Frequently Asked Questions

Our practice is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays from 08:00 to 12:00. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays. We recommend booking an appointment in advance to avoid extended waiting times.

While we do accommodate walk-in patients where possible, we strongly recommend booking an appointment to secure your preferred time slot and minimise your waiting time. Appointments can be made by phone or through our online booking system.

Pretoria Health is conveniently situated in Pretoria, Gauteng. Our practice is easily accessible from major routes in the area. Please visit our Contact page for the full street address and a map with directions.

Our rooms are accessible via several main roads in Pretoria. Detailed driving directions and a Google Maps link are available on our Contact page. If you are using public transport, we are situated near well-serviced taxi and bus routes.

Yes, we have dedicated on-site parking available for patients at no additional charge. The parking area is secure and conveniently located right at our practice entrance for easy access.

Yes, our practice is fully wheelchair accessible with step-free entry, accessible consultation rooms, and an accessible restroom. We are committed to ensuring that all patients can visit us comfortably.

You can book an appointment by calling our practice during office hours, or by using our online booking system available on this website. For new patients, we recommend allowing extra time for your first visit so we can set up your medical record.

Yes, we offer convenient online booking through our website. Simply navigate to our Appointments page, select your preferred service, date, and time, and submit your request. Our team will confirm your appointment via phone or email.

Please bring your South African ID or passport, your medical aid card (if applicable), any recent blood results or referral letters, and a list of your current medications. Having these ready helps us provide the most effective care from your very first visit.

We make every effort to see patients on time and typically run within 15 to 20 minutes of your scheduled appointment. Emergencies and complex cases may occasionally cause delays, and we appreciate your understanding in these situations.

Our practice is run by Dr. Nel, who provides GP, psychiatry, and paediatric services. When booking, please specify the type of consultation you require so that we can allocate the appropriate amount of time for your visit.

Yes, we accept most major South African medical aids. We submit claims electronically on your behalf, making the process seamless. Please bring your medical aid card to every visit so we can process your claim efficiently.

We work with a wide range of medical aid schemes including Discovery Health, Bonitas, Momentum Health, Medihelp, Fedhealth, Bestmed, GEMS, Sizwe Medical Fund, Profmed, and Bankmed. If your scheme is not listed, please contact us to confirm whether we can assist you.

We welcome cash-paying patients. Payment is due at the time of consultation via cash, debit card, or credit card. Our cash rates are competitive and transparent, and we will always inform you of expected costs before commencing treatment.

A standard general consultation ranges from R650 to R850 depending on the nature and complexity of your visit. Follow-up consultations are available from R450 to R550. Please visit our Pricing page for a full breakdown of our fees across all departments.

We understand that healthcare costs can be significant. For certain higher-value services such as comprehensive assessments, we may be able to arrange a payment plan on a case-by-case basis. Please speak to our reception team to discuss available options.

If there is a shortfall between what your medical aid pays and our fee, your gap cover policy may assist with the difference. We recommend checking with your gap cover provider regarding their specific terms. We can provide the necessary documentation to support your gap cover claim.

Our general practice covers a wide range of acute and chronic conditions including flu, infections, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, allergies, and general wellness. We also provide preventative health screenings and occupational health assessments.

House calls are not part of our standard offering, but we may consider them in exceptional circumstances for existing patients with limited mobility. Please contact our rooms to discuss your specific situation and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Absolutely. We have an established referral network of trusted specialists in the Pretoria and broader Gauteng area. If your condition requires specialist input, we will provide a detailed referral letter and help coordinate your ongoing care.

Yes, we issue sick notes and medical certificates in compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. A consultation is required before a sick note can be issued. The fee for a sick note or medical certificate is R350.

Yes, we perform a range of minor procedures in our rooms including wound suturing, abscess drainage, ingrown toenail treatment, mole removal, and other minor surgical interventions. More complex procedures will be referred to the appropriate specialist or surgical facility.

An initial psychiatric assessment is a comprehensive evaluation lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. It includes a detailed discussion of your mental health history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any previous treatments. A personalised management plan is then developed based on the findings.

Treatment duration varies significantly depending on the condition and individual response. Some patients may require short-term intervention of a few months, while chronic conditions such as bipolar disorder or recurrent depression may necessitate longer-term management. Regular follow-ups help us tailor the duration to your needs.

All medications carry potential side effects, and psychiatric medications are no exception. We discuss possible side effects thoroughly before prescribing and monitor you closely, especially during the initial weeks of treatment. Adjustments to dosage or medication type are made as needed to find the best balance of efficacy and tolerability.

Yes, strict confidentiality is maintained for all consultations in accordance with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) ethical guidelines and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Information is only shared with your explicit consent or where legally required.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health conditions, and is qualified to prescribe medication. A psychologist focuses primarily on psychotherapy and counselling. We often work alongside psychologists to provide a comprehensive approach to mental health care.

We see children from birth through to adolescence (up to 18 years of age). This includes newborn assessments, routine well-baby check-ups, childhood illness management, and adolescent health consultations.

Yes, we administer vaccinations in line with the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI-SA) schedule recommended by the Department of Health. We also offer additional private vaccinations not included in the standard schedule, such as the varicella and hepatitis A vaccines, and will advise you on what is recommended for your child.

You should bring your child in if they have a persistent fever above 38°C, difficulty breathing, unusual lethargy, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or any symptoms that concern you as a parent. When in doubt, it is always better to have your child assessed.

Growth patterns vary between children, and not all smaller children have an underlying problem. However, if you have concerns about your child's growth or weight gain, we recommend a growth and development assessment. We use standardised WHO growth charts to evaluate your child's progress and investigate further if needed.

Yes, we provide age-appropriate healthcare for adolescents including general health assessments, mental health screening, sexual and reproductive health guidance, and management of conditions such as acne, sports injuries, and eating disorders. Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the adolescent's rights under South African law.