Blood Drainage - Reinfusion

Policy

The TAC will not make separate payment for the hire, purchase or use of the equipment used for blood drainage/reinfusion.

Transport Accident Act 1986 reference: s.60

Background

Blood drainage/reinfusion involves collecting, processing and reinfusing the patient's own blood during an operation. This procedure may involve heart-lung bypass or cell saver equipment. The procedures may be described in various ways:

• perioperative blood retrieval processing and autotransfusion
• intraoperative blood salvage
• autologous blood transfusion (may be conducted in the ward area but for no additional fee)
• perfusion.

Guidelines

What will the TAC pay to the Medical Practitioner for operation of the equipment?

A medical practitioner who operates the perfusion equipment is paid under the TAC Schedule of Medical Practitioners' Rates.

Can the TAC fund blood drainage - reinfusion services performed by a member of a client's immediate family?

Refer to the Funding Treatment by a Member of a Client's Immediate Family policy.

What will the TAC not fund in relation to blood drainage - reinfusion?

The TAC will not fund:

• treatment or services for a person other than the injured client
• costs associated with blood drainage - reinfusion equipment as the TAC's theatre fees is inclusive of all equipment
• a fee for personal blood storage or blood products obtained from the Blood Bank
• treatment or services where there is no proper clinical justification for this service
• treatment or services for a condition that existed before a transport accident or that is not a direct result of a transport accident
• fees associated with non-attendance
• the cost of telephone calls and telephone consultations between providers and clients, and between other providers, including hospitals
• treatment or services subcontracted to a non-registered provider
• treatment or services provided outside the Commonwealth of Australia
• treatment or services provided more than 2 years prior to the request for funding except where the request for payment is made within 3 years of the transport accident. Refer to the Time Limit to Apply for the Payment of Medical and Like Expenses policy.