In Practice: DVA releases new quick guide for GPs

This week’s In Practice also includes encouragement for GPs to review their service listings regularly through the National Health Services Directory (NHSD). 
 
DVA guide offers support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has released a new quick guide designed to help GPs navigate the item numbers available when treating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans. 
 
The guide outlines some of the item numbers available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans and the appropriate MBS and DVA item numbers for billing.
 
It also includes an example of what billing may look like for a fictional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veteran over the course of a year. 
 
The DVA is now encouraging GPs to use the guide to enhance their understanding of the item numbers available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans. 
 
National Health Services Directory
The DVA is encouraging GPs to review their service listings regularly through the NHSD, including contact details, opening hours and the services offered. 
 
The NHSD is searched more than 1.5 million times per month via Healthdirect’s Service Finder, and GPs ensuring their services are accurately listed helps DVA clients and their referrers find the services they need. 
 
To register, first check if the service is an existing listing, and if your service is not already listed, complete the NHSD online registration form.
 
There is no DVA-specific indicator on the NHSD to confirm a practice accepts Veteran Card holders, but the DVA encourages GPs to highlight that they accept cardholders by adding a comment to the ‘service description’ field.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Department of Veterans’ Affairs DVA veterans