GEMS GP in George, Network Care for All Six Options
NeoHealth (Drs Chellan & Lakay Inc, practice number 1221566) is a contracted GEMS network practice in George Central, appearing on the Government Employees Medical Scheme's own provider list for the Garden Route.
Claims are submitted directly to GEMS (administered by Medscheme) in real time. You arrive, get seen, and we bill your scheme, no claim forms, no waiting for refunds.
Benefits verified against GEMS 2026 guides: 14 August 2026
Nominate NeoHealth as your GEMS GP
- Call GEMS on 0800 00 4367, or log in to the GEMS member app or member portal.
- Request GP nomination: Drs Chellan & Lakay, practice number 1221566 (that's how we appear in the GEMS system).
- GEMS confirms your nomination and effective date, then book your visit.
Nomination applies per beneficiary, nominate each registered dependant, children included.
How billing works at NeoHealth
- Bring your GEMS card and ID, we verify option, benefits and nomination status at reception.
- We claim from GEMS in real time at network rates.
- You pay nothing where your option covers the visit; co-payments apply only in the situations listed for your option, and we tell you before billing.
GEMS options we consult
| Option | How your GP benefit works |
|---|---|
| Tanzanite One | Unlimited nominated-GP visits, no co-payment. From 2026, pre-authorisation from the 9th consultation per beneficiary per year (GP and nurse consultations both count). Non-nominated: capped at 3 visits/beneficiary/year, then 30% co-payment. |
| Emerald Value | Nominated-GP visits covered per option rules. Non-nominated: 30% co-payment applies immediately. |
| Beryl | Unlimited network-GP visits, no co-payment. From 2026, pre-authorisation from the 9th consultation per beneficiary per year, the same rule as Tanzanite One. Non-network: 3 per family/year, then 30% co-payment. |
| Ruby, Emerald, Onyx | GP visits funded from Personal Medical Savings Account (PMSA), then block benefit. No formal co-payment. |
Benefits your GEMS contributions already pay for
Paid from the GEMS risk benefit, not your savings
Most GEMS members never claim these. They are paid from the scheme's risk benefit, not your savings or day-to-day benefits (GEMS Preventative Care & Screening Benefits, 2026 benefit year).
| Benefit | Who qualifies | How often | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pap smear incl. HPV testing (cervical screening) | Women 12 to 65 | Once per benefit year | Procedure in-rooms; lab analysis |
| Prostate screening (PSA) | Men 45 to 69 | Once per benefit year | Sample in-rooms; lab analysis |
| HIV testing & counselling | All beneficiaries | Once per benefit year | Rapid in-rooms; confirmatory via lab |
| Cholesterol test | Beneficiaries 20+ | Once per benefit year | Finger-prick in-rooms; panels via lab |
| Blood glucose (sugar) test | Beneficiaries 20+ | Once per benefit year | Finger-prick in-rooms; panels via lab |
| Blood pressure check | Beneficiaries 18+ | Once per benefit year | In-rooms |
| Urine analysis | All ages | Once per benefit year | In-rooms sample; lab where indicated |
| Pregnancy screening | Women 12+ | Once per benefit year | In-rooms |
| STI screening (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea) | All beneficiaries | Once per benefit year | Sample in-rooms; lab analysis |
| TB screening | All ages | Once per benefit year | In-rooms |
| Peak flow (lung function) | Ages 4+ | Once per benefit year | In-rooms |
| Flu vaccine | Everyone 6 months+ | Once per year | In-rooms |
| HPV vaccine | Females 9 to 45 | One course per lifetime | In-rooms |
| Pneumococcal vaccine | High-risk 2 to 64, everyone 65+ | Once every 5 years | In-rooms |
| Mammogram | Women 40+ | Once per benefit year | Referral arranged |
| Bone density scan | Beneficiaries 65+ | Once per benefit year | Referral arranged |
| Glaucoma screening | Beneficiaries 40+ | Once per benefit year | Optometrist referral |
| Stool blood test (colorectal screening) | Ages 50 to 75 | Once per benefit year | Kit in-rooms; lab analysis |
Frequency limits and option rules apply. A separate annual limit of R950 applies to certain additional vaccines, we verify your specific benefit before billing.
HIV prevention, testing and care, covered by GEMS
GEMS covers PrEP (prevention), PEP (post-exposure prevention) and PMTCT (mother-to-child transmission prevention) from the risk benefit on all options. Authorisation runs through GEMS' own HIV Department (0860 436 736, hiv@gems.gov.za), separate from the general call centre, both you and we sign the application form.
Confidential HIV testing and counselling in-rooms, with results during the same visit. PrEP consultations and monitoring for ongoing prevention. PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure, contact the practice promptly.
Ongoing HIV management by Dr Chellan, who holds a Diploma in HIV Management (CMSA): viral load monitoring, treatment adjustments, and long-term care.
Chronic medication: registered with GEMS, delivered by Medipost, coordinated by us
We register your condition on the GEMS Chronic Medicine Management programme (0800 00 4367, option 4, or chronicdsp@gems.gov.za), moving chronic medication to a separate chronic benefit that protects your day-to-day cover. GEMS issues your Medicine Access Chart (MAC); we explain it in plain language.
Nominate the GEMS Chronic Courier Pharmacy (Medipost), free delivery to your home, work, or to NeoHealth for collection. NeoHealth is a Medipost pickup point: collect your monthly chronic medication where you consult, no pharmacy queues. Non-nominated pharmacies attract a 30% co-payment after the first claim.
Rules that save you money: use your nominated pharmacy for at least six months; collect every 28 days, not earlier; generics within the GEMS reference price carry no co-payment. Members on Tanzanite One, Beryl and Emerald Value must obtain prescriptions from a GEMS network doctor, as a contracted network practice, your scripts originate here. Acute medication is dispensed in-rooms where your option and formulary permit.
