The South Australian Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) provides country patients and approved escorts with some reimbursement of the cost of travel and accommodation when they are required to travel over 100 kilometres (each way) to receive specialist medical treatment.

The South Australian Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) is being updated to make the payment process more efficient, consistent, faster and fairer for all patients across Country Health SA.

Key enhancements being introduced include:

• The Online Calculator which determines the amount you may be subsidised under the scheme.

• Pre-approval for air travel, which means that a claim number must be obtained from the PATS office and entered on the application form in advance of the patient travelling.  Ring any PATS office to arrange for this number.

• Eligibility criteria for air travel and escorts, which means that Local Doctors and Specialists need to authorise that there is a valid medical reason for air travel or escorts, using Clinical Criteria for Air Travel and Clinical Criteria for Escorts, available on the website or in the Information Booklet.

Information forums were held across country South Australia throughout September and October 2011 to explain the PATS improvements. 

The Frequently Asked Questions documents answers common questions about PATS, however if you have any queries or would like a forum organised in your local area, please email CHSAPATS@health.sa.gov.au