PATS forms
PATS forms have recently been updated. Previously GPs were required to complete their own form (section 1) as were medical specialists (section 2). The forms have now been revised with GPs being responsible for completing part B and medical specialists part C on any of the new three forms.
PATS is still accepting old forms. If you would like hard copies of any of the forms for your office – please contact one of our friendly staff who will post some out to you. Alternatively, you can download below:
General practitioners
The patient will only require you to complete Part B of their application form if they:
- are attending a radiology appointment
- require an advance for air travel
- are bypassing a nearer service
Patients will only be subsidised when they access their nearest medical specialist. If a patient requests to go to a specialist other than their nearest specialist without meeting of the criteria below, they will be ineligible for subsidy:
- The timeframe for the patient to be seen locally is clinically unacceptable.
- The patients clinical risks cannot be managed in a regional South Australian health facility.
- The patient cannot be treated in South Australia (these referrals are only accepted from an SA Health tertiary hospital.
Medical specialists
The patient will require you to complete Part C of their application form at each appointment to show that they have attended.
- For patients attending multiple appointments you can use a Form 2 (block treatment) form, which allows you to approve up to five appointments on the same form.
- If the patient's Part C has not been completed in full, PATS may request more information and this will delay the claim process for the patient. Please ensure you complete your part in full to support a speedy assessment for the patient.
Important eligibility criteria
Nearest specialist
Patients will only be subsidised when they access their nearest medical specialist. If a patient requests to go to a specialist other than their nearest specialist without meeting one of the criteria in the section below, please advise them that they will be ineligible for assistance from PATS. There may be a range of specialists or specialist services available locally, such as chemotherapy, which you are unaware of. It is always best to check with your local hospital whether the service your patient needs is available closer to home before they are referred.
Escort assistance
Transport and accommodation subsidies are also available for the patient’s escort if the escort is approved by the patient’s medical specialist. Accepted reasons are:
- impairment - the patient has a cognitive impairment, including an acquired brain injury, dementia and/or confusion, or a visual impairment where mobility is impaired
- active role of carer - the patient has a carer who is responsible for their medical treatment or personal care needs
- client is a child - the patient is under the age of 18
- necessary assistance - an escort is required to assist the patient during long-term specialist medical treatment and/or in decision-making about their treatment or procedures, and/or for cultural reasons such as in the case of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- as an alternative to air travel - where the presence of an escort may facilitate another means of travel as an alternative to air travel.
An escort cannot be approved simply for the purposes of driving or emotional support.
Air travel
When surface travel is not an option due to the medical condition of the patient, you will need to authorise the requirement to travel by air. Accepted reasons are:
- active clinical management - the patient suffers from conditions that would be difficult to manage during prolonged road travel or if away longer than one day
- active role of carer - the patient has a carer who is responsible for their medical treatment or personal care needs
- pain management - the patient suffers with severe pain that is likely to be worsened by prolonged sitting
- clinical urgency - the patient is clinically determined as needing urgent treatment or referral
- restricted mobility - the patient requires significant assistance with ambulation, which precludes other forms of transport.
To become an authorised officer
An authorised officer is a person who works with a referring GP or medical specialist and can complete the necessary details of a PATS application on their behalf. In South Australia, authorised officers can include, but are not limited to:
- registrars
- nurse practitioners
- chemotherapy nurses
- rural liaison nurses
- designated staff in the regional LHNs.
To become an authorised officer, you need to:
- complete the PATS training module
- obtain a copy of your certificate
- then follow the link above to register as a referring delegate or specialist delegate.
Once you have finished your online registration, email pats@sa.gov.au with a copy of your certificate and we will review your request. If approved you are all set to go.
