Allied Health Care Plans: GP co-ordinated care for Veterans
When it comes to supporting veterans with their health, no single clinician can do it all.
Veterans often live with complex and layered health needs that span both physical and mental health. That’s why GPs, allied health professionals, and providers like Provocatus each have an important role to play in making sure veterans receive the care and support they deserve.
How Allied Health Providers can align with GP care plans for Veterans
Australia’s veteran community deserves coordinated, high-quality care - especially when managing chronic or complex health conditions. That’s where the partnership between GPs and allied health providers becomes essential. Under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funding and treatment framework, aligning with GP care plans isn’t just best practice - it’s a cornerstone of the Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) Program and the Allied Health Treatment Cycle.
Understanding the Framework
The DVA’s treatment cycle model allows GPs to refer eligible veterans to allied health professionals for up to 12 sessions or 12 months, whichever comes first. At the start of each cycle, the allied health provider develops a care plan in line with the GP referral and in consultation with the Veteran. The Allied Health Care Plan is tailored to the veteran’s goals and health needs. At the completion of treatment, or at the end of the treatment cycle, a report is sent back to the GP to review progress and determine next steps.
Best Practices for Allied Health Providers
1. Communicate Early and Often
After your initial patient consult, complete your Allied Health Care Plan DVA documentation and communicate this with your referring GP. This will be in line with the GP referral and the patient’s treatment goals, and will ensure alignment with the veteran’s broader health strategy.
2. Personalise the Care Plan
Veterans often face unique physical and mental health challenges. Tailor your interventions to their service history, lifestyle, and preferences. The DVA encourages a person-centred approach that supports self-management and health literacy and gives the patient agency in their own healthcare.
3. Provide Timely Reports
Before the end of each treatment cycle, submit a clear, concise End Of Cycle Report to the GP. Include treatment outcomes, progress toward goals, and recommendations for ongoing care, including requests for new referrals where appropriate. This helps the GP decide whether to initiate a new cycle or explore alternative options. There is no limit to the number of treatment cycles that are clinically necessary.
The treatment cycle does not apply to:
dental and optical services, as GP referrals are not currently required
hearing services
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, which provides free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force and the veteran community
therapies that have other treatment limits. The relevant provider notes and fee schedule will advise which therapies are excluded from the treatment cycle.
Are any clients excluded from the new referral arrangements?
The treatment cycle does not apply to exercise physiology or physiotherapy services for TPI Gold Card holders.
This means that TPI clients can have as many sessions for exercise physiology or physiotherapy as clinically necessary in the period covered by existing referral arrangements – that is either annual or ongoing referrals.
This exclusion applies to all veterans who hold a DVA Gold Card embossed with the letters ‘TPI’, including clients who receive the Special Rate Disability Pension under the MRCA (Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004).
4. Collaborate with the Care Team
Many veterans are supported by a broader care team, including practice nurses and mental health professionals. Where appropriate and with the consent of the Veteran, it can enhance the care provided when you stay connected and share treatment goals and progress to ensure collaborative care.
5. Stay Informed on Eligibility and Program Updates
Veterans with a Gold Card or a White Card (with a DVA-accepted condition) may be eligible for the CVC Program. Keep up to date with DVA guidelines to ensure compliance and optimal support.
Why It Matters
When allied health providers and GPs work in sync, veterans benefit from fewer hospital visits, better health outcomes, and a stronger sense of support. It’s not just about ticking boxes - it’s about honouring service with care that’s proactive, respectful, and effective.
Recognising the role of Allied Health
Allied health providers are an essential part of the veteran’s broader healthcare team. They are often well placed to identify emerging issues that may require a GP review or an adjustment to the care plan. Whether it’s noticing signs of mental health challenges during a physiotherapy session or identifying mobility concerns during a dietetic consult, allied health professionals play a crucial role in communicating these issues early with the Veteran’s GP to help prevent more serious health complications.
How Provocatus supports Allied Health providers working with Veterans
Provocatus is passionate about improving access to healthcare for Australian veterans. Through the Veteran Access Scheme™, the team provides education and support to enable clinicians to understand healthcare issues affecting Veterans, DVA processes, and to work together to improve Veteran healthcare. By working together, all members of the veteran’s healthcare team can help improve health outcomes and ensure the right care is delivered at the right time.
Allied health professionals seeking further guidance on aligning with GP care plans for veterans, or wanting support with DVA referral and reporting processes, are encouraged to contact Provocatus. More information about Provocatus’ multidisciplinary approach can also be found in their Pillars of Care.
For official information on DVA allied health referrals and care plan processes, providers can visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.
Together, healthcare providers can improve Veteran access to healthcare.
