Support for rural hip dysplasia patients
More support for rural hip dysplasia patients is a challenge; we’ll admit that. Australia is a big country, with many people living outside of the major capital cities, making access to specialist care for hip dysplasia difficult.
The Healthy Hips Australia aim, is to increase the availability and accessibility of resources, education and support for people working with and impacted by hip dysplasia. We’re working on some initiatives to help people living in rural and remote areas of Australia receive more practical support during their hip dysplasia journey and hope to announce some exciting developments in the coming year.
Feedback from the DDH community has been to make finding resources available easier. One question that is often raised by parents is whether there is any financial assistance for travelling to appointments.
Did you know there are Patient Assisted Travel Schemes (PATS) in each state and territory?
PATS provide a subsidy to assist with the expenses of
- travel
- escort
- accommodation
Typically the criteria is for those travelling over 100 kilometres to reach the specialist.
General Guide:
Further information about PATS in your State or Territory:
Western Australia – Patient Assisted Travel Scheme
Northern Territory – Patient Assistance Travel Scheme
South Australia – Patient Assistance Transport Scheme
Queensland – Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme
NSW – Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme
Victoria – Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme