See a GP without the waiting room
GEMS is the medical scheme for South Africa's public servants and their families. Taking leave and sitting in a queue for a sore throat, a flu or a repeat script costs you time you don't have.
With VDOC, you see a doctor by video call from home, at work or on a break, and we claim the consult from GEMS for you. Most consults take 10 to 15 minutes.
We claim for you
The claim goes to GEMS during checkout. You'll know within minutes that it's paid.
Sick notes & scripts
A medical certificate if you're unfit for work, and scripts sent to your pharmacy.
For your family too
Registered dependants on your GEMS membership can book as well.
GEMS options we bill
GEMS has several benefit options. We claim GP video consults from the three options that pay for a doctor outside the GEMS network.
How we claim from GEMS
Book your consult
Choose a GP, date and time online or on WhatsApp.
Select Medical Aid
Give the patient's SA ID number, or the GEMS membership number and date of birth.
We submit to GEMS
The claim goes to GEMS straight away and we wait for the answer, usually in under two minutes.
Confirmed, or pay by card
Once GEMS pays, your appointment is confirmed. If it doesn't, pay by card and keep your appointment.
What a GEMS GP consult includes
We bill GEMS for general practitioner (GP) video consultations. In one consult, your VDOC doctor can:
- Diagnose and treat acute illnesses such as colds, flu, infections and minor injuries
- Review chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma, and issue repeat scripts
- Issue an online prescription for your pharmacy
- Issue an online sick note if you're unfit for work
- Refer you for blood tests, X-rays, scans or a specialist
Scripts and certificates are issued at the doctor's clinical discretion. Scheduled medication, such as sleeping tablets or ADHD medication, is not guaranteed. A video consult is not for emergencies: if you're seriously ill or injured, go to your nearest emergency unit or call 10177.
Who can claim
Only the principal member or a registered dependant can be billed. The patient's name and SA ID number must match GEMS's membership records. Using the medical aid of someone you're not registered under is fraud under the Medical Schemes Act. You'll confirm this in a short declaration when you submit your claim.