Regional & Interstate Patients
Travelling for treatment is more manageable than most patients expect.
We regularly care for patients from across Queensland, New South Wales and interstate. Government subsidies, charitable flights and nearby accommodation mean cost and distance rarely need to stand in the way of your treatment.
Support available
- State government travel subsidies
- Free flights via Angel Flight Australia
- Discounted accommodation nearby
- Help with your travel paperwork
Many of our patients travel significant distances to undergo ultrasound guided microinvasive carpal tunnel release. We regularly care for patients from throughout Queensland, New South Wales and interstate.
If you live in a rural or regional area, you may be eligible for government assistance to help cover the cost of travelling to your appointment.
Our team is happy to assist you in understanding what support may be available.
01 — Government Assistance
Patient travel subsidy schemes
Every state operates a scheme to help cover travel and accommodation for patients who need to see a specialist away from home. Eligibility is assessed by your state’s health department and generally depends on where you live and whether treatment is available closer to home.
QUEENSLAND PATIENTS
Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS)
The Queensland Government helps eligible patients who need to travel long distances for specialist treatment. Depending on your circumstances, PTSS may cover:
- Private vehicle travel
- Air travel
- Bus, train or ferry travel
- Accommodation
- Escort travel where medically required
Eligibility is assessed by Queensland Health and generally depends on factors such as where you live, the location of the specialist service and whether the treatment is available closer to home.
NEW SOUTH WALES PATIENTS
Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)
Patients travelling from regional New South Wales may be eligible for assistance covering:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Escort assistance where required
Travelling from another state or territory?
Most Australian states and territories have similar patient travel assistance programs for eligible rural and remote patients.
VICTORIA
Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)
Provides subsidies towards travel and accommodation costs for eligible Victorian patients travelling for specialist treatment.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS)
Travel and accommodation assistance for eligible South Australians requiring specialist medical treatment away from home.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)
Travel and accommodation subsidies for eligible country Western Australian residents needing specialist medical treatment.
TASMANIA
Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS)
Financial assistance for eligible Tasmanian residents travelling to receive specialist medical services.
NORTHERN TERRYTORY
Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS)
Travel and accommodation assistance for eligible Northern Territory residents requiring specialist medical care.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRYTORY
Interstate Patient Travel Assistance Scheme
The ACT provides an Interstate Patient Travel Assistance Scheme for eligible residents who need specialist treatment interstate.
Not Sure If You're Eligible?
02 — Charitable Flights
Angel Flight Australia
If you live in a rural or remote area, you may be eligible for a free, non-emergency flight to Brisbane or Sydney through Angel Flight Australia. Volunteer “Earth Angels” can also help with transport between the airport, accommodation and your appointment.
Requests must be submitted by a health professional
Patients can’t apply directly — we submit the referral on your behalf. Please allow 5–10 business days for arrangements.
YOU MAY QUALIFY IF YOU
- Live in a rural or regional area
- Need to travel a significant distance to a specialist
- Are medically stable
- Can board and exit a light aircraft with minimal assistance
- Don't require medical monitoring during the flight
- Are travelling for scheduled treatment, not an emergency
NOT SUITABLE IF YOU
- Require an air ambulance or medical escort
- Need medical equipment in flight
- Are medically unstable
- Can't board or exit the aircraft independently
- Need emergency or time-critical treatment
If you think you may be eligible, let our reception team know before your appointment — we’ll handle the referral and paperwork.
03 — Flying In
Travelling by air
Many patients fly to Brisbane or Sydney for treatment. Because ultrasound guided microinvasive carpal tunnel release is performed under local anaesthetic using a minimally invasive technique, many patients are able to travel home shortly afterwards, depending on their individual circumstances.
Let us know if you’re flying in, and we’ll talk through the most appropriate travel arrangements for your situation.
REGIONAL OUTREACH CLINICS
We also run outreach clinics in selected regional centres. Ask our team whether one may be available closer to home before booking travel.
04 — Accommodation
The Wellington Hotel
Approximately 1 minute’s walk from our clinic
Clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation, convenient for patients travelling for consultations or procedures.
We have an arrangement with the Wellington Hotel offering discounted rates for many of our interstate and regional patients. Mention the Carpal Tunnel Clinic when booking and ask whether the discount is available.
Need accommodation? Our reception team is happy to provide further information.
05 — Paperwork
How our clinic can help
Every state has different eligibility criteria and subsidy amounts. Our administrative team can take care of the documentation side, so you can focus on getting here.
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Confirmation letters
Appointment confirmations and specialist referral information for your subsidy application.
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Booking confirmations
Procedure booking confirmations and medical documentation required for travel applications.
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Paperwork & referrals
Help completing subsidy paperwork and Angel Flight referrals where appropriate.
Every state has different eligibility criteria and subsidy amounts. Our reception team is happy to help identify the most appropriate travel assistance program for your state, provide appointment confirmations, supply booking letters, complete the medical sections of your paperwork where appropriate, and assist with Angel Flight referrals if eligible.
Please contact us before your appointment if you’re travelling from outside Brisbane or Sydney, and let us know if you intend to apply for a government travel subsidy — some paperwork is easiest to arrange ahead of time.
We're committed to making treatment accessible, wherever you live.
Contact our reception team before your appointment and we’ll help make the journey straightforward.