Caring for veterans

Veterans are a priority population in the Murrumbidgee Regional Plan, and health professionals play an important role in supporting their physical health, mental health and wellbeing. There are a range of trusted resources available to help general practice teams, nurses, allied health professionals and other clinicians better understand Department of Veterans’ Affairs support, referral pathways, billing arrangements and veteran-specific models of care.

Resources for health professionals caring for veterans

If you are looking to strengthen your understanding of DVA processes and the care of veterans and their families, the following resources are a good place to start.

DVA website and Coordinated Veterans’ Care program

The DVA Quick guides and tools page brings together printable resources covering topics such as veteran cards, mental health support, rehabilitation, allied health, compensation guidance, billing and referral information. DVA describes these guides as resources that give providers the basics on veteran needs, available supports, referral options, services they can provide and how to get paid.

The Coordinated Veterans’ Care Program supports eligible Veteran Card holders with chronic conditions and complex care needs through proactive care coordination. DVA states the program is designed to improve health and wellbeing and reduce unplanned hospitalisations, with GPs and participants working together as a team. This can be a valuable model for practices supporting veterans with more complex needs.

VETs HeLP

DVA has partnered with Medcast to develop VETs HeLP, the Veterans Healthcare eLearning Platform. This free education hub provides CPD-accredited learning opportunities for health professionals and includes webinars, tools and other learning content focused on veteran care. Topics available through the platform include understanding military service and transition, mental health, chronic pain, veteran-specific healthcare needs and practical guidance for supporting veteran patients in primary care.

Veterans’ HealthPathways

A national suite of veterans’ health pathways has been developed through HealthPathways to support more consistent care for veterans across Australia. HealthPathways Community says the suite was designed to help clinicians identify and diagnose early signs of physical or mental health problems among former serving ADF members and includes guidance on veterans’ health assessment and referral support.

In your local HealthPathways platform, look for veteran-related pathways such as:

  • Defence and Veteran Family Support

  • Guide to DVA Compensation Claim Forms

  • Veteran Care Practice Management

  • Veterans’ Health Assessment

  • Veteran Referral and Support

RACGP check activities

The RACGP has developed CPD-accredited check activities to support GPs in veteran health and military medicine. The 2023 Veterans’ health unit focuses on the GP’s role in caring for the physical and mental health and wellbeing of veterans. The 2025 Military medicine and veterans’ health unit is also available as part of RACGP check. These activities can help build confidence in assessment, support and referral for veterans and their families.

RACGP curriculum

The RACGP curriculum also includes a military and veteran health unit outlining the skills, knowledge and attitudes expected of GPs in this area of practice. The curriculum page points learners to additional activities and resources, including RACGP check and Department of Veterans’ Affairs training for providers.

Supporting better care for veterans in the Murrumbidgee

Building awareness of these resources can help practices and clinicians better support veterans and their families, strengthen understanding of DVA processes, and improve access to coordinated, informed care. Veterans may present with unique physical, psychological and social health needs, particularly during and after transition from military service, so having the right tools close at hand can make a real difference in practice.