VETERAN TREATMENT CYCLE INITIATIVE

“The health and wellbeing of veterans and their families is a high priority for the Morrison Government.

“We have listened to feedback from health professionals who deliver care to the veteran community about the need for more support to accompany the changes to allied health referrals, scheduled to start on July 1. The changes will now begin on October 1, 2019 to provide more time for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to meet with stakeholders.

“The new treatment cycle will improve the quality of care veterans receive through closer collaboration between a veteran’s GP and allied health providers.

“DVA has been instructed to work closely with allied health providers, GPs and the veteran community to ensure the new arrangements are properly communicated and implemented in a timely manner.”

For more information, visit:  https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/medical-services-and-conditions/improved-dental-and-allied-health-clients

“Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and its members are grateful for the Minister’s quick actions to delay the implementation of the new Treatment Cycle Initiative until October. 

“The allied health sector is supportive of the introduction of the treatment cycle, but have been concerned about ensuring that veterans and the providers that support them are able to transition to the new system properly. 

“The additional time will allow the sector to work with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to ensure a smooth and safe transition that ensures veterans do not miss out on vital care.”

 Comments attributable to Australian Medical Association spokesperson: 

“The AMA welcomes the changes to the treatment cycle for allied health referrals for veterans. These changes introduced by the DVA promote GP-led team-based care. Planned multidisciplinary team-based care has been demonstrated to improve patient outcomes. The treatment cycle will ensure strong links between GPs and allied health professionals, preventing fragmentation of care and unnecessary duplication of services.”