PCNS

Practice Code Numbering System (PCNS)

The Practice Code Numbering System (PCNS) of BHF is a list of unique practice billing codes for providers of healthcare services in South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho.

All healthcare providers who service medical scheme members are required to obtain a practice number from BHF. This number must be quoted on every claim submitted by the provider to the medical scheme. In the absence of such a number the claim can not be processed by the scheme.

It should be noted that, under the conditions stipulated by the Council for Medical Schemes for the administration of the PCN system, it is required that all the users of the system are required to contribute towards the running and maintenance of the system through the payment of annual registration renewal fees. Of the 45 000 healthcare practitioners registered on the system, BHF has de-activate 1 100 practice numbers as from the 15 August 2008 for non-payment.

Healthcare service providers not yet registered on the PCNS database may download an application form application form and view the requirements necessary to register for a practice number

This procedure may also be used by healthcare facilities wishing to download accreditation criteria and applications forms.

This link may also be used by those providers already registered on the PCNS database and who wish to update current practice details

BHF is the custodian of the the Practice Code Number System (PCNS), which is an index of healthcare service providers registered on a database. Its purpose is to identify registered healthcare professionals and facilities duly authorised by the relevant statues. The system enables healthcare practitioners to practise legally and is critical for reimbursement of claims, when services are rendered to medical scheme members. BHF scrutinises the references and qualifications of all applicants before registering them on the system and ensures compliance with applicable legislation.

The system enables healthcare service providers and medical schemes to determine the legitimacy of any professional, identify his/her status and area of practice. It thus also serves as a tool to minimise fraud and abuse by illegitimate practitioners.

PCNS

PCNS Fees

PCNS Fess

Year	New Registration	Registration Renewal	Over Recovery	Year	Total
2003	R 95.00	R 90.00			R 90.00
2004	R 95.00	R 90.00			R 90.00
2005	R 103.00	R 103.00	R 38.00	2003	R 65.00
2006	R 63.00	R 63.00	R 26.00	2004	R 37.00
2007	R 80.00	R 76.92	R 46.92	2005	R 30.00
2008	R 86.00	R 71.30	R 21.30	2006	R 50.00

Fees
PCNS

Provider Search

Should you wish to search for a Service Provider by Province please use the physical address

Statutory Councils

Contact Details for Statutory Councils

The Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA)
Telephone: 012-338-9300
Website: www.hpcsa.co.za

SA Dental Technicians Council
Telephone: 012-342-4134

The Allied Health Professions Council of SA (AHPCSA)
Telephone: 012-329-4001
Website: www.ahpcsa.co.za

SA Nursing Council
Telephone: 012-420-1000
Website: www.sanc.co.za

SA Pharmacy Council
Telephone: 012-319-8500
Website: www.pharmcouncil.co.za

SA Council for Social Service Professions
Telephone: 012-329-9164
Website: www.sacssp.org.za

PCNS Payment options

Your annual registration fee may be paid in any of the following ways:

By cheque at the South African Post Office
Please present your Registration Renewal Reminder to the Post Office teller. The unique barcode on the Registration Renewal Reminder allows for processing of your payment.
NB: Cheques should be made out to SA Post Office.
Please note that this is the recommended form of payment

On-line credit card payment via the Internet
To view your statement and make an on-line payment, please click here

Debit cards
Please note that this form of payment only applies to payments made in person at the PCNS offices, 37 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Where can I obtain a list of Nappi codes

Contact MediKredit at (011) 770 6000.

Legislation Requirements regarding a PCNS Number

The account or statement contemplated in section 59(1) of the Act must contain the following:

the surname and initials of the member;
the surname, first name and other initials, if any, of the patient;
the name of the medical scheme concerned;
the membership number of the member;
the practice code number, group practice number and individual provider registration number issued by the registering authorities for providers, if applicable, of the supplier of service and, in the case of a group practice, the name of the practitioner who provided the service;
the relevant diagnostic and such other item code numbers that relate to such relevant health service;
the date on which each relevant health service was rendered;
the nature and cost of each relevant health service rendered, including the supply of medicine to the member concerned or to a dependant of that member; and the name, quantity and dosage of and net amount payable by the member in respect of the medicine;
where a pharmacist supplies medicine according to a prescription to a member or to a dependant of a member of a medical scheme, a copy of the original prescription or a certified copy of such prescription, if the scheme requires it;
where mention is made in such account or statement of the use of a theatre-
- the name and relevant practice number and provider number contemplated in paragraph (e) of the medical practitioner or dentist who performed the operation;
- the name or names and the relevant practice number and provider number contemplated in paragraph (e) of every medical practitioner or dentist who assisted in the performance of the operation; and
- all procedures carried out together with the relevant item code number contemplated in paragraph (f); and
in the case of a first account or statement in respect of orthodontic treatment or other advanced dentistry, a treatment plan indicating-
- the expected total amount in respect of the treatment;
- the expected duration of the treatment;
- the initial amount payable; and the monthly amount payable.