A practice code number is allocated based on the authority granted to the BHF by the Council for Medical Schemes to allocate practice code numbers to suppliers of relevant health services.

The practice number, allocated to all registered healthcare providers is a legal requirement for the process of reimbursement of a claim to either a medical scheme member or service provider. This is in accordance with the requirement of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 wherein it is stated that a medical scheme may only reimburse a member or a provider of relevant healthcare services for services rendered against a valid practice code number.

Requirements

The following documentation is required when applying for a BHF Practice Number:
• Certified copy of ID.
• Certified copy of the passport and proof of permanent residence, where the applicant is not a South African citizen.
• Certified copy of marriage certificate, where the name on the registration certificate differs to the identity document.
• Certified copy of the Incorporation Certificate from the Registrar of Companies, where applicable.
• Certified copy of the Speciality Registration Certificate from the Health Professions Council of S A, where applicable.
• Certified copy of an Independent Practice Registration Certificate from the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
• Certified copy of a Dispensing License from the Department of Health of South Africa, where applicable.
• Proof from the Health Professions Council of South Africa that the subscription fee has been paid for the current year.
• Certified copy of a proof of practice approval letter from the Health Professions Council of South Africa, applicable only to the following disciplines;
  *Dental Therapist *Medical Technologist *Diagnostic Radiographer

• Certified copy of an approval letter from the Health Professions Council of South Africa, confirming the use of the trading name, only applicable to Optometrists and Optical Dispensers.
• Completed BHF Practice Number Application Form for the relevant discipline, consisting of:
• Form providing details of a Commissioner of Oaths.
• Form providing details of the facility/service/business.
• Signed declaration.
• Banking verification form.

Should you have any queries, please contact Client Services on 0861-30-20-10, by facsimile on (011) 880-5959 or 08660-73-703, or e-mail clientservices@bhfglobal.com