Proper skin care treatment tailored for you | Terms & Conditions | Dr. Y. Ngubo

Practitioner: Dr. Yamkela Ngubo | MBChB (WSU) | HPCSA: MP1014064 | BHF: 1355872

Practice Type: Virtual Teledermatology & Holistic Dermal Restoration

Jurisdiction: Republic of South Africa

1. General Educational Information Only (No Automatic Doctor-Patient Relationship)

All content published on this website—including articles, videos, product descriptions, botanical decoction guides, and social media links—is provided strictly for general educational and informational purposes.

Browsing this website, contacting the practice via general inquiry forms, or engaging with social media content does not establish a formal doctor-patient relationship. A formal doctor-patient relationship is established only after:

You have successfully booked a virtual consultation.
The R500.00 consultation fee has been paid and confirmed.
You have completed and signed the mandatory Patient Intake & Consent Form.
Dr. Y. Ngubo has initiated your clinical evaluation.

2. Emergency & Triage Policy (Not for Urgent Care)

Virtual consultations are not suitable for medical emergencies or acute, rapidly deteriorating skin conditions.

If you are experiencing any of the following, do not book a virtual consultation. Immediately present to the nearest hospital casualty department or emergency medical service:

Rapidly spreading skin infection accompanied by fever, chills, or systemic illness.
Severe acute allergic reactions, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).
Widespread blistering, mucosal involvement (mouth, eyes, genitals), or skin sloughing.
Sudden, severe, or unexplained skin pain.

3. Scope & Inherent Limitations of Teledermatology

Teledermatology (asynchronous photographic review and synchronous video consultation) operates in accordance with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) guidelines. However, patients must acknowledge the following inherent limitations:

Visual Dependence: Assessment relies on digital photographs and video transmission. Diagnostic accuracy depends heavily on the quality, lighting, and resolution of images provided by the patient.
Absence of Physical Touch: Virtual consultations do not allow for physical palpation, dermoscopy, or direct tissue sampling (biopsies).
Referral Requirement: If Dr. Ngubo determines during a virtual consultation that your condition requires physical palpation, in-person dermoscopy, minor surgical intervention, or immediate tissue biopsy, you will be formally advised to attend an in-person clinical facility or specialist dermatologist.

4. Pharmacological & Complementary Botanical Protocols

Dr. Ngubo operates an integrated medical model combining evidence-based pharmacological treatments (aligned with the Adult PACK / Essential Drugs List) with non-pharmacological topical barrier repair (Lass Skincare) and dietary botanical decoctions (Turmeric-Fenugreek galactomannan protocols):

Medical Prescriptions: Pharmacological prescriptions are issued at the sole clinical discretion of Dr. Ngubo following a complete consultation and visual assessment.
Complementary Botanical Regimens: Products supplied via this website or recommended as part of dietary protocols are intended to support dermal barrier function and systemic inflammatory pathways. They do not replace prescribed medical therapies where pharmacological intervention is clinically required.
Disclosure of Allergies & Medications: Patients are strictly required to disclose all known allergies, existing medical conditions (including pregnancy or breastfeeding), and current medications (prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal) during the digital intake process to prevent adverse interactions.

5. Bookings, Payments & Medical Aid Schemes

Consultation Fee: A non-refundable fee of R500.00 ZAR is required upfront to secure a virtual consultation slot.
Product Purchases: Skincare products and treatment bundles are billed separately from the consultation fee.
Medical Aid Claims: This is a direct-payment (cash-based) virtual practice. Following your consultation, you will be issued an official tax invoice containing Dr. Ngubo’s HPCSA (MP1014064) and BHF (1355872) practice numbers. You may submit this invoice directly to your medical scheme for potential reimbursement, subject to the terms and available savings pool of your specific medical option. The practice does not guarantee medical scheme reimbursement.

6. Privacy & Protection of Personal Information (POPIA Compliance)

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and the National Health Act 61 of 2003:

All personal information, clinical history, and photographic uploads collected via our secure intake portals (e.g., JotForm) are encrypted and processed confidentially.
Patient information will never be shared, sold, or disclosed to third parties without explicit written consent, except where required by law or for necessary courier delivery of purchased products.

7. Limitation of Liability & Governing Law

To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, Dr. Yamkela Ngubo and associated practice entities shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of this website or reliance on non-individualized educational content.
All medical consultations, treatments, and website terms are governed exclusively by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, and any legal disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.