For Referring Clinicians
Refer a Veteran patient for pain management
Specialist-led assessment and ongoing pain management for Veterans, in person at our Bowen Hills HQ and outposts in Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney and Perth.
Your patient stays under your care. We provide the referred component and write back to you after every appointment, coordinated by a service-aware GP.
One referral. Response within one business day. Continuity of care maintained.
DVA funding requirement changes from 1 September 2026
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs updated a number of funding requirements with effect from 16 February 2026. Transitional arrangements for some existing patients end on 31 August 2026.
The changes include requirements relating to prescriber registration with Ahpra, in-person consultation, and treatment limits.
If you have Veteran patients who may be affected, we can review their current arrangements and provide in-person assessment where required.
Please note: this page summarises the requirements as they apply to referral. Funding decisions are made by DVA. Read DVA’s guidance in full.
Which patients need a specialist review
Not every Veteran patient needs a Specialist review. The requirement applies to a defined group.
Patients affected
Veteran Card holders who had DVA-funded treatment dispensed between 16 February 2025 and 15 February 2026, where the current prescriber does not hold relevant specialist registration. These patients need a Specialist review before
31 August 2026.
Patients not affected
Patients whose current prescriber already holds relevant specialist registration, and patients whose treatment commenced after 15 February 2026 under the current framework.
How we work with you
Chronic pain is rarely one problem. Our team assesses the Veteran, determines the appropriate clinical pathway, and coordinates the components of care that sit outside a standard consultation.
- Pain Specialist reviews
- Specialist-led assessment, in person, at a TVH location
- A coordinated plan drawing on psychology, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy and dietetics
- Review of current treatment and management against clinical requirements
- Written correspondence to you after assessment and each subsequent review
- Support with DVA paperwork and Coordinated Veteran Care Plans
Every patient is assessed individually. Treatment recommendations are based on their clinical circumstances and suitability.
To refer a patient:
Where your patient will be seen
Total Veteran Healthcare provides in-person care through our Bowen Hills HQ, our outposts in Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Perth and a network of provider partners.
We also offer FIFO clinics across Townsville, Darwin, Adelaide, Canberra, Tasmania.
That footprint is what makes the in-person requirement workable.
Call (07) 3523 3991 to ask about current appointment availability.
Your patient remains under your care
We believe a Veteran’s regular GP should remain central to their healthcare. This is also the Department of Veterans’ Affairs position.
Total Veteran Healthcare works alongside existing treating practitioners rather than replacing them. Following assessment we communicate relevant clinical information back to you, so everyone involved in the Veteran’s care understands the treatment being provided.
Here's how our referrals work
Complete our referral form
Use our online referral form, or send a PDF by secure email.
Assessment of your patient
We will assess the suitability of your patient.
Your patient attends in person
Seen at their nearest Total Veteran Healthcare location.
Report sent to you
We send outcomes and clinical notes to you, after the patients appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Does my patient need to change GP?
No. Total Veteran Healthcare provides the referred component of care while the Veteran continues to see their regular GP.
What do you need in the referral?
The patient’s details and Veteran Card type, your contact details, relevant history and current management.
What can I expect to receive if my patient attends Total Veteran Healthcare?
We will send you a copy of the patients outcomes and clinical notes after their appointment.
This information is intended for health professionals and is general in nature. Referral does not guarantee that a patient will meet Department of Veterans’ Affairs funding criteria, or that any particular treatment will be considered clinically appropriate or prescribed. Funding decisions are made by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Treatment decisions are made by the treating medical practitioner following individual clinical assessment.
