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NeoHealth

Registering as a new patient in George

Whether you have just moved to George or you are changing practice after years here, this covers what to bring, what your medical aid needs from you before you book, and how to get your records across. Registration takes a few minutes at reception. If you are switching from another practice, our changing-GP guide walks through the three things that move with you.

If you have just moved to George

Sorting out a doctor is rarely the first thing on the list after a move, and it is usually left until somebody is unwell. A few things worth knowing before that happens.

  • Your medical aid does not change. South African schemes are national. What may need updating is your nominated GP, if your option requires one. Our medical aid pages set out the nomination steps scheme by scheme.
  • Bring what you have, not what you should have. A repeat script, recent results, or the packaging of what you take is enough to start. Records can follow.
  • One practice for the family. Child health, women's health and adult care are all in-rooms here, so you are not registering with three different practices in a town you do not know yet.
  • Know where to go before you need to. Our emergency page lists the George numbers worth saving, and the referral network shows which hospitals, laboratories and allied practitioners we work with.
  • Fees are published. You can see what a consultation costs before you book, on our fees page.

New patient questions

I have just moved to George. How do I register with a GP?

Book a consultation, or walk in during consulting hours, and complete a short registration form at reception. Bring your ID and your medical aid card. There is no joining fee and no waiting list, and you do not need a referral from your previous doctor.

Do I need to transfer my medical records before my first visit?

No. You can be seen without them. Records help, so if you can bring a summary, a recent set of results or your repeat prescription, do. Otherwise request a summary from your previous practice at your convenience; they are required to provide it to you.

I take chronic medication. How do I move my repeat script across?

Bring your current script or the packaging, ideally with a recent set of results. Your first consultation reviews what you are on and why, before anything is changed. Chronic medication is collected from a pharmacy of your choice or delivered through our Medipost partnership.

Do I have to change my medical aid if I move to George?

No. South African medical aid schemes are national, so moving province does not change your membership. What can change is whether your nominated GP is still correct. If your option requires a nominated GP, that nomination should point at a practice you can actually reach.

Which medical aids do you accept?

More than 40 South African schemes, billed directly at reception in most cases. Some options require you to nominate NeoHealth as your GP before benefits apply. Our medical aid pages set out the nomination steps scheme by scheme.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. There is no waiting list. You can book online, call reception, or walk in during consulting hours, though walk-ins are fitted in around booked appointments so you may wait.

Can my whole family register at the same practice?

Yes, and most families do. Dr Chellan holds the Diploma in Child Health (CMSA) and Dr Lakay is a female GP offering women's health in-rooms, so adults, children and antenatal care are covered in one practice rather than three.

What happens at a first consultation?

Roughly 20 minutes. Your history, your current medication, what brought you in, and an examination where one is needed. If you are new to George we will also orient you on where we refer, which hospital serves the town and where pathology is done.

How to Register

You can register as a new patient in four simple steps:

  1. 1

    Book your appointment

    Book online or call us on 044 868 0707 to schedule your first visit.

  2. 2

    Prepare your documents

    Bring your SA ID or passport, medical aid card (if applicable), a list of current medications, and any recent blood results or reports.

  3. 3

    Complete registration at the practice

    On arrival, you will be asked to complete a patient registration form as required under POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act). This includes your personal details, contact information, next of kin, medical aid details, and consent.

  4. 4

    See your doctor

    Your first consultation is approximately 20 minutes. Your doctor will take a comprehensive history, perform a clinical examination, and discuss a personalised treatment plan with you.

First visit? Please bring these with you

  • SA ID document or passportRequired
  • List of current medicationsRequiredNames and doses, or bring the boxes
  • Medical aid cardMain member details and dependant code
  • Recent blood results or reportsIf you have any
  • Referral letterIf another practitioner referred you
  • Chronic medication scriptsIf you are transferring from another practice

Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who will complete registration and consent on their behalf. The parent or guardian must bring their own SA ID document or passport, and the child's birth certificate if applicable. For children, please also bring the Road to Health booklet if you have it.

Check your medical aid before you come

Some plans require you to nominate NeoHealth as your GP, or to get an authorisation, before your first consultation. Only the main member can arrange this. Without it, the visit may be billed to you privately. How medical aid billing works

Medical Aid: GP Authorisations & Practice Nominations

Many medical aid plans require you to nominate a GP or obtain a GP authorisation before your consultation. This must be done by the member directly with your medical aid scheme. The practice cannot do this on your behalf.

If your plan requires a nomination or authorisation and it has not been arranged before your appointment, the consultation may not be covered by your medical aid and you may be liable for the full fee as a self-paying patient.

To avoid disappointment: Contact your medical aid before your visit to confirm whether a GP authorisation or practice nomination is required, and ensure it is in place. Visit our Fees & Medical Aid page for more information.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your first consultation is approximately 20 minutes. Here is what a typical visit looks like:

  • Registration & POPIA consent

    On arrival, you will complete a patient registration form and provide consent as required under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). If you have not registered electronically, paper forms will be provided.

  • Comprehensive history

    Your doctor will take a detailed medical, family, and social history to understand your overall health.

  • Physical examination

    A thorough clinical examination tailored to your presenting concerns.

  • Treatment plan

    Your doctor will discuss findings, diagnosis, and a personalised treatment plan with you.

  • On-site dispensing

    If medication is required, it is dispensed at the practice so you can leave with your treatment in hand.

  • Follow-up arrangements

    Referrals, blood tests, follow-up appointments, and sick notes are arranged before you leave.

Practice Fees

We accept 40+ medical aid schemes and welcome self-paying patients. View our transparent fee schedule for full details.

View Fees & Medical Aid

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