Medshield announces new administrator

Medshield, one of South Africa's largest open medical schemes, has officially announced the appointment of Old Mutual Healthcare as its new administrator.

For brokers, this exciting partnership signals enhanced customer service through improved claims processes, clear and effective communication and a cutting-edge IT platform.

"Medshield has chosen a well established business partner that has been operating within the healthcare arena for over 40 years, and that adds Medshield to an impressive range of clients," comments Medshield Chairman, Takalani Nwedamutswu.

"Medshield's long-standing tagline 'A tradition of nurturing' was born out of a real desire to create healthcare solutions that offer measurable value to members. This value should be felt at every touch point, and so the Board of Trustees' decision to partner with an administrator that offers one of the best IT platforms in the country, is an imperative for ensuring the continued growth and viability of the scheme," continues Nwedamutswu. "We are extremely enthusiastic about this mutually beneficial relationship and look forward to the fruits of this synergy."

The new administrator's Neil Harvey IT platform is a solution widely acknowledged for its flexibility and cutting-edge automation, which radically improves how members details, history and claims processes are managed. The system is a local creation and is therefore suited to local functionality, requiring little customisation. The migration of Medshields massive database of over 70, 000 members onto the new platform has taken place seamlessly.

"Economies of scale are key to achieving success in the healthcare administration business. In this regard, the successful tender for the Medshield business is extremely positive for Old Mutual Healthcare," says Old Mutual Healthcare MD, Thabiso Buku. "We look forward to using our extensive capabilities to provide Medshield members with the best possible levels of service."

For brokers, this administrator handover heralds a new era in convenient, customer-focused service delivery. Considering the fact that first-rate scheme administration is vital to retaining current members and attracting new ones, this is certainly a welcome development for brokers.