Updates for GPs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has made several changes to the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) National Guidelines. These changes are outlined in the article Updated Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) guidelines and forms, and include additional information for health providers on eligibility, the prior approval process and supporting documentation, and step by step instructions on how to request an item.
Updates have also been made to the guideline and form used by health providers to request a psychiatric assistance dog under RAP. The guidelines and form have been redesigned to help providers better understand DVA’s requirements and processes for requesting a psychiatric assistance dog for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The new guidelines clearly specify eligible providers, sets out the criteria and prior approval process.
The DVA has also advised that the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT) trial has been extended. The trial enables eligible veterans who are waiting for their claims to be considered by DVA, to receive medical and allied health treatment on a provisional basis for one or more of the 20 most commonly accepted conditions for ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force. More information about how to access the trail and the eligibility criteria are available here.