Why GEMS members choose NeoHealth
- 15-20-minute unhurried consultations, no double-booking, no rushing
- Dispensing GPs: leave with your medication, skip the second queue
- Same-week appointments
- Women's health, HIV management and child health special interests
- HPCSA-compliant telehealth follow-ups anywhere in South Africa
Related services at NeoHealth
GEMS questions, answered
Is NeoHealth a GEMS network practice?
Yes. Drs Chellan & Lakay Inc (practice number 1221566) is a contracted GEMS network practice and appears on the GEMS healthcare provider list for the Western Cape. You can confirm in your GEMS member app under Find a provider.
Which GEMS options require GP nomination?
Tanzanite One and Emerald Value require nomination for out-of-hospital benefits at network rates. Beryl members should nominate to avoid the family cap on out-of-network visits. Ruby, Emerald and Onyx fund GP visits from savings, so nomination is not required.
How do I nominate Drs Chellan & Lakay?
Call GEMS on 0800 00 4367 or use the GEMS member app or portal, and nominate Drs Chellan & Lakay, practice number 1221566. Nominate each dependant separately.
Do I pay anything for my visit?
Nominated network visits on Tanzanite One, Emerald Value and Beryl carry no co-payment within option rules. Non-nominated visits attract co-payments (typically 30%) after limited exceptions. We confirm your status and any cost before billing.
Is the pap smear really covered at the GP?
Yes, the GEMS preventative care benefit covers one pap smear per benefit year for women aged 12 to 65 at a network GP, paid from the risk benefit, not your savings. Eligibility and frequency limits apply; we confirm before billing.
Does GEMS cover PrEP and HIV testing?
GEMS covers HIV testing and counselling, and PrEP, PEP and PMTCT from the risk benefit on all options, subject to authorisation via the GEMS HIV department. We arrange authorisation as part of your consultation.
Do you bill GEMS directly for chronic medication?
Chronic medication is funded through the GEMS chronic medicine benefit once your condition is registered. We manage registration in-rooms and dispense where your option and formulary permit.
I'm on Tanzanite One, how many visits before authorisation is needed?
From 2026, GEMS requires pre-authorisation from the 9th consultation per beneficiary per year on Tanzanite One, and GP and nurse consultations both count toward the eight covered visits. We obtain the authorisation on your behalf, book as usual and we handle the process.
How often can I change my nominated Family Practitioner?
GEMS allows the nominated Family Practitioner to be updated every six months, and confirmation is sent to you once the change is processed. You can nominate up to two Family Practitioners per beneficiary. Nominate or change by calling the GEMS contact centre on 0800 00 4367 or emailing enquiries@gems.gov.za.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Your GEMS membership card (or the digital card in the GEMS app), your ID, and a list of current medication. If you've nominated us, bring the GEMS confirmation SMS if you have it.
How do I get my chronic medication on GEMS?
We register your condition on the GEMS chronic programme, GEMS issues your Medicine Access Chart, and you nominate a chronic pharmacy, the Medipost courier pharmacy (free delivery) or a GEMS retail pharmacy. Medipost can deliver to our rooms for collection. Members on Tanzanite One, Beryl and Emerald Value must obtain scripts from a GEMS network doctor.
Can I collect my Medipost delivery at NeoHealth?
Yes, NeoHealth is a Medipost pickup point. Medipost's courier delivers to our practice, so you can collect your monthly chronic medication where you consult.
Does GEMS cover prostate (PSA) testing?
Yes. The 2026 GEMS preventative guide covers one PSA blood test per benefit year for men aged 45 to 69, paid from the risk benefit. The sample is taken in our rooms.
Does GEMS cover the HPV vaccine and HPV testing?
Both. The HPV vaccine is covered as one course per lifetime for females aged 9 to 45. HPV testing is included in the annual cervical screening benefit for women 12 to 65.
I have more than one chronic condition on GEMS, does my cover add up?
No, and this catches people out. If you're registered for two or more chronic conditions, GEMS merges the treatment plans and pays the highest number of consultations, tests and scans across them, not the sum of each condition's plan. We factor this in when we register a new chronic diagnosis for you.
Do you refer me to specialists on GEMS?
Yes. On Tanzanite One and Emerald Value, a referral is required for a defined list of specialties, dermatology, gynaecology (excluding maternity), cardiology, ENT, orthopaedics and others, children under 2 don't need a referral to see a paediatrician. GEMS is also rolling out an automated IVR referral line (0860 436 777, option for Specialist referrals) for real-time, paperless referrals, which we use where available.
Other schemes that need a GP nomination
These schemes also require you to name NeoHealth as your GP before day-to-day benefits pay. The steps differ by scheme, so check the one that applies to you.
Every scheme we bill directly
Not your scheme? Each of these has its own page setting out the network, nomination and co-payment rules that apply to a GP visit. See the medical aid overview for the rules that apply across schemes.
- 3Sixty Health
- AECI
- Affinity Health
- Bankmed
- Bestmed
- Bonitas
- BPMAS
- CAMAF
- CompCare
- Dis-Chem Health
- Discovery
- Fedhealth
- Foodmed
- Imperial Motus Med
- KeyCare & FlexiCare
- KeyHealth
- LA Health
- Massmart
- MBMed
- Medipos
- Medshield
- Momentum
- NBCPSS
- NBCRFLI Wellness Fund
- Old Mutual Staff Medical Aid Scheme
- POLMED
- Remedi
- Retail Medical Scheme
- SABMAS
- SAMWUMED
- Sizwe Hosmed
- Universal