DVA InPHo (Information for Public
Hospitals) Issue 4 April 2010
Australian Government – Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Issue #4 April 2010
Introduction
Welcome to Issue # 4 of DVA InPHo (Information for
Public Hospitals)
As the newly appointed National Manager of the Primary Health Group in DVA’s
Services Division, I am delighted to introduce myself to you in this first issue of DVA
InPHo for 2010.
In my new role I have quickly become aware of the importance DVA places on its
arrangements with public hospitals and on the care provided to veterans through those
arrangements.
I can assure you I will be continuing to seek opportunities to strengthen DVA’s
relationships with public hospital staff, and to provide you with the latest news on
DVA-funded health services and relevant initiatives through various avenues,
including DVA InPHo.
That brings me to Issue #4 which features a range of informative articles, one of
which, I take particular pleasure in introducing to you. The article is about a Veteran
Liaison Officer (VLO) who has excelled in this role and has been awarded a
Meritorious Certificate by DVA .
Also featured are articles on:
Changes to DVA Cards – designed to increase veterans’ access to services, provider
satisfaction and card security
Procedures for DVA funded Convalescent Care Services to Veterans – obtaining
prior financial approval from DVA
Information for Medical Practitioners Package – an information package about the
various DVA-funded health services available to veterans
Hospital Discharge Planning Seminars for 2010 – advising about seminars planned
for Adelaide in May and Perth in August
DVA Exhibits at Health Provider Conferences – details of health provider
conferences where DVA will feature exhibits
Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutic Education Services (Veterans’
MATES) – introduces Module 22: Prochlorperazine: a new look at an old drug
Home Front - DVA-subsidised falls and accident prevention program
New Suppliers for Continence Products - Intouch and Independence Australia
The Right Mix – revised and revamped
I hope you will find Issue #4 informative and I encourage you to distribute it as
widely as possible among staff at your facility, and to send any feedback or
suggestions for future topics to: providerpartnering@dva.gov.au.
I look forward to meeting you at a DVA or provider association event during 2010.
Letitia Hope
National Manager
Primary Health
April 2010
Letitia Hope (National Manager – Primary Health)
Veteran Liaison Officer awarded Meritorious
Certificate by DVA
Stephen Hartle, VLO for Barwon Health at Geelong Hospital (front left in
photograph), has been recently acknowledged for his exceptional service to the
veteran community, with the presentation of a Meritorious Certificate by DVA’s
Deputy Commissioner, Victoria, Mr Mike O’Meara (back right in photograph), and
the Secretary of the Department, Mr Ian Campbell (front right in photograph).
Stephen commenced as the VLO at Geelong Hospital in 2001 and, since then, his
work has involved overseeing the coordination of veterans’ stays in the hospital; a
particularly important aspect of the VLO role being to liaise with patients and/or their
families to ensure effective discharge planning.
From the start, Stephen has demonstrated a clear commitment to achieving the best
outcome for members of the veteran community from admission through to discharge
and sometimes on to post discharge care.
He has actively promoted Barwon Health’s ‘Gold Card Total Care’ program designed
to honour the sacrifices of veteran community members by providing priority health
care to gold card holders. Through Stephen’s promotion of this program, Barwon
Health staff have a greater understanding of the veteran community and their
important contribution to this country.
DVA would like to congratulate Stephen on this award and to thank him for his
ongoing efforts to assist the veteran community.
Stephen Hartle (front left), Ian Campbell (front right),
Mike O’Meara (back right).
Changes to DVA Cards
All DVA Cards are due to expire during 2010 and from May 2010 DVA will begin
reissuing all cards. As part of this reissue there will be some improvements made to
DVA cards and all eligible veterans, war widows/widowers and dependants will be
issued with a new card.
Changes to DVA Cards will not reduce eligibility for current DVA card holders. The
changes are being made to the cards to increase:



veterans’ access to services;
provider satisfaction; and
security of the cards.
Specialised descriptions on DVA Gold Cards will remain unchanged, these
descriptions include but are not limited to:



Totally and Permanently Incapacitated;
War Widow/Widower; and
PoW.
Cards expiring between now and June 2010
Temporary DVA cards will be issued between now and June 2010 with a short expiry
date. These cards will work in the same way as current DVA cards and offer DVA
clients the same access to services. DVA clients who receive a temporary card will be
issued a new look card before their card expires.
