"Being billed for sexual health screening"

I was admitted to ward 2K earlier this year for a period of time due to mental health concerns. Recently, I recently received an invoice from Pathwest about an inpatient visit in Ward 2K that occurred during that time.

I had a complimentary sexual health screening offered to me during my inpatient stay for HIV, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis, other tests in relation to sexual health and the doctor that offered to me assured me that it was complimentary and there would be no out of pocket charges.

As per the WA Fees and Charges Manual as I understand it, fees and charges associated with notifiable infectious disease management are to be provided free of charge (non-chargeable). This is only to the extent that the examination or treatment is necessary to prevent the transmission of the disease to another. I believe this applies to all patients regardless of Medicare eligibility or insurance status.

As per the Public Health Act 2016, I recall under subsection (5)(d)(ii) is that in a case of a notifiable infectious disease - to have that examination and treatment provided free of charge.

The issue- is that Pathwest informed me that the health provider (doctor) that filled in the lab request form did so incorrectly as there was nothing on the form that stipulated that the testing for the selected pathology work was for sexual health screening and such was indicated as a general routine medical tests instead.

Pathwest has advised me to go back to the ward to correct the mistake.

I have approached Ward 2K for advice and they were unable to help me and advise I submit a complain form and to contact the overseas patient liaison officer for advice. I have called the overseas patient liaison officer and they said they would try their best to resolve this issue. I have emailed them as well.

I believe the issue comes down to semantics and wording as the word "Sexual Health or Infectious Disease" was not stipulated in the clinical indication section of the form therefor the sexual health screening for HIV and STIs are interpreted by Pathwest as "Non Sexual Health or Infectious Disease" related and therefor a billable item.