Queensland Artificial Limb Service

The Queensland Artificial Limb Service (QALS) is the administration service responsible for the provision of definitive prosthetic services to eligible residents of Queensland.

QALS funds a variety of standard definitive prosthetic services for people requiring a definitive prosthesis (artificial limb), for basic day to day activities. Annual funding limits apply to all services funded through QALS.

Guidelines for Queensland Artificial Limb Service

The Guidelines for Queensland Artificial Limb Service (PDF 422 kB) provides detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, service inclusions and funding levels.

The Prosthetic Limb Funding Flowchart (PDF 147 kB) outlines the process of receiving prosthetic funding.

QALS facilitates the provision of basic prosthetic services via a network of government contracted Prosthetic Service Providers (PSP), also known as prosthetic limb manufacturers. PSP’s have experienced Prosthetists, who are allied health professionals, specifically qualified and trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and alignment of prosthetic limbs.

QALS works in collaboration with amputee outpatient clinics, in both public and private health facilities. Amputee Clinics provide clinical treatment and mobility assessments through a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of rehabilitation health professionals (Rehabilitation Specialist / Senior Medical Officer; Physiotherapist; Occupational Therapist), as part of a patient’s interim rehabilitation program (4 to 6 months) following an amputation. Clinical and mobility assessments are provided to QALS by the clinic’s Rehabilitation Specialist and/or Physiotherapist to confirm eligibility for definitive prosthetic services.

Eligibility

Applicants are required to complete client registration form (PDF 869 kB) to register as a QALS client.

The person requiring the funding support for definitive prosthetic services must be:

  • Be aged 65 years or older;
  • be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or a holder of a protected special category visa (SCV);
  • be listed on a current and open resident (Green) Medicare Card
  • have completed an ‘interim rehabilitation program’ at an amputee clinic, been assessed and deemed competent and suitable to use a prosthetic limb.
  • Not be obtaining prosthetic funding support or services through another Government agency or state service.

Note:

Funding

QALS funds prostheses (prosthetic limbs) and services for different types of limb differences. The level of provision is one standard prosthetic limb for each amputated limb. A new prosthesis is expected to provide up to 36 months of use before a replacement is required. A replacement within this time frame may require clinical justification and/or clarification by the PSP maintaining the prosthetic limb and components.

Prosthetic services are funded by QALS on the understanding that consumers wear and use their prosthetic limbs at their own risk.

Note:

  • The prosthesis and associated accessories, such as a gel liner, are to be maintained in a clean condition by the consumer.
  • Prosthetic limbs should be checked and serviced annually by the PSP.
  • Warranty periods may apply to some components and services.
  • Neglected or misused prosthetic limbs will not be repaired or replaced under QALS funding. Prosthetic limbs / sockets should only be replaced when medically or mechanically justified, not solely upon the age of the prosthesis.
  • Applications for components above the QALS funding limits, or for upgraded components deemed to be ‘non-standard’ will be assessed based on the information provided within the application.  A copayment may be required by the applicant

Consumables and Components

  • QALS maintains a list of consumable and prosthetic items, which provides an adequate range of components to cover all levels of amputation, mobility grading and component weight limitations.
  • All components and prosthetic accessories used in a prosthesis funded through QALS must comply with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) legislation regarding standards for medical devices.

Repairs and Maintenance

  • Consumers are encouraged to make appointments with their PSP as they deem necessary, to ensure they have a safe and comfortable fitting prosthesis for their everyday use and attend the appointments made by the PSP.
  • Socket replacements and the replacement of major components will require an inspection of the prosthesis by the PSP, and prior funding approval from QALS, before any repairs can commence.
  • Consumable items such as liners, stump socks, suspension sleeves, lotions, creams, sprays and donning aids annual funding limits.

For additional information refer to: Prosthetic Limb, Component and Consumable Funding Limits

Application Forms

QALS facilitates the provision of basic prosthetic services via a network of government contracted Prosthetic Service Providers (PSP) , also known as prosthetic limb manufacturers.

Applications for QALS funded prostheses or prosthetic services are submitted to QALS by an applicant’s treating prosthetist on behalf of the applicant.

Forms

To be completed by an Applicant (initial application only):

To be completed by Amputee Clinic:

To be completed by Prosthetic Service Provider:

Resources

Consumer Resources:

Supplier Resources

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Last updated: 8 January 2024