 Consumer Information > Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)
The Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) provides assistance to permanent country residents who are required to travel more than 100 km (each way) to access the nearest eligible medical specialist and/ or specialist treatment not available locally, via telehealth or from a visiting service. PATS provides a subsidy only, it is not intended to cover all the costs associated with travel to a specialist appointment.
Patients required to travel between 70 and 100 kms (each way) to access the nearest medical specialist treatment for cancer or dialysis are eligible for limited assistance.
PATS is administered through country health services across Western Australia.
Applications for PATS assistance are made by the referring medical practitioner. The application for PATS assistance needs to be lodged via fax, mail, email or in person at the patients nearest health service, prior to travel.
Publications
PATS Poster
PATS: A Guide for Patients and their Carers
This updated version provides information on PATS including the 2009 changes to the Scheme.
PATS Information relevant ONLY for residents within the WACHS SOUTH WEST catchment area.
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PATS Application Form (This form must be submitted to your nearest PATS office PRIOR to travel.)
PATS Specialist Certification Form
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- Approval for PATS assistance needs to be obtained before you travel.
- Applications submitted after travel will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
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If you need to travel urgently and don’t have time to submit your application, call your local/ regional PATS office. If the office is unattended, please call at the first opportunity during business hours.
If required, PATS Clerks can assist with travel and accommodation bookings. |
Perth Accommodation Options
These lists of reasonably priced accommodation in the proximity of the Perth metropolitan hospitals may benefit country patients travelling to Perth for treatment.
Accommodation - Fremantle Hospital
Accommodation - Osborne Park Hospital
Accommodation - Royal Perth, Sir Charles Gairdner and Princess Margaret Hospitals
Cancer Council Accommodation Options
PerthStays -Short Stay Accommodation 7 to 59 days
Note: These rates are a guide only and may be subject to change. Prices correct as at July 2009.
Further Information
For further information about how to apply for PATS, or to check your eligibility under the scheme:
Goldfields Kalgoorlie (08) 9080 5681 or Esperance (08) 9071 0801
Great Southern 1800 728 747
Kimberley (08) 9194 2855
Midwest (08) 9956 2216
Pilbara 1800 138 653
South West 1800 823 131
Wheatbelt 1800 728 792
Resources
Meet and Assist
My Travelling Booklet
Interstate Patient Travel
Patients who need to travel interstate to obtain essential specialist medical treatment not available in WA may be eligible for assistance under the Interstate Patient Transfer Scheme (IPTS). For further information about IPTS contact the IPTS Travel Clerk (08) 9222 2474.
If you are unhappy about a PATS decision
Firstly, you should approach the health service Manager where the PATS Application was lodged.
If you are still unhappy please contact the Health InfoLine on 1300 135 030 for the contact details of the PATS Regional Cordinator who is responsible for making the final decision about PATS applications.
If you would like assistance with a PATS problem you can contact the Health Consumers' Council on 1800 620 780 or visit their website at http://www.hconc.org.au/index.html The Health Consumers' Council is an independent community based organisation that represents health consumers.
If you have tried the above options and are not satisfied please contact the Office of Health Review on 1800 813 585 for further advice on how to deal with your complaint.
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