Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme
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The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) provides financial
assistance to patients who need to travel to access specialist medical
services not available at their local public hospital or health facility.
Patients approved for PTSS will receive a subsidy to attend:
- the closest public hospital or health facility where the specialist medical treatment is available
- private specialist services if the service is not available within 50 kilometres of the patient's closest public hospital or health facility.
Patient travel offices are
located at Queensland Health hospitals and health facilities throughout
Queensland. Staff are available to assist
with queries, applications and travel and accommodation bookings.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a subsidy, patients must be:
- a Queensland resident or person of no fixed address at the time of their referral; and
- eligible for Medicare; and
- travelling to attend a specialist medical service that is:
- recommended as medically necessary—that is, they have a referral from their medical practitioner
- a PTSS approved medical specialty
- not available, through the public health system, within 50km of their nearest public hospital or health facility.
If the treatment is available locally through Telehealth patients may not be eligible for PTSS.
Subsidies
Patients eligible for PTSS can apply for subsidy payments to
assist with the cost of travelling to attend specialist
medical services. These subsidies are not intended to cover the full costs
associated with travelling to specialist medical services. Extra costs to
patients may include parking, tolls, taxis, airport transfers and meals.
There are three kinds of subsidies available:
- Travel subsidy
The PTSS travel subsidy covers a range of transport options including motor vehicle (driving), bus, train, ferry or airplane. Approval is provided to the most clinically appropriate and cost-effective mode of transport available.
- Accommodation subsidy
Patients can receive a subsidy for commercial or private accommodation. The subsidy applies to short-term and long-term accommodation options, including relocation. Patients eligible for the accommodation subsidy are required to pay for the first four nights of accommodation each financial year, unless they are a minor or a concession card holder.
- Escort subsidy
Patients who require assistance when travelling can also apply for a subsidy for an escort to travel with them. For example, children or people with limited mobility or in need or oxygen or sedation.
Applying
To apply for a travel subsidy, patients need to:
- complete the Patient Registration Form (if not already registered)
- provide a Travel Referral Form from their specialist.
Patients who have travelled for specialist medical treatment within the last 12 months or did not have time to apply for a PTSS subsidy because they needed urgent treatment, can submit a retrospective application.
Forms can be submitted at the PTSS office at any Queensland Health
hospital or health facility or at the facilities main reception area. Applications can be delivered in person or by
email, post or fax. Patients should
check office times before visiting their local PTSS office as
hours vary.
Notification of outcome
Once an application has been received it will be assessed against
the PTTS Guideline. This should take no
more than five working days from the date the application was received. Incomplete forms may result in longer processing
times. If the application is not approved, patients will be given
the reason and advised of the process for lodging an appeal.
More information
Visit the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme website.
Read a step-by-step guide to the PTSS application, booking and claims process.
Contact a PTSS Office in your area.