Veteran Access to Services
The magnetic strip on the cards will contain the following information:




full name;
file number;
card type; and
expiry date.
This change is expected to improve provider satisfaction, as it will enable providers to
swipe DVA cards in the same way as Medicare or Private Health Fund Cards are
currently utilised. It is anticipated that improving the claiming experience for
providers will increase the likelihood of providers accepting DVA cards.
All eligible clients living overseas will, for the first time, be issued with a DVA card.
This will remove the need for them to contact DVA to receive a “letter of authority”
when receiving medical treatment within Australia.
Entitlement to treatment overseas is limited to veterans who have an accepted
disability/disabilities. DVA funds treatment of those accepted disabilities only - the
process for receiving treatment while overseas will not change.
Security Upgrade
All DVA cards will have microprinting and a DVA registered hologram added as
security features to ensure the card cannot be reproduced.
Expected Arrival Date
The reissue of all cards is due to commence in May 2010. This process is expected to
take 10 - 15 weeks to complete.
Where do I go for more information?
Email: DVACARDS@dva.gov.au
Web:
http://www.dva.gov.au/benefitsAndServices/health/health_cards/Pages/changes_marc
h_2010.aspx
Procedures for DVA Funded Convalescent Care
Services to Veterans
The availability of convalescent care varies in each State and Territory. Where these
services are available the following applies.
DVA funded convalescent care is provided to eligible veterans for a period of
recovery from an acute illness or operation and must be prescribed by their treating
doctor. Convalescent care should relate to a hospital admission that has been funded
by DVA.
DVA will pay the total costs for up to a maximum of 21 days per financial year but
the treating doctor or discharge planner must seek financial authorisation from DVA
before arranging convalescent care anywhere other than in a public hospital.
Prior financial approval can be obtained by contacting DVA on the Provider Enquiries
numbers listed below. A DVA delegate may authorise convalescent care at one of the
following facilities providing such care:



nursing home
convalescent or supported care home
private hospital
Treating hospital staff must arrange an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment
Team prior to hostel or nursing home placement.
Where do I go for more information?
Tel: 1300 550 457 (metro)
1800 550 457 (regional)
Information for Medical Practitioners Package
DVA is constantly examining methods to improve communication with General
Practitioners (GPs), specifically on how to raise their awareness of the various DVAfunded health services available to their veteran patients.
To assist in addressing this, DVA has developed an Information for Medical
Practitioners package, particularly aimed at newly graduating GPs, those practising in
rural and regional areas, and GPs who are International Medical Graduates.
Moreover, it can be utilised as a ‘refresher’ for any GP who treats members of the
veteran community.
The package consists of:





an introduction;
three information modules;
a list of web links to information referred to in the modules;
two useful DVA reference documents - the DVA Funded Health Services and
DVA Treatment Entitlement Cards Charts; and
a feedback form.
The modules, which can be used either individually or sequentially, consist of:
Module 1:
Module 2:
Module 3:
Introduction to DVA
DVA’s Health Programs – Hospital, Medical and Allied Health
Services
DVA’s Health Programs – Health and Related Services
The package is designed to be downloaded from the DVA website and the modules
used as training tools by GP educators/organisations. They can be used either as a
PowerPoint presentation or in hard copy form, with the other components of the
package, as a reference document for individuals/practices.
The package will provide GPs (in any location) with a broad overview - a ‘snapshot’ of DVA and its health services, together with relevant links and contacts to gain
further detailed information.
Where do I go for more information?
Web: http://www.dva.gov.au/service_providers/doctors/Pages/info.aspx
Email: providerpartnering@dva.gov.au
Hospital Discharge Planning Seminars for 2010
During 2010 DVA will continue its second national series of Hospital Discharge
Planning Seminars. Following on from those held during 2009 in Melbourne,
Brisbane and Sydney, seminars are planned for Adelaide in May, Perth in August and,
possibly, Canberra and Hobart later in the year.
These seminars have been designed specifically to inform private and public hospital
staff involved in discharge planning for the veteran community, about the range of
services they can access through DVA to assist with a veteran’s discharge following
an acute hospital admission.
A popular addition to the 2009 seminar programs was a presentation entitled
Discharge Planning – the GP Perspective, delivered by a GP. Seminar participants
were very enthusiastic about these presentations and rated them very highly in terms
of usefulness in their evaluations of the seminar programs.
