Save money by accessing PATS (for country patients)

The State Government has announced a complete overhaul of the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, in a bid to increase support for country residents who may need to travel away from their home town to access specialist medical services. Lush says Brendon Grylls, MP hinted at the changes during an interview last year. Kim Hames, Health Minister says there will be a 50% increase in funding, which will see an additional $30.8million over three and a half years used to improve the service, including petrol subsidies and accommodation. PATS will be funded by Royalties for Regions. Hames acknowledges that the scheme has been a major problem for country residents for years, and he is positive about the future of the scheme and the designation of the new funds. He says the allocation of funds has been modelled on a Senate enquiry and recommendations from the Cancer Council and the WA Country Health Service.

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Weight when I decided to have surgery:105kg
Surgery Date 17th October 2008
Surgeon: Dr Leon Cohen, Perth
Weight when I had surgery: 100kg
Current weight: 72kg
Goal weight : 70-72kg

Patient Assistance Travel Scheme - Financial asisstance for country patients

For those of us from the bush, flying or driving to the nearest city center that offers the GSV can be very expensive.
Accommodation and flight costs for a number of pre-op appointments can add significantly to our costs.

You may qualify for the country patients PATS scheme, which will help offset flights or drives to and from your home town.
I receive 13c per km which means that for every return flight to perth, I receive roughly $270 back.
My GP filled in my PATS application, and I lodged it at my hospital.
it is important to lodge your forms before you leave home for the first appointment, in order to be fully covered.

When the op and postop follow up is completed I will just need to send in receipts, and I will be reimbursed.
PATS also will rebate a portion of commercial accommodation too if you need it.

Each state’s PATS info can be sourced thru an internet search, or by ringing your nearest regional hospital or talking to your country GP.

WA PATS info

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Sleeved: 11 November 2008
Operation weight: 103kg
Current Weight: 49kg
Goal Weight: 50kg
Height: 150cm
Surgeon: Mr Hairul Ahmad SJOG Murdoch Perth