"An unfair process"

My 3mo was referred to PCH Cardiology by the Neonatologist at FSH at birth. They were seen by Cardiology at 2 days old at which time the Cardiologist stated my baby would require a follow-up review at PCH at 3mo.

Appointment letter was received and I took my baby to the appointment - driving from Bridgetown and staying overnight in Perth and then driving back to Bridgetown. The Cardiology team signed the PATS form I had printed and took with us.

It seems to me that PATS SW will not accept this signed form and receipts from travel without a referring GP signing it.

My extreme frustration is that my baby was not referred by a GP, I called and spoke to the PATS Clerk who said just go to a GP and get it signed. I expressed I could not afford to see a GP merely to have a form signed, particularly when the GP hadn't referred my 3mo old to Cardiology - PATS Clerk said as I recalled, most GPs would just sign it and send it through. It concerns me that the system relies on a GP who didn't refer my child to sign the form and relies on GPs signing it and sending it without any charge.

I feel surely a routine appointment with a specialist and relevant documentation (including a letter from the specialist stating a 3mo review was required) is adequate in my opinion.

Based on my experience, the PATS system is just another confusing and complex system for country families like mine to try to negotiate.