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The TAC Medical Excess may apply to these services |
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.