Patient Accounts
Nova Anaesthetics manages anaesthetic billing and account administration on behalf of independent anaesthetists. If you have received communication from Nova, it relates to anaesthetic services provided during a procedure at a private hospital.
Our role is to handle the administrative aspects of your anaesthetic account, including medical aid submissions, account processing, and any related queries. We aim to make this process as clear and straightforward as possible, and our team is available to assist should you need help understanding your account or payment details.
Account Explanation
During your surgery or procedure, an anaesthetist plays a vital role in managing your comfort, safety, and individual health risks. The anaesthetic account reflects the level of care provided and the time and expertise required throughout your treatment. Below is a general guide to help you understand how anaesthetic fees are structured.
What the basic anaesthetic account includes
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Pre-operative assessment: A consultation before your procedure where your anaesthetist reviews your medical history, performs an examination, assesses risks, reviews relevant tests, and plans your anaesthetic care. This fee is standard and not linked to the type of surgery.
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Post-operative care: A visit after your procedure to assess recovery, whether in the ward or intensive care unit. Care in ICU, particularly on the first day, may involve additional costs.
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The procedure itself: Each surgical procedure carries a standard base value.
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Anaesthetic time: The total time your anaesthetist is responsible for your care during the procedure.
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Emergency or unplanned surgery: These cases may attract additional charges due to urgency and complexity.
Factors that may influence the account
Certain clinical factors can increase the level of care required and may affect the final account, including:
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Anaesthetic techniques such as specialised blood pressure control or blood-saving methods.
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Age considerations, including newborns, infants, and patients aged 70 years and older.
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Overall health status, such as higher body mass index or existing medical conditions, measured using recognised medical risk classifications.
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The area of the body being operated on and the position required during surgery, including head and neck procedures.
Additional procedures
In some cases, the anaesthetist may perform extra procedures that are not included in the basic account, such as:
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Invasive monitoring (for example arterial or central venous lines)
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Placement of gastric tubes
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Use of ultrasound to guide line placement or nerve blocks
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Advanced airway techniques
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Regional anaesthesia and pain management, including spinal, epidural, nerve blocks, and patient-controlled pain relief systems
How fees are calculated
Anaesthetic fees are calculated using recognised medical coding guidelines. Each component of care, including time spent, is assigned a unit value. These units are added together and multiplied by a Rand Conversion Factor to determine the final fee. The Rand Conversion Factor is set by each anaesthetic practice and is based on practice costs, industry benchmarks, and inflation.
Co-Payments
Medical aids offer a wide range of plans, each with its own benefits and tariff structures. While your medical aid may contribute towards your anaesthetic account, it may not cover the full cost. Any difference between the medical aid payment and the anaesthetic fee is referred to as a co-payment, for which you are personally responsible.
Your choice of medical aid and plan plays a significant role in whether a co-payment applies and the amount involved. Please note that the anaesthetic account is completely separate from hospital and surgeon accounts.
When anaesthetic services are provided, a direct agreement exists between you and the anaesthetic practice. Although we submit claims to your medical aid on your behalf, you remain responsible for any outstanding balance.
If you would like an estimate for an upcoming procedure, you are welcome to request one by completing our quotation request form. All required information must be provided to allow us to respond accurately.
If you have any questions, our team is available to assist and guide you through the process.