IPTAAS
Isolated Patients Travel & Accommodation Assistance Scheme
If you live 100 kilometres or more from Sydney, and you or your baby have been referred to a specialist unit or consultant at the Royal Hospital for Women, you may be eligible for some help with your travel and accommodation costs.
New South Wales Transport for Health Unit provides assistance through the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme. (IPTAAS).
Here is a brief summary of the key points to remember. We strongly suggest that you make contact with your local IPTAAS office before you travel to discuss your entitlements.
Your referring doctor should also complete Part B of the application form. You can download information and forms at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/living/transport/iptaas/html
What You Can Claim
You can claim a return journey to and from the hospital. Re-imbursement is usually for train or car by ground travel. Your specialist can request approval for air travel if this is medically necessary. You can claim accommodation costs up to a daily limit. The cost is detailed on the application form.
Patients who have to travel a cumulative distance of at least 200Kms per week from home to RHW and back again, may also be eligible to apply.
If you are an inpatient and a partner/family member has come to RHW to support you, this person can usually claim re-imbursement of accommodation.
If your baby is an inpatient in NICU or SCH, one parent can usually claim re-imbursement for accommodation.
A personal contribution fee is charged.
The IPTAAS Claim Form:
The IPTAAS claim form has 4 parts:
Part A and D, for your personal and travel details.
Part B, which your referring doctor must complete – before your admission to RHW, if possible.
Part C, which must be completed by your treating specialist or the paediatrician treating your baby.
You need to attach receipts for your accommodation, travel and fuel expenses. However you cannot claim reimbursement for food or travel within Sydney.
Once you or your baby have been discharged, you should lodge your form together with all receipts, at the IPTAAS office for your Area Health Service.
Addresses of each Area Health IPTAAS Office are printed on the back of the application form. They will process your claim within 30 days.
Each state has its own travel re-imbursement scheme. If you are referred from interstate, please contact Social Work reception to request further information.
Claim Forms and Further Help
Helia Rocha the Social Work Admin. Officer is available to help you with IPTAAS claim forms.
You can contact on:
Level 3 – Postnatal Floor
Royal Hospital for Women
Barker St, Randwick
NSW 2031
Phone: (02) 9382 6670
Fax: (02) 9382 6220
Information correct at the time of printing. Produced by the Social Work Department,
Royal Hospital for Women, April 2012
©Social Work Department, Royal Hospital for Women