Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Mailing List.

VA117 7 August 2007

DVA SIMPLIFIES HEALTH CARE SCHEME

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, has authorised new measures to reduce the administrative burden on health care providers treating veterans, effective from 13 August 2007.

Mr Billson said the new measures simplified the health care system managed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and increased access to treatment for veterans.

“These changes remove a significant red tape burden on providers of health care to veterans,” Mr Billson said.

“Until now, most health care providers have had to enter into a contract with DVA to treat veterans.

“Issuing contracts to new providers and renewing contracts for existing providers is a huge task for my Department and poses a significant burden on busy health care providers.

“Following extensive consultation with the ex-service community and peak bodies representing health care providers, we have simplified the process.”

Mr Billson said that health care providers now required only a Medicare provider number to participate in the DVA’s health care scheme.

“This is a significant change, as health care providers must already demonstrate they have the appropriate qualifications and meet other necessary legal requirements to practice when applying for a Medicare provider number,” he said.

“It will no longer be necessary for DVA to operate a separate system of verification and contracting where this is already undertaken by Medicare Australia.”

In addition from 13 August 2007, the changes will also allow veterans to access exercise physiology services. This follows the inclusion of exercise physiologists in the Medicare arrangements.

Mr Billson said the new measures, combined with the $642 million increase in fees for health care providers announced in September 2006, would enhance opportunities for veterans to access a wider range of quality health care.

Media inquiries: Cameron Hill 0408 239 521

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