Going to see your specialist?
Victorian patient transport assistance scheme (VPTAS) for Raymond Islanders
This scheme subsidises travel and accommodation costs incurred by rural Victorians and an approved escort, who have no other option but to travel a long distance to receive approved medical specialist services.
Who is eligible?
"Those living permanently in a rural area such as Raymond Island.
"Most people referred for specialist treatmet by a registered medical practitioner. This scheme is available under speciality medical codes so ask your GP if you are eligible.
"Patients travelling more than 100 kilometres one way, or on average 500 kilometres per week for a minimum of five consecutive weeks.
Pensioners / Non Pensioner?
Every resident is eligible for this service. Non-pensioners will pay the first $100 each treatment year. A treatment year is defined as 12 months from the date of the patient s first listed medical specialist service. This is requirement is waved for Pensioners and Health Care Card holders.
Patient escorts
An approved patient escort may also be eligible to claim travel and accommodation costs. This needs approval by the appropriate Medical Specialist at the time of the visit when completing part C of the application form.
Travel covered
The Department of Health uses a route planner to calculate the most direct and simplist route between patients residents and the approved medical specialist when using a private vehicle.
This determines the subsidy payment.
View the route planner at www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/vptas/patients.htm
Train fares can also be claimed and the cost of getting to and from your specialist by public transport. Taxi fares can only be claimed when there is no other transport available.
Interstate services will only be approved for reimbursement if the medical specialist confirms in writing that the required service cannot be provided within Victoria.
Travel will only be covered between the patients residence and the treatment location. No travel undertaken during a treatment episode is eligible for VPTAS assistance.
Accommodation
The basic rate for accommodation is $35.00 per night + GST. Additional accommodation time needs to be approved by your medical specialist.
Claim forms
These are available from your local General Practitioner or can be downloaded from the VPTAS Rural Health website. Original copies of receipts must be submitted with your claim.
Claims can be sent to:
Victorian VPAS Office
PO Box 712
Ballarat Vic 3350
Contact Rural Health
The people at VPTAS are happy to discuss your application and any details you may need clarified. The information on their web site is quite detailed but if you need extra help there is a team of 14 operators ready to give advice and assistance if you need them.
Contact details
Phone 5333 6040
Toll free1300 737 073
Website www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/vptas/patients.htm
Victorian patient transport assistance scheme (VPTAS) for Raymond Islanders
This scheme subsidises travel and accommodation costs incurred by rural Victorians and an approved escort, who have no other option but to travel a long distance to receive approved medical specialist services.
Who is eligible?
"Those living permanently in a rural area such as Raymond Island.
"Most people referred for specialist treatmet by a registered medical practitioner. This scheme is available under speciality medical codes so ask your GP if you are eligible.
"Patients travelling more than 100 kilometres one way, or on average 500 kilometres per week for a minimum of five consecutive weeks.
Pensioners / Non Pensioner?
Every resident is eligible for this service. Non-pensioners will pay the first $100 each treatment year. A treatment year is defined as 12 months from the date of the patient s first listed medical specialist service. This is requirement is waved for Pensioners and Health Care Card holders.
Patient escorts
An approved patient escort may also be eligible to claim travel and accommodation costs. This needs approval by the appropriate Medical Specialist at the time of the visit when completing part C of the application form.
Travel covered
The Department of Health uses a route planner to calculate the most direct and simplist route between patients residents and the approved medical specialist when using a private vehicle.
This determines the subsidy payment.
View the route planner at www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/vptas/patients.htm
Train fares can also be claimed and the cost of getting to and from your specialist by public transport. Taxi fares can only be claimed when there is no other transport available.
Interstate services will only be approved for reimbursement if the medical specialist confirms in writing that the required service cannot be provided within Victoria.
Travel will only be covered between the patients residence and the treatment location. No travel undertaken during a treatment episode is eligible for VPTAS assistance.
Accommodation
The basic rate for accommodation is $35.00 per night + GST. Additional accommodation time needs to be approved by your medical specialist.
Claim forms
These are available from your local General Practitioner or can be downloaded from the VPTAS Rural Health website. Original copies of receipts must be submitted with your claim.
Claims can be sent to:
Victorian VPAS Office
PO Box 712
Ballarat Vic 3350
Contact Rural Health
The people at VPTAS are happy to discuss your application and any details you may need clarified. The information on their web site is quite detailed but if you need extra help there is a team of 14 operators ready to give advice and assistance if you need them.
Contact details
Phone 5333 6040
Toll free1300 737 073
Website www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/vptas/patients.htm
Are we too old to live on Raymond Island?
HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ISLANDERS
The support we give to others in need of assistance has always been a feature of living on Raymond Island.
However there will come a time when we will all need extra help.
HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ISLANDERS
The support we give to others in need of assistance has always been a feature of living on Raymond Island.
However there will come a time when we will all need extra help.
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Click on images
Our research team will begin to compile and present a series of articles which explore
the health and support services able to be accessed by Raymond Islanders.
The first in this series will be about Transport
the health and support services able to be accessed by Raymond Islanders.
The first in this series will be about Transport
Ambulance
Archicentre
Bairnsdale Hospital
Bairnsdale Regional
Health Service
Districy nursing
Gippslands Lakes
Community Health
Home Help
Paynesville Community Health Centre
Power of Attorney
Transport