Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Stevens sees most children from birth up to the age of 13 years. However even some older children have conditions that require the specialist care of a paediatric surgeon rather than a general surgeon. These are often children with conditions that a paediatric surgeon is more knowledgeable about and more comfortable treating. Children older than 13 are treated on a case by case basis and you, your GP or paediatrician are welcome to contact Dr Stevens to discuss if he can help your child. If Dr Stevens is unable to treat your older child personally, he will make sure to refer you to a surgeon who will be able to.

Dr Stevens also sees parents of unborn babies who have been diagnosed with a suspected congenital problem before they are born. Obstetrician and gynaecologists may refer parents to Dr Stevens to discuss what they can expect once their child is born and what surgery may be required. If your unborn child has a suspected congenital problem that may require surgery you or your doctor are welcome to contact the practice for a consultation.

You do not require a referral from another doctor to see Dr Stevens. Please be aware however that your medical scheme may require you to have a referral, and may not cover the consultation costs involved if you are not referred via the appropriate channels. As each scheme and plan is different it is your responsibility to ensure that you follow your scheme rules in this regard.

All out of hospital consultations are billed directly to you as the patient or main member. You are then free to claim the consultation fee back from your medical scheme subject to their scheme rates and rules.

In hospital consultations and procedures are billed to your medical scheme. It is however important to note that your medical scheme may not cover certain aspects of your child's treatment and this will then become your responsibility to settle.

The financial interactions of doctors, medical schemes and patients is often very complex and we endeavour to assist you in all financial matters to ensure that you are aware at all times of the cost implications of your child's treatment. It is however very important that you are familiar with your specific medical scheme rates and rules as ultimately the responsibility for settlement of all accounts remains that of the guarantor/parent or main member of the scheme.

Please contact the practice for an up to date list of the medical schemes that Dr Stevens is contracted with.

In the case of emergencies, you are not obligated to consult a designated service provider but your scheme should be notified as soon as possible.