Country based oral & maxillofacial surgeons (who are medically qualified surgical specialists, as opposed to dental specialists, and who have greater ability to see remotely located patients) include...

• Dr Paul Coceancig, Newcastle
• Dr Arthur Bilski, Lismore
• Dr Peter Vickers, Canberra.

Click here for an assistance application form.

• Escorts – financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs is provided for one escort (relative, friend or carer) where the referring medical practitioner or treating specialist certifies that it is medically necessary for an escort to accompany the patient during their journey and/or to remain with them during the period of treatment. Patients under the age of 17 years are automatically entitled to one escort.
• Transplant recipients (and donor to that recipient)
• Registered cleft lip/palate patients for specialist oral health surgical treatment only.
• Itinerant workers and persons of no fixed address.

• Travel assistance for public transport is reimbursed at economy rates. eligibility for upgrades may be considered where a patient's medical condition would be exacerbated by, or prevents their use of economy travel. The referring doctor or treating specialist must certify that there is some medical reason for 1st class travel otherwise economy rates will apply.
• Air travel costs will only be reimbursed where it is medically necessary and the medical practitioner and/or treating specialist has obtained prior approval from the nearest Transport for Health (IPTAAS) office. The Prior Approval Number must be entered at Section D of this claim form. failure to do so may result in non-reimbursement of travel costs or reimbursement at the equivalent of a private motor vehicle journey only.
• A standard subsidy rate of 15.0 cents/km is available to assist patients traveling to specialist treatment centres by pri8vate motor vehicle or hire car
• Assistance towards commercial accommodation costs (hotel, motel, hostel but not public/private hospital inpatient) is paid on a per night/per room basis, where original tax invoices/receipts are provided, for an amount up to: - $33.00 per night per single room; or - $46.00 per night per double room
• A private accommodation allowance of $30.00 per week is payable;e after the first week of private accommodation for patients who are pensioners or Health Care Card holders only.
• Partial reimbursement of relevant taxi and public transport (train, tram, ferry) travel costs may also be available
• Please note that TFH-IPTAAS is not a full reimbursement scheme and a mandatory personal contribution of $40 ($20 for pensioners or health Care Card holders) will be deducted from the total benefits payable per claim.

• If you do not live more than 100Km one way from the nearest treating specialist, you should contact the Transport for health Manager at your local Area Health Service for other transport options
• Benefits are not payable under Transport for Health (IPTAAS) for...
• general medical treatment by general medical practitioners and allied health professionals such as psychologists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists
• general dentistry such as tooth extractions
• travel by ambulance, air ambulance, any other form of emergency transport or inter-facility transfer
• public/private hospital inpatient accommodation costs
• travel or accommodation costs where benefits may or have been provided through the Department of Veteran's Affairs, other commonwealth/state Government schemes, state and employer schemes, Third Party Insurance or Workers Compensation claims.
• specialist medical and/or oral health surgical treatment for injury or illness incurred during business or recreational travel

• If you want to know if you are eligible or need help with the Application for Assistance Form, contact the Transport for Health (IPTAAS) office nearest to you from the table below for further information and other forms for special travel and/or accommodation requirements/requests.
• A copy of the NSW Transport for Health (IPTAAS) Guidelines for medical Practitioners and Specialist is available to health professional from Transport for Health (IPTAAS) offices. The guidelines include details of;
• the process to be followed where the treating specialist is not the nearest treating specialist
• the prior approval process to be followed when air travel is medically indicated for the patient
• the clinical criteria for approval for an escort (relative, friend, or carer)

Country based oral & maxillofacial surgeons (who are medically qualified surgical specialists, as opposed to dental specialists, and who have greater ability to receive remotely located patients) include...

• Dr Paul Coceancig, Newcastle
• Dr Arthur Bilski, Lismore
• Dr Peter Vickers, Canberra.

Click here for an assistance application form.