmed that I urgently require a procedure known as Decompression & Neurolysis (ICD-10 Codes: M47.86 / M48.06). Despite the medical necessity clearly outlined by my specialist, this procedure has now been declined twice by Bankmed on the basis that it does not qualify under my plan. I have been informed that approval would only be considered if my condition were either critical or life-threatening. In the meantime, my condition has deteriorated significantly. I am currently confined to bed, experiencing constant and excruciating pain. I am unable to walk due to the severity of the pain, and I am experiencing persistent pins and needles extending down to my toes—symptoms that are both distressing and concerning. My doctor has explicitly warned that without this procedure, my condition may worsen to the point where I could permanently lose my ability to walk. As a result of the unmanaged pain, I am now relying heavily on pain medication, which is not a sustainable or safe long-term solution. This is not treatment—this is merely temporary relief while my underlying condition continues to worsen. It is deeply troubling that a relatively minor and cost-effective procedure is being denied, while the alternative may result in irreversible damage, significantly higher future medical costs, and a severely diminished quality of life. I find it difficult to understand how it is acceptable to wait for a patient’s condition to deteriorate to such an extreme level before authorisation is granted. In addition to this, the level of service and communication has been extremely disappointing. Both my doctor’s rooms and I have made numerous attempts to contact Bankmed, with no meaningful progress. Messages left for Michelle Bam have gone unanswered, and attempts to escalate the matter have been unsuccessful. Even direct doctor-to-doctor communication has been delayed due to a reported shortage of doctors, with the earliest available discussion only scheduled for 4 May 2026. This delay is unacceptable given the urgency of my condition. Every day without treatment results in continued suffering and increased risk of permanent damage. I respectfully request immediate intervention and reconsideration of my case. This matter is urgent, and I cannot continue to endure this level of pain and immobility while awaiting administrative processes. The current situation is not only distressing—it is inhumane. I trust that this matter will now receive the urgent attention it requires.
6 replies
65 months ago
Poor service by Sentinel Retirement Fund
Good morning I have been trying to reach Adri at Sentinel retirement fund since last week. Their call centre staff have emailed her now 3 times to contact me. Some background, My sister passed away 3 December last year. We had to assist my brother in law with the funeral costs as well as give him money for food and petrol. In January we had to once again assist him with food and petrol money. We don't have money to assist him this month. I really fail to understand why the pension money is not paid. Their managers are not allowed to take calls so you really can not escalate this matter Hope you can assist Kind Regards Annetjie 0738973667
0 replies
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