It is important that no conflict of interest arises, where clients receive a range of services from a rehabilitation service provider.

When to use DVA Health Cards

Even where a person is on a medical management rehabilitation plan to assist them to manage their accepted conditions, the cost of any treatment for their conditions must be met via the DVA Health Card system, not through the rehabilitation plan. Treatment includes, but is not limited to, massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathic and naturopathic services.  

This sectioin contains information about the types of DVA programs that may provide support in addition to medical treatment accessed through a DVA health card.

Medical management support

DVA may identify if a client requires medical management support if the client:

Medical management rehabilitation is assistance to help clients understand, access and navigate the civilian health system. This may involve encouraging or supporting clients to attend and participate in medical and allied health services specifically aimed at treating their physical and/or mental health conditions. The aim of medical management rehabilitation is that clients will be able to independently access treatment and support for their accepted conditions.

DVA's rehabilitation approach

DVA's approach to rehabilitation is much broader than just treatment to promote physical recovery from an injury or illness related to service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

DVA uses a whole of person approach to rehabilitation which can be best explained by the following definition of rehabilitation used by the Australian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine: