TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY NOTICE
Please read the following Terms of Service and Privacy Notice carefully before using this website or booking an appointment with the practice.
Table of Contents
1. Terms of Service
2. Privacy Notice
1. Terms of Service
1.1 Acceptance of Terms
By accessing this website, booking an appointment, or receiving medical services from the practice, the person responsible for the account acknowledges and agrees to the Terms of Service set out below.
These terms apply to all patients, users of this website, and individuals interacting with the practice.
1.2 Responsibility for Payment
The person responsible for the account remains liable for payment of all medical services provided to the patient.
Consultation fees are payable regardless of whether reimbursement is later obtained from a medical aid scheme, insurer, or other third party.
1.3 Consultation Fees
A minimum fee applies for a standard consultation.
Consultations requiring additional time, specialised assessment, or medical procedures may incur additional charges.
Short consultations, prescription renewals, administrative services or brief visits may also be billed accordingly.
1.4 Medical Aid Claims
If you are a member of a medical aid scheme, reimbursement will depend on the rules and benefits of your specific scheme.
The practice may require payment or an administration fee at the time of consultation.
Patients remain responsible for any portion of fees not reimbursed by their medical aid.
1.5 Payment Terms
All accounts must be settled in full on the day of the consultation or procedure unless otherwise arranged.
A receipt will be issued which patients may submit to their medical aid for reimbursement where applicable.
1.6 Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Missed appointments or late cancellations may be charged the full consultation fee.
1.7 Outstanding Accounts
Failure to settle accounts may result in the account being referred to a debt collection agency.
In such cases, the patient or account holder will be responsible for all additional collection costs, including legal fees, commissions and tracing costs where applicable.
1.8 Laboratory and Pathology Services
Where specimens are taken for diagnostic purposes, they may be sent to an independent laboratory or pathologist.
The cost of laboratory analysis is separate from consultation fees and will be billed directly by the laboratory.
Patients remain responsible for these costs.
1.9 Individual Consultations
Each consultation is allocated to a single patient.
If more than one person requires medical assessment, separate appointments must be booked.
1.10 Scope of Consultation
During a standard consultation the dermatologist will primarily address the patient’s main concern.
Where time allows, additional concerns may be discussed. More complex or multiple conditions may require a longer or separate consultation.
1.11 Procedures and Consumables
Medical procedures may involve specialised equipment, materials or consumables. These items may be billed separately in addition to consultation fees where applicable.
1.12 Clinical Photography and Before-and-After Images
Dermatology and aesthetic treatments may require clinical photographs to be taken for medical documentation, treatment planning, monitoring of treatment progress, and record keeping.
Clinical photographs form part of the patient’s confidential medical record.
Where before-and-after photographs may be used for educational, academic or practice information purposes, separate written consent will always be obtained from the patient before any identifiable image is used.
No photographs will be used publicly without explicit patient consent.
1.13 Aesthetic Procedure Risk Disclaimer
Aesthetic and dermatological procedures may involve inherent medical risks and outcomes may vary between individuals.
While every effort is made to provide safe and effective treatment, no medical or cosmetic procedure can guarantee a specific outcome.
Patients will be informed of the potential benefits, risks and alternatives prior to undergoing any procedure and may be required to sign an informed consent form where appropriate.
1.14 Telemedicine and Electronic Communication Consent
Where consultations or communications occur through electronic platforms, including email, messaging or video consultation, reasonable steps will be taken to protect patient confidentiality.
However, electronic communication carries inherent privacy and security risks. By choosing to communicate electronically with the practice, patients acknowledge and accept these risks.
1.15 Website Medical Disclaimer
Information provided on this website is intended for general informational and educational purposes only.
Content on the Cape Skin Doctor website:
• does not constitute medical advice
• does not replace professional medical consultation
• should not be used for diagnosis or treatment without consulting a qualified healthcare professional
Patients should seek appropriate medical advice from a healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or treatment.
1.16 Ethical Compliance
This practice operates in accordance with the ethical and professional standards prescribed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and all applicable healthcare legislation.
Medical services are provided in accordance with recognised professional, ethical and regulatory standards governing medical practitioners in South Africa.
2. Privacy Notice
2.1 Commitment to Your Privacy
Dr Nomphelo Gantsho | Cape Skin Doctor is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that personal information is handled securely, lawfully and transparently.
This Privacy Notice explains how personal information is collected, used, stored, shared and protected when you interact with the practice, website or digital platforms.
By using our services or providing personal information to the practice, you acknowledge that your information may be processed in accordance with this Privacy Notice.
For the purposes of this notice, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to Dr Nomphelo Gantsho | Cape Skin Doctor and any associated practice operations.
2.2 Meaning of Personal Information
“Personal Information” refers to information relating to an identifiable living person as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).
Depending on the services provided, this may include:
• identification details
• contact information
• medical and health information
• medical aid or insurance details
• appointment and treatment records
• payment and billing information
• communications with the practice
Certain health-related information may constitute Special Personal Information under POPIA.
2.3 When Personal Information Is Collected
Personal information may be collected when you:
• book or attend a consultation or procedure
• register as a patient
• are referred by another healthcare professional
• contact the practice by telephone, email or website
• complete medical forms or consent documentation
• make payments to the practice
• use online booking services
• apply for employment at the practice
2.4 Lawful Basis for Processing
Personal information is processed in accordance with POPIA and applicable healthcare laws.
Processing may occur where:
• the patient provides consent
• processing is necessary to provide medical care or services
• processing is required by law
• processing is necessary for practice administration
Health information may be processed for:
• diagnosis and treatment
• patient care and medical record keeping
• communication with medical schemes or insurers
• healthcare administration
Under the National Health Act, 2003, disclosure may occur where:
• written consent is provided
• a court order or law requires disclosure
• non-disclosure poses a serious risk to public health
2.5 Security and Storage of Personal Information
Personal information is treated as confidential and stored securely.
Reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards are implemented to protect information against:
• unauthorised access
• loss
• misuse
• alteration or disclosure
Information is retained in accordance with medical and legal record-keeping requirements.
2.6 Sharing of Personal Information
Where necessary, personal information may be shared with:
• laboratories or pathologists
• referring healthcare professionals
• medical schemes and healthcare administrators
• practice management systems
• regulatory or legal authorities where required
Information will only be shared where necessary for healthcare delivery or legal compliance.
2.7 Transfers Outside South Africa
In certain circumstances personal information may be stored or processed outside South Africa through secure medical or practice management systems.
Where such transfers occur, reasonable steps will be taken to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with POPIA.
2.8 Website Cookies
This website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve website functionality and user experience.
Cookies may be used to:
• monitor website performance
• collect anonymous usage statistics
• improve navigation and functionality
Users may disable cookies through their browser settings, although certain website features may be affected.
2.9 Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:
• request access to your personal information
• request correction of inaccurate information
• request deletion of certain personal information
• request restriction of processing
• object to certain processing activities
• request transfer of personal information
• withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
These rights may be limited by medical record retention requirements.
2.10 POPIA Information Officer
In accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, the practice has appointed an Information Officer responsible for data protection compliance.
Information Officer:
Dr Nomphelo Gantsho
Email: info@capeskindoctor.com
Requests relating to personal information or privacy rights may be submitted to this address.
2.11 Complaints
If you believe your personal information has been processed in a manner inconsistent with POPIA, you may contact the practice.
If the matter cannot be resolved, complaints may be submitted to the Information Regulator of South Africa.
Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg