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Beware of DSP contracts

SAMA is once again cautioning doctors against entering into designated service provider (DSP) contracts and other contracts that might be in direct conflict with the Health Professions Council of South Africa's (HPCSA) rules on preferred provider agreements. According to Regulations to the Medical Schemes Act, which came into effect on January 1, 2004, a medical scheme may select health care providers or groups of providers to diagnose, treat and care for its members in respect of one or more prescribed minimum benefit conditions. SAMA is concerned that this provision has opened the door for unlawful contracts where companies are selectively approaching doctors to enter into agreements that compromised their ethics, and could be to the detriment of patients. SAMA has drafted a policy document, explaining the legal and ethical aspects of DSPs.
 

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