Catherine McCormack

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@ArthritisKidsSA @aspenpharma @abbvie I’m one of the frantic moms trying to find a dose of Humira. Can’t even switch to Amgevita, or vice versa…

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@SetPointMed I wondered how long before a device for juvenile arthritis is available? Is the RA device limited to RA specifically, or does it extend to other types of immune mediated inflammatory arthritis? What is the minimum age for this device? Thank you!

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@wearejames We’ll be there from South Africa. Can’t wait!

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@Hyaceebo @WOOLWORTHS_SA Hi Woolies. I must agree with Nomcebo’s comment. Our non-profit is a beneficiary of the MySchool programme & I am a contributor. I need to update our supporters about reselecting us but I can’t because I get stuck in an endless log in/ registration link on the Woolies app. Help!

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

These changes introduced in January after 2 months notice did not include a single clinical review with treating practitioners. The entire thing has been poorly managed at the expense of patients, some of whom face terrifying risks.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@pjchudson @wendyknowler

Re the plan changes at Discovery, doctors were told that patients on existing treatments would not be affected by the reference price (they were) and denying previously funded treatment is a contravention of the MSA.

https://t.co/Z26iYQSNaD

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

Patients of all ages (including. children) with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis face hospitalisation and surgery. Rheumatoid patients return to a life of pain and risk joint erosion and replacements. These are all PMB Chronic Conditions.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@SAMWUMEDhealth @AutoimmuneSA @ArthritisKidsSA @drkatiewebb My email address is in the above image. I’m not putting my cell phone number on X and I can’t DM you. Please ask your medical advisor to contact me via email.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@SAMWUMEDhealth @AutoimmuneSA @ArthritisKidsSA @drkatiewebb The most recent email was sent yesterday at 11:10 from me. We need a reply please.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@SAMWUMEDhealth @AutoimmuneSA @ArthritisKidsSA @drkatiewebb This is patently ridiculous; you have a reference number. I will DM the member number, name, doctor LOM and any other details you require but I am keeping this discussion in the public sphere. I have been waiting since May for a reply to an email directly related to this case.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

The true story of how Mr Jacuzzi built a soothing, warm, massaging bath to ease his son’s juvenile arthritis. https://t.co/wLV6mzOKma

[Kate Webb @drkatiewebb]

Nurses at the Red Cross Hospital came in and slept over Sunday night so that they would be at work caring for children this morning. Night staff sleeping over today to work tonight. Amazing people doing good work. @RCWMCH @WesternCapeGov #Taxistrike

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

This is an appalling abuse of power by the taxi industry. People wait weeks, even months for these appointments. @SA_Taxis how do you justify this?

[News24 🇿🇦 @News24]

#TaxiStrike LIVE | Several Cape Town clinics close as taxi strike blocks health workers from commuting

https://t.co/F7RjwMRSv9

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

Thank you South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association for featuring our work in the latest SARAA magazine. Battling the mountain of misinformation regarding access to specialised treatments in the private sector is an ongoing battle. We are grateful for the exposure!

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@Discovery_SA I have, thank you.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@Discovery_SA please may I have urgent feedback on these five cases: 9520562369, 9622786865, 9659332998, 2876387633, 2847238625. These are for PMB conditions where no appropriate alternative treatments or procedures exist. Denying appropriate treatment is still against MSA Regs.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@Discovery_SA Thanks @Discovery_SA, your members and I look forward to that. There was a flurry of activity around the time of the @carteblanchetv and @CapeTalk interviews, but the dust has well and truly settled and I don’t get far on email anymore.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

@CMSCares4u does a reliable and thorough job on individual cases but is reluctant or unable to take a stand on long-term, repeat offenders. How any rulings will it take before the CMS cautions these schemes?

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

People like me spend our days fighting for treatment denied members who would otherwise not push back. As a result, there's little time for anything else. By rejecting eligible applications, schemes like @Discovery_SA rob patients of essential support.

[Catherine McCormack @mccormack_cath]

Schemes avoid talking about exceptions to cost management tools in member & doctor communications. Contact centres & brokers perpetuate long-held mistruths about scheme obligations. How are members to know about the MSA if everyone either lies or misrepresents? @Discovery_SA