Start with your card and referral.
DVA physiotherapy depends on an assessed clinical need and your Veteran Card entitlement. A Gold Card (All Conditions) and a White Card (Specific Conditions) have different coverage. For White Card holders, treatment must relate to a condition accepted by DVA.
Contact Keep Me Walking Physiotherapy before your first DVA appointment so your referral, entitlement and appointment arrangements can be checked. Holding a card or selecting the DVA booking option alone does not establish eligibility for a particular treatment.
How DVA referrals work.
A valid referral is needed for DVA physiotherapy. Your GP is usually the main contact. An initial referral may also come from a medical specialist, treating hospital doctor or hospital discharge planner.
Under the usual DVA treatment cycle, a referral lasts for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes first. Your GP can review whether a further cycle is clinically needed and provide a new referral. The cycle is a review arrangement, not a promise that every person needs 12 appointments.
Physiotherapy for TPI Gold Card holders is exempt from the usual treatment cycle. An annual or indefinite referral is still needed, and treatment must remain clinically necessary. Some other clients have tailored referral arrangements. Tell our team if either applies to you.
Care focused on everyday movement.
At our Elizabeth Park clinic, your physiotherapist discusses your symptoms, relevant history and the activities that matter to you. Assessment helps identify suitable goals and options for your circumstances.
Depending on your needs, care may involve exercise rehabilitation, back and neck assessment or support with strength, balance and mobility. Ask about the purpose of each recommendation and how to monitor your response.
What to bring to the clinic.
- Your Veteran Card and current physiotherapy referral.
- Details of the condition being referred for treatment.
- Relevant reports, medication information and advice from your treating team.
- Information about recent physiotherapy or an existing treatment cycle.
- Your walking aid or usual footwear if relevant to the assessment.
Let our team know about access or communication needs before you arrive. Appointments are at Elizabeth Park Healthcare, 1 Gould Rd, Elizabeth Park.
Review the plan with your treating team.
Discuss what you would like to work towards, how treatment fits your routine and any changes between visits. Reviews help your physiotherapist consider whether the plan needs adjusting. Information about your progress can support your GP’s decisions about further care.
If you are changing providers or unsure whether a referral is current, call before booking. This gives the team an opportunity to clarify what is needed for the appointment.
Helpful questions.
Do I need a referral if I already have a Veteran Card?
Yes, DVA physiotherapy requires a valid referral as well as the relevant entitlement and clinical need. Contact your GP or our team if you are unsure what documentation you need.
What happens when my treatment cycle ends?
Under the usual cycle arrangements, your physiotherapist sends an end-of-cycle report to your GP. Your GP reviews whether further care is clinically necessary and a new referral is needed before another cycle starts. Different rules apply to physiotherapy for TPI Gold Card holders.
Does DVA pay for a general gym membership?
DVA states that it does not fund gym memberships or general exercise programs through Veteran Card arrangements. An individual physiotherapy assessment can help clarify appropriate clinical exercise options.
Official information: DVA physiotherapy services · Treatment cycles and TPI arrangements.
Reviewed .