DVA Alters Prior Financial Approvals for Veteran Health Services
Effective January 1, 2026, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) has removed the requirement for prior financial approval for certain health services provided to eligible Veteran Card holders. This change aims to provide veterans with more timely access to treatment and reduce administrative burdens for healthcare providers.
These newly approved services will be incorporated into the relevant DVA fee schedules and can be claimed by registered providers through existing channels. A comprehensive list of these new items is available online.
Warning Issued for Counterfeit Rabies Vaccine
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has issued a warning to health professionals regarding a counterfeit rabies vaccine, Abhayrab, which has been reported in India since 2023. This fake vaccine differs from the registered product in its formulation, packaging, labeling, and manufacturing.
Individuals who received the counterfeit vaccine may lack full protection against rabies and are advised to seek replacement doses. ATAGI indicates that while the probability of an Australian traveler to India being adversely affected is low, a precautionary approach is being taken due to the potentially high severity of a rabies infection.
Travelers to India may be affected if they received a vaccine from November 1, 2023, onwards, specifically if they were administered one or more doses of Abhayrab (batch number KA24014), or if the batch number or vaccine brand administered is unknown.
DVA Reminds Providers of Authoritative Fee Schedules
The DVA has reiterated that the fee schedules published on its official website serve as the authoritative source for current applicable provider fees. General Practitioners (GPs) are advised to refer to these official versions to ensure accuracy and consistency when encountering fee information from other sources.
FPS CPD Subsidy Available for General Practitioners
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is offering a limited number of $300 Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) CPD subsidies. These subsidies are available to assist GPs in completing their FPS CPD requirements and maintaining their FPS registration.
To maintain registration, GPs are required to complete six hours of FPS CPD each triennium. This CPD must educate GPs on FPS interventions approved under the Better Access Initiative and/or the mental disorders treatable under this initiative.
Eligible GPs will receive a $300 reimbursement upon the completion of an accredited FPS CPD activity.