Do you know about the PTSS?

UNDERSTANDING what financial and practical assistance is out there for rural patients requiring treatment away from home can make a big difference to how the family manages during that time.

Justine Christerson said as part of her work she was constantly surprised by the number of people who were unaware of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS).

“Not enough people are aware that there is a patient travel subsidy scheme, that there is support and assistance available for accommodation and travel,” Justine said.

“I’ve met people that have been travelling for years and had no idea that they could have been claiming their travel and accommodation expenses, they’ve just been forking it out, and sadly there are people that have stopped coming to Brisbane because it hasn’t been affordable for them, not knowing there was assistance and support.”

The PTSS provides financial assistance for patients who are referred to specialist medical services not available at their local public hospital or health facility.

Patient escorts, such as carers, are also covered.

Eligible patients are able to apply for a subsidy to assist with travel and accommodation costs around accessing those specialist medical services.

The subsidy is available to Queensland residents eligible for Medicare, who have been referred to specialist treatment by a medical practitioner, and where the services are not available through the public health system within 50km of the nearest public hospital.

For more information, see www.qld.gov.au/health/ services/travel/subsidies.