DVA Provider News article - .

Alcohol and other drug services for veterans

Do you have a patient who served in the Australian Defence Force and may need support managing alcohol and/or substance abuse?

Veteran Gold and White Card holders can access the following services for treatment for alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse disorders:

Close up of GP and patient hands resting on table.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has arrangements with contracted hospitals for inpatient AOD rehabilitation services. Treatment at contracted hospitals does not require prior financial approval. Information about contracted hospitals can be found on the DVA website

Veterans require a referral from a medical practitioner for AOD treatment at a contracted hospital, if they haven’t been an inpatient or had contact with the hospital previously (i.e. as part of an outpatient program). If the veteran has been an inpatient or had contact with the hospital, they can self-refer.

DVA may fund community-based AOD services, including residential rehabilitation, under its prior financial authorisation process. In order to access services through this process, individuals must be eligible for treatment, and referred by a medical practitioner. Prior financial approval can be sought using our D9314 form

Health providers also can let their veteran patients know about interventions for alcohol and substance use conditions offered by Open Arms. Open Arms can provide care coordination support for veterans and eligible family members to access specialist drug and alcohol treatment services, including pharmacotherapy and inpatient options. Health providers can refer patients to Open Arms or veterans can contact 1800 011 046

For more information on DVA’s AOD arrangements for veterans can call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit the DVA website

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