The
New South Wales Artificial Limb Service (NSW ALS) is one of five disability
support services administered by EnableNSW. It is responsible for the
provision of artificial limbs to eligible people residing in
Am I eligible?
You
are eligible if you are a permanent resident of NSW; and have a Medicare card.
If you are a veteran under the terms of Part V of the
Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986, the cost of your prosthesis will be covered by
the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
For more information, contact the NSW office of DVA on 133
254.
If you
have a claim or entitlement to damages or compensation in relation the incident
that led to the limb amputation, then the NSW ALS will provide services to you
until your claim has been settled. If your claim results in a compensation
payout, you will no longer be eligible for services through the NSW ALS and you
will be required to reimburse the NSW ALS for the services you have received.
Can
I choose my own limb manufacturer and clinic?
A
Rehabilitation Physician in consultation with a Prosthetist will prescribe the
most appropriate artificial limb for your circumstances, within the guidelines
of the scheme.
You have
the right to choose a limb manufacturer from a list of accredited limb
manufacturers. Information about
accredited limb manufacturers is available from amputee clinic staff and peer
counsellors.
After you
have selected a limb manufacturer, the prescription for your limb is forwarded
by the prosthetist to the NSW ALS for processing.
You are
required to pay 15% of the scheduled cost of the provision, maintenance and
repair of your prosthesis up to a maximum of $200 per financial year. If you
select a prosthesis that is more expensive than the one prescribed, you will
need to meet the additional cost.
If
you hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Commonwealth
Seniors Health Card, you are entitled to receive a free prosthesis.
You
do. The prosthesis becomes your property.
Your prosthesis will require regular
maintenance. Maintenance and repairs should be carried out by the accredited
manufacturer. You should not attempt to modify or repair your prosthesis.
What
should I do when I first get my prosthesis?
When you receive your prosthesis you
are required to attend a follow-up appointment within a month to ensure that it
meets your requirements. At this time the prosthesis is checked against the
prescription. This follow-up appointment is important as it helps the NSW ALS
to make sure the best possible service was provided to you.
If
you are concerned about any aspect of the prescription, approval, manufacture
or repair process, then you should firstly discuss the matter with the NSW ALS,
EnableNSW.
If
the matter cannot be resolved informally, then you can a make a complaint:
¨
directly to the NSW ALS
¨
to the Complaints Officer/Patient Representative of the Area
Health Service
¨
to the Health Care Complaints Commission.