Veterans face a variety of health problems after their service. These health problems are often things like emotional pains, and long-term impact of physical injury or psychological trauma, which can affect every single aspect of daily living. While conventional medical care will always play an important role in helping veterans heal and recover, an increasing number of veterans are looking at natural or holistic therapies as a way to complement their existing medical care. In Australia, and more specifically, its Australian veterans who receive services that can be funded by DVA. There are a variety of avenues for support.
This blog will look at natural health approaches available to veterans in Australia, what rebates are available, how complementary therapies can help healing and wellness, and how to use these services through either telehealth or in-person appointments.
Veterans’ health concerns extend beyond just physical ailments. Many individuals seeking alternative medicine faces a complex combination of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. A one-dimensional medical approach often falls short of addressing these diverse needs. These are exactly the reasons why natural therapies are now seen as an important aspect of a more extensive wellness approach.
Complementary medicine often takes health into consideration, including personal thoughts/emotions, collective wellbeing, and environmental circumstances, rather than looking at issues individually. This perspective may assist with healing, reducing pain, and supporting mental wellbeing, in conjunction with conventional approaches to health.
The Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides health support to eligible veterans. The health support is through the White (having access to General Practitioners, Specialists, and Hospital based care) and Gold Card system, with some lesser-known natural therapies.
Eligible veterans with a Gold Card can access a larger range of therapies and combinations of services, including both natural and allied therapies to the extent of their clinical indications and clinical recommendations.
For Veterans with pain, it has recognised the growing interest and importance of an integrative treatment solution. There may be available rebateable services if a GP, specialist or DVA registered practitioner proposes or recommends a complementary therapy treatment plan. Nevertheless, coverage may differ from therapist to therapist, so veterans or caregivers should address queries directly, or with trusted and experienced clinic administrators. Clinic administrators may be able to assist with eligibility and associated item numbers.
Some private clinics provide assistance in navigating the DVA claims process, assisting veterans to understand which therapies are eligible, prepare documentation, and not incur costs out of pocket.
Complementary medicines and natural therapies for veterans could serve as an adjunct to more conventional medical treatments by supporting processes where the treatment involves considerable symptom management. For veterans, it can include natural therapy interventions, such as movement-based therapies, nutrition, or they can be called upon individually, alongside their own personalised wellness plans.
More clinics across Australia are providing veterans access to complementary health options. Clinics that offer natural therapy options are developing specific programs for veterans, so that program aligns with the health areas, individual goals, and overall coordinated care and support discussed with the veteran GP. Thus, the veteran care and support approach are more holistic, focusing on both physical and mental health.
Accessibility is key to whether veterans seek help or not. When it comes to regular health appointments, travel and location, and ability to exercise physical mobility become obstacles. In Australia, Telehealth has successfully engaged with the digital transformation in healthcare where it is normal to access veteran services or healthcare from anywhere a veteran may live.
Many natural health practitioners now offer telehealth (via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) as a service. Veterans can gain the same benefit as visiting them in person. Telehealth allows veterans to receive personal consultations, speak about symptoms, gain health education about therapies, and build wellness plans from the comfort of home.
Face-to-face appointments are still essential for physical contact treatments, which include massage, acupuncture, and movement therapy. Some clinics will offer a blended option, starting with a virtual consultation for the development of a plan, and then the follow-up one or more in person, as required.
In addition, some natural medicine clinics are aware of the potential DVA health support alternative medicine access pathways, and can assist with confirming entitlements, and as a medical professional, they can continue to offer care in either virtual or in-person format.
Veterans should consider the following prior any new treatment evidence:
Some natural medicine clinics (practitioners) have proactively engaged with veterans. These clinics often:
Veterans should feel comfortable approaching these clinics not exclusively for therapy, but for support in navigating the DVA framework.
We offer a range of flexible and affordable consultation options to ensure that high-quality care remains accessible and transparent for everyone. Whether you prefer in-clinic or telehealth appointments, we’ve tailored our pricing to suit different needs:
1. In-Clinic Consultations (Face-to-Face):
2. Telehealth Consultations for Natural Medicine:
3. Bulk Billing with a valid Mental Health Care Plan:
We are committed to providing flexible options without compromising on care.
Confused about where to start? Here’s how we can assist:
Veterans should feel comfortable approaching these clinics not exclusively for therapy, but for support in navigating the framework.
Veterans do not need to stop their healing process at conventional treatments. Natural therapies can help provide meaningful respite, revitalization, and more significant quality of life enhancements when obtained appropriately and safely. Now, with options for both virtual and face-to-face care, and acceptance of complementary treatments by DVA, access to better health is more convenient than ever. If you are a veteran, or know one, and are seeking holistic pathways, work with a properly qualified practitioner who is aware of your health goals and the enabling system.
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