We’re sharing this information to remind APS members about recent changes to DVA telehealth services, and to outline the APS’ position on these changes.
The background
From 1 January 2022, the DVA introduced permanent telehealth arrangements for general practitioner, medical specialist and allied health services (except dental, optical and neuropsychology), for eligible DVA clients. While the risk of COVID-19 was high, DVA allowed telehealth sessions for initial and extended consultations.
With the risk of COVID-19 being reduced, in July 2022, the DVA transitioned to permanent arrangements, i.e., access to telehealth where clinically appropriate and provided to clients who have an established clinical relationship with the provider. This meant a reversion to telehealth services only being available for subsequent consultations – initial and extended consultations being undertaken in person.
According to the DVA, permanent allied telehealth arrangements will be reviewed 12 months after implementation to ensure they remain appropriate and address any issues that may have arisen.
The DVA also noted that requests for telehealth treatment outside of DVA’s permanent arrangements may be considered under DVA’s usual prior approval arrangements, on a case by case basis.
Member feedback
We understand this reversion to the permanent arrangements around DVA telehealth services is impacting many of our members, and we’ve been taking action to help remedy the issue.
Since earlier this year, we have received feedback from members that the transition back to the permanent arrangements around telehealth services, and the requirement to have initial and extended consultations in person, is not working well for many of your DVA clients and is out of step with telehealth arrangements under Medicare.
APS advocacy
As a result of this member feedback, the APS has met with DVA representatives to advocate for a review of the current arrangements. We have emphasised the efficacy of telehealth services and the growing acceptance of telehealth as an effective alternative to face-to-face services for those clients and psychologists who choose to undertake therapeutic interventions in this way.
We have also spoken to the inconsistency between DVA arrangements and telehealth services under Medicare, and the convenience of telehealth services for many clients – especially those who would otherwise find accessing psychological services difficult due to disability or their location.
We are pleased to report that the DVA has been receptive to our perspective on this matter and the concerns raised by APS members. As a result, the DVA has advised us it is reviewing the current telehealth arrangements. They informed us that this may take some time due to their internal approval processes.
In addition, we have been informed that the majority of requests for telehealth treatment outside of DVA’s permanent arrangements are being approved.
For more information on the DVA’s current telehealth arrangements, please see: https://www.dva.gov.au/providers/health-programs-and-services-our-clients/permanent-telehealth-information-health-care#allied-health-providers