All seminars to date have been very well attended by hospital staff from both regional
and metropolitan areas, and DVA encourages you to watch out for a seminar near you
during 2010.
Once arrangements have been finalised for this year’s events, DVA will send
invitations to public hospitals and to DVA-contracted private hospitals, in the relevant
States, for distribution to discharge-planning staff. Individual Invitations will also be
sent to hospital staff who have registered their interest directly with DVA.
If you would like to receive an invitation to a DVA Hospital Discharge Planning
Seminar in your State, you can register your interest by email to the address below.
Please include your name, position, name and address of hospital, email address and
telephone number.
The Provider Partnering team hopes to see you at the next DVA Hospital Discharge
Planning Seminar in your State.
Where do I go for more information?
Email: providerpartnering@dva.gov.au
Brisbane Discharge Planning 2009
DVA Exhibits at Health Provider Conferences
DVA is committed to supporting providers of health services to the veteran
community, and one way it does this is through sponsoring trade exhibits at various
health provider association conferences.
Health providers, particularly those from rural and remote locations, have limited
opportunities for face-to-face access to DVA staff, and these events provide such
opportunities. Conference delegates can also access a wide range of DVA resources
and information about DVA-funded health services available to the veteran
community.
In the first half of 2010, DVA will feature trade exhibits at:










Australian Podiatry Association SA Inc., SA Lower Limb Conference, Hilton
Hotel, Adelaide, 4-5 March
Rural Health West Annual Conference, Sheraton Perth Hotel, 27-28 March
Exercise & Sports Science Australia Conference 2010, Conrad Jupiters Hotel,
Gold Coast, 9-11 April
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 53rd Gold Coast Clinical
Update Conference, Sea World Resort, 1-2 May
Australian Practice Nurses Association 2010 National Conference, Royal
Pines Resort, Gold Coast, 6-8 May
Australian Association of Practice Managers’ Staff Development Day,
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 15 May
Pharmaceutical Society of WA Pharmacy Conference, Burswood Convention
Centre, Perth, 16 May
General Practitioner Conference and Exhibition, The Dome, Sydney
Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay, 21-23 May
Rural Doctors Association of Queensland Conference, Mackay Entertainment
& Convention Centre, 11-13 June
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners – 2010 International
Medical Graduate Forum, Bardon Conference Centre, Brisbane, 26-27 June
Provider Partnering will be coordinating DVA exhibits at more conferences in the
second half of the year. Watch out for these in the next issue of DVA InPHo.
Where do I go for more information?
Email: providerpartnering@dva.gov.au
Carol Tully, Manager Provider Partnering, Brisbane Office
Veterans’ MATES Program
The latest module in this program due to be released is Module 22: Prochlorperazine:
a new look at an old drug.
Module 22 focuses on this commonly prescribed medication used to treat dizziness
and nausea and it’s potential to cause adverse drug reactions, particularly if the drug is
used for long term treatment. The module explains the conditions, dizziness and
nausea, in detail and includes ways of reducing their effects.
The Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre (VAPAC) provides a Helpline
for prescribers, pharmacists and veterans calling in response to the modules mailed
out, and generally receives about 100 calls from doctors and about 300 calls from
veterans, with the release of each module.
Where do I go for more information?
Tel: 1800 552 580
Web:
https://www.veteransmates.net.au/VeteransMATES/VeteransMATESServlet?page=in
dex
HomeFront subsidy increases from January 2010
HomeFront is a falls and accident prevention program which assists veterans and war
widows/widowers to identify falls hazards in and around their homes to help them
maintain independent living. DVA Gold and White card holders are eligible for a free
home assessment once in each 12 month period, to identify falls hazards in and
around their homes. Following this assessment DVA will make a financial
contribution of $203.00 – an increase from January 2010 - towards the cost of
recommended items to assist in reducing the risk of falls and accidents.
Eligible members of the veteran community can call the number below for a free
HomeFront assessment.
Where do I go for more information?
Tel: 1800 80 1945
Veterans’ Home Maintenance Line
The Veterans’ Home Maintenance Line is a toll free service which provides free
advice to the veteran community on general property maintenance matters and referral
to reliable and efficient local tradespeople. The cost of any work undertaken is not
funded by DVA. This service also provides property maintenance and home
inspection advice during the hours from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Should emergency property advice be required it is available 7 days a week, 24 hours
a day.
