I require an MRI before double knee replacement surgery. I am unable to currently work and have a health care card. I identify as a low-income earner and as such, I need to utilise bulk bill services. The closest bulk bill MRI is Mandurah and my appt is in the evening very soon. As such, I rang PATS to apply for travel assistance only to be told no because there is an MRI in Bunbury and that is closer. As I understand it, Bunbury MRI does not bulk bill and I cannot afford that service.
I feel discrimination from PATS based on socio-economic capacity. As I understand it, a person in my situation living in Mandurah can get an MRI for the price of a bus fare. It seems people living in the Southwest are denied low-cost MRI locally and cannot get assistance to access it regionally. Even if I could afford the Bunbury service, the town I live in doesn't receive PATS to Bunbury as the limit is 100km and we are 98km.
In my opinion, this policy decision is discriminatory in essence and requires attention urgently.
"Discriminatory policy"
About: Patient Assisted Travel Scheme - WACHS South West Patient Assisted Travel Scheme - WACHS South West Bunbury 6230
Posted by beidfh69 (as ),
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