Paarl Medi-Clinic

Paarl Medi-clinic

I gave birth on 5 May 2025 at Mediclinic Paarl. Initially we attempted a normal delivery. The anaesthetist, Dr Kurt Louw, inserted an epidural for pain relief, but unfortunately the epidural failed.

Later that evening at around 19:30, my gynaecologist examined me and it was decided that I needed to go for an emergency caesarean section. At that stage a spinal anaesthetic had to be administered for the surgery.

The biggest problem has been the billing afterwards. My medical aid, Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), has indicated that the doctor billed for both a normal delivery and a caesarean section. According to GEMS, they will only pay for one because a patient can either have a normal delivery or a caesarean section.

This has unfortunately left me dealing with a billing dispute and unexpected financial stress after what was already a difficult birth experience. Patients should be aware and ensure they understand the billing for anaesthetic services in advance where possible.