Rural and Interstate Patients
Many LTU patients come from rural areas and interstate and some require lots of planning to attend appointments and come to hospital when called in for transplant. Your Nurse Coordinator and Social Worker will work with you to devise a travel plan (which may involve air travel).
Patients who need to travel long distances to receive specialist medical treatment may be able to claim back their costs of travel through government programs. Each state has a different program with their own criteria and reimbursement amounts. You should be able to claim back the costs of air travel, public transport, taxi fares and some or all of your accommodation costs.
For those who live in Victoria and travel over 100kms (one way) or 500kms per week for five or more weeks in a row to receive their medical treatment, they can claim under the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).
Click here for information about VPTAS
Click here for VPTAS claim form
For those who are travelling from New South Wales
Click here for information about IPTAAS
For those who are travelling from the ACT
Click here for information about IPTAS
Click here for IPTAS claim form
For those who are travelling from Tasmania
Click here for information about PTAS
Click here for PTAS claim form
For those who are travelling from Queensland
Click here for information about PTSS
Click here for PTSS claim form
For those who are travelling from South Australia
Click here for information about PATS
Click here for PATS claim forms
For those who are travelling from Western Australia
Click here for information about PATS
Click here for PATS claim forms
For those who are travelling from the Northern Territory
Click here for information about PATS
Your Social Worker can help you to lodge your claims.
Multi Purpose Taxi Program
The Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) provides subsidised taxi fares for Victorians with severe and permanent disability who also experience financial hardship. Eligibility for the program is strict. To apply, please see your General Practitioner (GP) to have an assessment. If you are eligible, your GP will then send an online application form to MPTP who will contact you for further information.
Find out more about the program here http://taxi.vic.gov.au/passengers/mptp
Austin Volunteer Drivers
The Austin volunteer programme offers a limited service to patients who live within a 10km radius of Austin Health. Drivers use their own vehicles and are reimbursed for out of pocket expenses by donations from the public. Bookings need to be made at least one week in advance through an Austin staff member. Patients are contacted the day before the appointment to confirm the booking.
Eligibility for Service:
* There are no family members who can assist with transport
* Patients cannot use public transport due to health reasons
* Patients require minimal assistance, are able to use the seat belt and do not need a wheelchair
* Patients with TAC or Workcover entitlements are not eligible
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