DVA Provider News article - .

DVA advises veterans to contact GP for healthcare options during pandemic

Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients have been advised to continue accessing health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to contact their usual General Practitioner (GP) to discuss the options available to them.

A lady, dressed in a white coat, is using a Sphygmomanometer to take a blood pressure reading of an elderly gentleman. They are both sitting down in a medical office.

There has been a drop in the number of DVA clients accessing health treatments and services, including medical and allied health, pharmaceuticals, private hospitals, Veterans’ Home Care and transport services.

This may be either due to fears about getting sick from the virus or uncertainties about the options available to them for health consultations.

DVA is currently reaching out to veterans and their families to reassure them that health care continues to be available to support them and that they should access care when they need it.

Clients are being advised to contact their GP practice to discuss the best approach for them, including accessing mental health support. All DVA White Card holders are entitled to free mental health care for any mental health condition.

Temporary DVA telehealth arrangements have been introduced as an option available to GPs and allied health providers to consult with their DVA patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DVA acknowledges the integral role of general practices, including practices that participate in the Coordinated Veteran Care (CVC) program, in supporting the health and wellbeing of veterans, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk during this challenging period.

DVA has also reached out to its Community Nursing Program and Veterans’ Home Care providers to ensure continuity of support services during the pandemic. Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) items can also continue to be prescribed and supplied to DVA clients.

More information

Health providers seeking further information about DVA’s health arrangements during the pandemic, please visit:

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