Does your medical practice refer patients for specialised healthcare that is not available locally? The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) provides financial assistance to people from regional NSW to access specialist, allied healthcare services and non-commercial clinical trials.
Eligible patients receive a subsidy for travel and accommodation costs, including private vehicle travel (40 cents per km), accommodation (ranging from $75 – $120 per night), public transport (trains, buses, and ferries), taxis (includes ride sharing like Uber) and air travel (in special circumstances).
Do you know about IPTAAS?
In asking this brief question GPs, practice nurses and administration staff can let patients know financial assistance is available for medical travel over 100km one way or 200km weekly to the same service. When planning treatment, GPs can view the list of approved service providers here.
IPTAAS makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of regional patients. When Northern NSW resident Lilli Forrest was diagnosed with a rare melanoma on the iris of her left eye, she received IPTAAS support. Her partner was able to travel and stay with her during her regular trips to the nearest specialist treatment in Brisbane.
“Having the IPTAAS program means that you have less financial burden and you’re able to get treatment as soon as you can.”
Lilli Forrest
Patients can register and apply online – it is the easiest and fastest way to make a claim.
For more information visit: iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au/for-healthcare-professionals or call the IPTAAS team on 1800 478 227.