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Changes to allied health referrals for DVA-funded care

Referrals from general practitioners to allied health services for DVA clients are changing from 1 October 2019. For the new ‘treatment cycle’ – to which the AMA contributed to – referrals will be valid for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever ends first (excluding referrals for exercise physiology and physiotherapy for TPI Gold Card holders). This ensures there is a feedback loop back to the GP on referrals for DVA clients.

The treatment cycle aims to support a more collaborative approach to the care of DVA clients, as better communication and coordination between GPs, allied health providers and the DVA client will ensure patients receive clinically appropriate care based on their needs. GPs will act as care coordinators in the treatment cycle, with holistic oversight of the client’s needs, reviewing the progress and outcomes of allied health treatment and planning with the client for ongoing integrated multidisciplinary care.

GPs can refer patients for as many treatment cycles as considered clinically necessary. Treatment cycles for different allied health services can also be completed simultaneously, if clinically indicated. Each treatment cycle will commence with the allied health provider creating a treatment plan and goals with the DVA client. They will send the GP a report on the client’s progress at the end of the treatment cycle for review, to determine whether further treatment options are needed.

You can visit the DVA website for more information. Leaflets that explain how the treatment cycle works are also available for GPsgeneral practice teams, DVA clients and TPI clients.

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