"Response time for claims and lack of communication"

I am not happy about the response time for receiving my last PATS claim.

I put in a claim for a return flight to Perth from Port Hedland and accommodation costs to attend daily radiation treatments a few months ago.  I stayed an extra week to spend time with family and to be sure that has no further ill effects from the radiation treatment.  The claim was submitted soon after my return to Hedland at the Hedland Health Campus.

I have put in 2 earlier claims to PATS. The first one for the period of 3 days earlier this year was paid within the same month. In my opinion, this is an acceptable time frame.

My second claim was for a month long period. This was finally paid for over 3 months later. I feel this is not an acceptable time frame. Particularly when I book and pay for my own flights and manage accommodation requirements to lessen the demands on PATS staff.

There is no communication from the PATS office that there will be a delay.  I have not been informed that this claim does or doesn't meet requirements.

There is no communication from PATS when payments are put into my bank account. An automatic email or text message would be appreciated to alert patients to a payment.

I am very appreciative that the PATS system is there to support us, but the lack of face to face service in country towns and the delays with reimbursements makes it difficult for me to give the system a rating that says it is totally supportive of all patients and their requirements.