Where do I go for more information?
Tel: 1800 80 1945
New Suppliers for Continence Products
What has changed?
From 1 January 2010, following the outcome of a recent tender process, continence
products are being supplied nationally to DVA eligible persons through two suppliers
only, Intouch and Independence Australia.
There are no changes to the categories of continence items available or the product
limits within each category. Provision is based on an assessed clinical need and
prescribers are asked to prescribe/order the simplest and most effective products to
meet this need.
Product catalogues and samples are available from each of the suppliers. To order
please contact:
Intouch
Independence Australia
1800 382 727
1300 788 855
What if veterans are already receiving continence products
through DVA?
If veterans are already receiving their products from either of these companies then
there will be no change to the current arrangements and they can continue to ring for
re-supply as long as they have a valid prescription.
Supply arrangements for veterans in Western Australia who were receiving
continence products through Surgical House will change during the period March –
June 2010 and their products will eventually be delivered by either Intouch or
Independence Australia. DVA will write to the affected veterans shortly advising
them of how and when these changes will occur.
For further information regarding provision of continence products, or other items
under DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program, health providers can call DVA on
the Provider Enquiries numbers listed below.
Where do I go for more information?
Tel: 1300 550 457 (metro)
1800 550 457 (regional)
Fax: 08 8290 0379
Continence Foundation of Australia
The Continence Foundation of Australia has a team of continence nurse advisors who
provide free, confidential advice about bladder and bowel control, plus local referrals
and a range of leaflets and product information. This is a nationwide service for
people of all ages with incontinence, their carers, parents and families, clinicians,
pharmacists, allied health professionals and the wider community.
Where do I go for more information?
Tel: 1800 33 00 66 (Australia-wide free call)
The Right Mix – revised and
revamped
Since 2001 members of the veteran community
have had access to The Right Mix, a suite of
information and resources developed by DVA to
assist in making informed lifestyle choices about
drinking.
Alcohol use and abuse has emerged as a major
social and health issue in Australia in that period.
In fact, in the 10 years leading up to 2005, the
availability of alcohol in Australia dramatically
increased, according to the Perth-based National Drug Research Institute (NDRI). The
NDRI estimates more than 100,000 Australians end up in hospital each year due to
the long-term impacts of drinking. These impacts include cancers, other alcoholrelated diseases and the more immediate effects of falls, assaults and alcohol
dependence. Furthermore, higher risk alcohol consumption caused the death of
approximately 33,000 Australians aged 15 and older in the 10 years from 1996.
In 2009, the National Health and Medical Research Council released the revised
Australian Alcohol Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol. A key
recommendation from the revised guidelines is that men and women consume no
more than two standard drinks each day to reduce the likelihood of long term harm
from disease or injury — and a maximum of four standard drinks on any one occasion
to reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related injury from that bout of drinking. This is a
significant reduction on the previous guidelines.
In line with the new 2009 guidelines, DVA has reviewed and updated the content of
The Right Mix- Your Health & Alcohol resources and has re-developed The Right Mix
website. Veterans and members of the ex-service and Australian Defence Force
(ADF) communities were consulted on this redevelopment with the aim of making the
website more relevant and appealing to a wider audience. Included in the new website
are interactive tools to help identify levels of drinking and assist with selfmanagement of alcohol consumption.
While these resources are useful to members of the veteran and ADF communities,
they are also useful to health care providers treating patients with alcohol-related
conditions.. Most of The Right Mix information and promotional resources can be
ordered free of charge by providers directly from the website itself.
You may have seen The Right Mix: Your Health & Alcohol health promotion
materials previously — now it’s time to re-visit them and see what’s new.
Where do I go for more information?
Web: www.therightmix.gov.au.
Useful Contacts
DVA Postal address:
GPO Box 9998 in your capital city
Provider enquiry numbers:
1300 550 457 (metro)
1800 550 457 (regional)
Web:
http://www.dva.gov.au/Pages/home.aspx
Fact sheets:
http://factsheets.dva.gov.au/factsheets/
DVA InPHo:
http://www.dva.gov.au/service_providers/hospitals/Pages/index.aspx
Feedback about DVA InPHo:
providerpartnering@dva.gov.au
Disclaimer:
This circular provides general information only. For specific enquiries, contact DVA
on a provider enquiry number.