DVA due for dental and allied health check-up
Arrangements for a major
review of the dental and allied health services provided
to veterans were announced today by the Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime
Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Stuart Robert.
"The Government is committed
to ensuring that clients of the Department of Veterans’
Affairs (DVA) continue to receive dental and allied
health services that are effective, appropriate and of a
high standard," Mr Robert said.
"The review will assess
currently available services in relation to the current
and future needs of veterans, as well as considering
contemporary trends in the delivery of dental and allied
health services in Australia."
DVA is in the process of
consulting with the peak associations that represent
dental and allied health providers, along with
ex-service organisations, to encourage input from
providers and users of these services.
More than 155,000 DVA clients
access approximately $318 million worth of dental and
allied health services annually. Allied health services
include physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational
therapists, psychologists, podiatrists and speech
pathologists.
"The Review will enable DVA to
ensure veterans receive the best possible care to meet
their needs, and it will help DVA identify ways to
reduce the red-tape and administrative burden on health
providers."
DVA wrote to
stakeholder groups in early December to formally request
their input into the review.
For more
information, visit the DVA website (http://www.dva.gov.au/providers/fee-schedules).
Media enquiries:
Richard Briedis (Minister Robert) 0477 391 174
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
