Office closure for the festive season
We are excited to close the year on a high note with the appointment of our new Chief Executive and Registrar, Dr Musa Gumede. Read more about Dr Gumede's appointment here. Reflecting on the year, as the Council for Medical Schemes, we wish to express our
CMScript 10 of 2024: Coding and funding of claims
Coding in healthcare is a simple, standardised system for recording and sharing information about medical conditions, treatments, and services. Instead of long medical terms, this system uses short codes that are universally recognised and specific to different diseases and treatments. Accurate coding helps the healthcare industry
The CMS Industry Report 2023 is here!
The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is pleased to announce the release of the 2023 Industry Report together with Healthcare Utilisation Annexures. This highly anticipated Industry Report provides a comprehensive overview of key trends, including demographic shifts, benefits paid, and other critical aspects of South Africa's medical
Dr Musa Gumede appointed the new Chief Executive and Registrar of the CMS
The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has welcomed the appointment of Dr Musa Gumede as Chief Executive & Registrar, effective from 02 December 2024. Dr Gumede is currently eThekwini’s Deputy City Manager (Community and Emergency Services), a post he has held since 2020. “Following a rigorous
A guide to understanding Prescribed Minimum Benefits
In terms of the Medical Schemes Act (131 of 1998), Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are a set of specified healthcare benefits that medical schemes must cover by law. This cover includes funding for the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for the listed conditions. PMBs are
Persistent inequalities in healthcare access in South Africa
Healthcare access in South Africa remains deeply inequitable, shaped by structural, economic, policy, and socio-cultural barriers. The country’s dual public-private healthcare system significantly contributes to these disparities, with resources concentrated mainly in private facilities that serve a minority, leaving public institutions overburdened and under-resourced. Read more here:
Mental Health Awareness Month
You are seen, and help is available. It is important to change how we see and talk about mental illness. When we openly discuss it, support those affected, and encourage them to seek help from professionals, we can make a big difference in our community’s mental
Do Men Get Breast Cancer? The Facts You Should Know
Breast cancer is commonly associated with women, but men also have breast tissue and can be at risk for developing breast cancer. In South Africa, male breast cancer accounts for approximately 1.8% of all breast cancer cases, compared to less than 1% worldwide. Black men
What do PMBs cover for breast cancer?
Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer globally, with 2.26 million new cases reported in 2020 alone. In South Africa, breast cancer accounted for 14.3% of all new cancer cases, making it the leading cause of cancer in both men and women. Breast cancer is a
CMS Annual Report 2023/24
The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has released its Annual Report for the 2023/24 financial year, showcasing the organisation's commitment to its vision, mission, and strategic objectives in a challenging macroeconomic environment. The CMS continues to play a pivotal role in regulating the private healthcare