Frequently asked questions about your care and visit.
Find practical information about appointments, consultations, pregnancy care, fees, medical aid, forms and hospital arrangements. If your question is specific to your health, please discuss it directly with the practice.
Booking and preparing for your consultation.
How do I book an appointment?
Use the website appointment-request form or contact the practice directly. The online form sends a request for review; your appointment is confirmed only when the practice contacts you.
Do I need a referral to see Dr Tini?
A referral is not always required to request a specialist consultation. However, some medical-scheme options may require a referral, network provider or authorisation for benefits to apply. Please confirm the rules of your own plan before the appointment.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring identification, your medical-scheme details if applicable, relevant referral letters or previous reports, a list of current medication and any questions you would like to discuss. Pregnancy patients should also bring any available pregnancy records or scan reports.
How long does a consultation take?
Consultation length varies according to the reason for your visit, your medical history, the examination or investigations required, and the questions that need to be discussed. The practice does not guarantee a fixed consultation time.
Can the Practice Assistant diagnose my symptoms?
No. The Practice Assistant is designed to help you navigate the website, find information and understand the appointment process. It does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment or replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.
Know what to confirm before treatment.
Medical-scheme membership does not automatically mean every service will be paid in full.
Does the practice see medical-aid patients?
The practice sees medical-scheme and private patients. Cover, network status, reimbursement and co-payments vary by scheme and plan. Patients should confirm their own benefits and any network or referral requirements directly with their medical scheme.
Where can I see the current private-patient fees?
The Patient Centre includes the 2026 Private Patient Fee Guide. The published figures are estimates and may change. Always confirm the amount that applies to your consultation, procedure or delivery with the practice.
Who is responsible for medical-scheme pre-authorisation?
You are responsible for confirming your benefits and obtaining any required pre-authorisation. The practice can provide reasonable supporting documentation, quotations and clinical codes where appropriate.
Are hospital fees included in Dr Tini's fees?
No. Hospital and facility charges are determined separately by the relevant hospital or facility. Patients should obtain the necessary quotations and confirm what their medical scheme will cover before admission or a planned procedure.
Pregnancy care, delivery planning and communication.
When should I arrange my first antenatal appointment?
Contact the practice after confirming your pregnancy so the team can advise on an appropriate first appointment based on your circumstances. The pregnancy pathway explains what to expect during early pregnancy and antenatal care.
Will Dr Tini personally be available for every labour or delivery?
Not necessarily. A suitably qualified covering or locum doctor may provide care when Dr Tini is unavailable, including during labour, delivery or an emergency. The practice will explain covering arrangements where practicable, while urgent care will not be delayed.
Can my delivery plan change?
Yes. Birth and delivery plans may need to change for clinical, operational or emergency reasons. Decisions are based on the circumstances at the time and should be discussed with the treating team.
Can I use WhatsApp, email or the website for an urgent pregnancy concern?
No routine electronic channel should be relied upon for urgent or emergency medical care unless the practice has specifically designated it for that purpose. For an urgent pregnancy concern, use the emergency process provided by the practice or attend the appropriate emergency or maternity unit.
Where care happens and what to prepare for.
Where does Dr Tini consult?
The main consulting rooms are at Suite 201–202, Life Mercantile Hospital, Corner Durban & Kempston Roads, Korsten, Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth, 6014.
What is Medical Forum Theatre used for?
Medical Forum Theatre is an associated facility used for selected services when the practice specifically directs you there. Your individual booking or procedure instructions will identify the correct facility.
What should I do before a planned procedure?
Follow the specific preparation instructions given by the practice and the hospital or facility. These instructions may cover admission time, fasting, medication, authorisation, transport and recovery arrangements. Procedure-specific instructions take priority over general website information.
Patient documents and responsible information handling.
Which patient documents are available online?
The Patient Forms area currently provides the General Patient Terms, Privacy & Consent Form, the Pregnancy Care Terms, Financial Responsibility & Consent Form, and the 2026 Private Patient Fee Guide.
Should I email completed forms containing health information?
Only send completed forms or sensitive health information through a channel the practice has approved for that purpose. If you are unsure, contact the practice before transmitting the document.
How is my health information used?
Personal and health information is processed for healthcare, administration, billing and other lawful practice purposes. Relevant information may need to be shared with authorised healthcare providers, hospitals, laboratories, radiology providers or medical schemes where necessary for treatment, referral, authorisation or claims administration.
Contact the practice for an answer specific to your situation.
For administrative questions, call the practice or send an appointment request. For a medical emergency, do not wait for a website, email or messaging response.