As DVA registered allied health providers, our Exercise Physiologists can service clients under the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) with an eligible GOLD or WHITE card. DVA Gold/White cards are accepted as payment upon presentation with a corresponding GP referral (find the D904 referral form here).

• Gold Card holders are entitled to clinically necessary treatment covered by DVA’s health care arrangements for all health conditions.
• White Card holders are entitled to clinically necessary treatment for certain accepted conditions/disability.

Exercise physiology services

On this page

1. What are exercise physiology services
2. Who can receive them
3. What you can receive
4. How you access
5. Things you should know
6. What to tell us

What are exercise physiology services

Exercise physiology (EP) services help through:

• the delivery of clinical exercise to manage chronic disease
• post-hospital exercise rehabilitation for treatment of a major injury or illness

EP services may contribute to the management of: 

• diabetes
• cardiovascular disease 
• osteoporosis 
• arthritis 
• cancer
• chronic muscular conditions

Who can receive them

You may receive EP services if you have an assessed clinical need and a:

• Veteran Gold Card; or
• Veteran White Card and your treatment is for an accepted service-related condition 

And you:

• have a chronic disease; or 
• are recovering after a hospital stay for treatment of a major injury or illness

What you can receive

If you are eligible for EP services, your exercise physiologist may:

• provide you with a treatment plan, including the type, number and frequency of services you require
• teach you the skills to independently manage your health condition through an exercise regime

EP services are not intended for ongoing treatment.

From 1 October 2019, referrals to this service will be under the Allied Health Services treatment cycle. This means that a referral will last for up to 12 sessions or 1 year, whichever ends first.

These treatment cycles place you at the centre of your care and the general practitioner (GP) as your care coordinator.

There are no limits to the number of treatment cycles you can have.

You can also have:

• a separate treatment cycle for each allied health service you need; and
• treatment cycles for different allied health services at the same time

The treatment cycle does not apply to physiotherapy and exercise physiology services for clients who have a Totally and Permanent Incapacitated (TPI) Gold Card. Exercise physiology or physiotherapy services for TPI clients must still be clinically necessary, evidence based and goals oriented. The treatment cycle will apply to TPI clients for referrals to all other allied health services.

How you access

1. Get a referral to an exercise physiologist covered by the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) from your:

• general practitioner (GP)
• medical specialist
• treating doctor in hospital
• hospital discharge planner

If you have a current referral your exercise physiologist may refer you to another exercise physiologist.

2. Contact your exercise physiologist to make an appointment. Check that they will accept your Veteran Gold Card or Veteran White Card for their services.

Things you should know

• We don't pay for gym memberships or general exercise programs outside of your treatment sessions.
• You will not need to pay access fees for gyms or pools if they are part of your treatment plan.
• If you live in permanent residential aged care your eligibility for EP services may change.
• If you have seen another exercise physiologist in the last 12 months be sure to let your current exercise physiologist know.
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We are proud to be a DVA service provider registered through the Department of Human Services and offer treatment to all DVA gold and white card holders. We liaise directly with DVA to cover the cost of your physiotherapy treatment.We provide a range of treatment that is covered by DVA including but not limited to:

• Exercise programs to improve movement and control
• Soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation to improve range of motion, flexibility and relieve pain
• Hydrotherapy conducted in a heated pool
• Pain management and education
• And help organise specific aids or appliances to assist with your condition

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No, you do not need a referral to attend a physiotherapy appointment. Physiotherapists are first contact practitioners so you may book in without a referral from your GP. We do accept CDM plans from your doctor. 

MEDICARE, DVA & HEALTH FUND REBATES AVAILABLE!

If you are referred by your GP under a Chronic Disease Management Plan you are entitled to a rebate from Medicare of $55.10 per consultation.

Private health fund rebates are also available depending on your health care fund and level of health care cover.

We have dietetic and exercise physiology services for all Gold and White Card holders covered by DVA’s health care arrangements. To be eligible you will need a referral from your GP.