Changes to exercise physiology services from 1 September 2021

As part of the 2021–22 Budget measure Improving the integrity of health provider payments for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, from 1 September 2021, DVA will not be able to pay for exercise physiology services provided to DVA clients (veterans and war widow/ers) on the same day as other musculoskeletal treatment services to treat the same condition. This includes physiotherapy, osteopathy or chiropractic services provided on the same day as an exercise physiology service. These changes do not apply to DVA clients receiving same day musculoskeletal services for treatment of different conditions.

These changes take into account a number of factors including safety, clinical advice and the best available evidence to improve treatment outcomes for the veteran community. DVA is advised by clinical experts that receiving more than one musculoskeletal service for the same condition on the same day will not necessarily provide a greater clinical benefit.

DVA clients who have to reschedule their second musculoskeletal treatment to another day and live a significant distance from their allied health care provider can access DVA arranged travel or reimbursement for travel. DVA encourages eligible veterans to use this entitlement to ensure they can access their treatment.

In exceptional clinical circumstances where a client may benefit from receiving more than one musculoskeletal treatment on the same day to treat the same condition, your provider can apply for prior approval from the Department.