Sundaymail Editor
Shamiso Yikoniko and Debra Matabvu
Doctors are divided over newly-gazetted medical tariffs with general practitioners charging six different amounts on consultation fees.
The gazetted fees are US$35 for general practitioners and US$120 for specialists.
However, a survey conducted by The Sunday Mail revealed that patients seeking primary healthcare are paying varying amounts of US$20, US$25, US$30, US$35, US$50 and US$80.
Surgeries in Harare’s high-density suburbs such as Highfield, Mbare and Kuwadzana are charging US$20 for initial consultations and US$15 for reviews.
GPs in Milton Park, Avondale, Alexandra Park and the Central Business District have pegged both initial and review fees at between US$35 and US$50.
In Bulawayo, first-visit and follow-up tariffs at some surgeries range from US$20 to US$25.
Most doctors in Gweru, Bindura and Masvingo have stuck to gazetted fees while some in Mutare and Kadoma are charging US$10 less.
In addition, specialists in major cities are charging between US$60 and US$120 for initial consultations with review fees at US$40.
In some instances, medical aid members are paying shortfalls over US$100.
Zimbabwe Medical Association (Zima) secretary-general Dr Shingi Bopoto declined commenting, though sources said the doctors were divided over competing interests.
“Those operating in high-density suburbs are reluctant to increase tariffs introduced during the pre-gazette period as they largely cater for low-income earners. Anything above the US$20 they are charging would adversely affect their patients,” said a source.
“On the other hand, those operating upmarket want more money. Their rentals are higher. They would want to cover these and other expenses thus most of them are sticking to the gazetted fees.”
Another source added: “There is another group of doctors which predominantly deals with elite patients. Such GPs charge as much as US$80 for initial consultation.
“The patients they see always readily pay because that’s the kind of service they want.”
The impasse between doctors and medical aid societies has remained unresolved for nearly three years.
At one point, medical practitioners wanted initial consultation fees pegged at US$50, a proposal health funders promptly shot down.
Government then intervened by gazetting new tariffs in May 2014.
The wrangle has, nonetheless, continued as the Association of Health Funders of Zimbabwe (Ahfoz) argues that the new charges are too steep.
In October, Ahfoz instructed all its 23 members to pay US$25 (initial consultation) and US$18 (review).
This has seen doctors demand the difference from patients.
Government has warned that defiant medical aid societies risk not having their licences renewed in 2015.
Online Reporter