In Practice: Latest news in veterans’ health

This week’s In Practice also includes upcoming CPD-approved sessions on the impact of pollution on children’s health, and upskilling in medical abortion care.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs updates
The DVA has released latest information, resources and reminders for GPs providing care to veterans and their families.
 
Consultation now open for allied health arrangements
Health service providers, veterans, families of veterans, peak bodies, ex-service organisations and other interested stakeholders are invited to help shape the design of allied health arrangements for Veteran Card holders.
 
New guidance on the use of medicinal cannabis for chronic non-cancer pain in veterans
A reminder of resources available to support healthcare providers prescribing medicinal cannabis to veterans with chronic non-cancer pain.
 
Veteran Card refresh: continue to accept existing cards
The DVA is underway with a refreshed Veteran Card mailout on track to be completed by October. Healthcare providers can continue to accept existing Veteran Cards, even if they appear to have expired. 
 
Supporting providers to improve veterans’ access to care
The DVA is continuing to support health providers to participate in the compensation process by clarifying the role of treating doctors, improving guidance, and ensuring medical assessment and report guidance rates remain current. 
 
Medical, dental and allied health fee schedules updated
A reminder that from 1 July, DVA fees for most medical, dental and allied health items increased by 2.6%. Claims for treatment provided on or after 1 July will be paid at the updated rate, even if submitted using the previous fee schedule. 
 
New mental health incentives for GPs and psychiatrists treating veterans
A reminder of these incentives that support GPs and psychiatrists to spend more time with their veteran patients, helping to deliver proactive, ongoing and coordinated mental health care. 
 
Indoor and outdoor air pollution: Kids, lungs and climate
Webinar: Tuesday 8 September, 7.30 – 8.30 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 EA hour
Register online
 
Air pollution is a major and growing threat to human health, contributing to respiratory disease, adverse childhood health outcomes, and climate change. This webinar will explore the key sources of both outdoor and indoor air pollution, including traffic emissions, bushfire smoke, gas appliances, wood heaters, and other common household exposures.
 
The session will also discuss the interconnected relationship between air quality, climate change, and health. Practical strategies to reduce patient exposure will be reviewed, alongside an update on environmentally sustainable respiratory care, including low-carbon inhaler prescribing. The webinar will also mark the RACGP’s support for the Idle Off: Clean Air for Kids campaign.
 
Medical abortion: Practical guidance for supporting patients
Webinar: Monday 28 September, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 EA hour
Register online
 
GPs can upskill in supporting patients considering early medical abortion. This practical, evidence-based session will cover patient-centred counselling, patient selection, contraindications, management of complications and appropriate referral pathways, including surgical services.
 
Chair of RACGP Sexual Health Medicine Specific Interests and Medical Director at Sexual Health Victoria Group, Dr Sara Whitburn, and GP and sexual medicine specialist at Monash Health Dr Karen Freilich, will also explore models of care, post-abortion contraception, reproductive coercion and mental health, as well as the Victorian legal framework and obligations relating to conscientious objection.
 
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children’s health climate change Department of Veterans’ Affairs medical abortion reproductive health veterans’ health