Falls can quickly take away independence, but having access to the right support can help veterans stay steady, safe, active, and confident. Unfortunately, many don’t realise that referrals through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) can open the door to structured exercise physiology programmes without the usual barriers.
In the article below, we explain who is eligible, what services are covered, and how to get a referral. Moreover, we offer practical advice for veterans, carers, GPs, and other clinicians who want an easy, trusted way to access evidence-based falls prevention care.
Defining DVA Allied Health Referrals
If a veteran needs help with pain, movement, or daily activities, a DVA allied health referral connects them to the right local professionals in Australia. Usually, a GP writes this referral and explains what care the veteran needs, such as physiotherapy or exercise physiology.
A DVA referral authorises this treatment, following clear guidelines to ensure safe, effective care. The allied health provider, doctor, and DVA must communicate clearly to keep care on track.
Can Exercise Physiologists Accept DVA Referrals For Falls Prevention?
Exercise physiologists can take DVA referrals if they are registered with DVA-funded care and the veteran meets the eligibility requirements. The veteran needs a valid DVA card, and the therapy must relate to their approved health condition.
When eligible, veterans receive personalised exercise support for balance, strength, and mobility. This care reduces fall risk and increases confidence in daily activities. Veterans usually pay no out-of-pocket cost.
What Falls Prevention Services Are Covered Under DVA?
DVA-funded care can cover various exercise therapy services to help lower the risk of falls. These fall prevention programmes are designed to fit each veteran’s needs and can include balance exercises, strength training, walking practice, and other simple exercises that can be done safely at home.
An initial falls risk assessment is usually covered, along with follow-up reviews and updates sent to the doctor who referred the veteran. Sometimes, veterans can receive combined allied health care, and some allow home-based exercise programmes for falls prevention as long as they’re safe and suitable. The exact services depend on what the veteran needs and current DVA rules, so it’s always best to check before treatment even starts.
Eligibility Criteria for Veterans
To get exercise physiology services covered by DVA, a veteran must meet three key requirements:
- A current DVA card
- A DVA-recognised condition
- Treatment referral from a doctor.
These essential steps help make sure that support is appropriate and aligns with their health needs.
DVA eligibility varies by card type and the condition being treated. Some veterans get all the care they need, while others can only get help for certain approved conditions. Confirming eligibility before making an appointment helps prevent delays and ensures the service can be given.
Comparing DVA Referrals to Medicare and Private
Exercise physiology for fall prevention is available through DVA, Medicare, or privately booked. Knowing these options helps veterans and health professionals identify the best fit for their medical needs and budget.
Each pathway has distinct rules, costs, and session limits. Reviewing the table below can help them make an informed decision for the veterans’ situation.
| Feature | DVA | Medicare | Private |
| Eligibility | Approved veterans | People with chronic conditions | Anyone |
| Session limits | Maximum 30-minute sessions | Strict yearly cap | No set limit |
| Costs | Fully funded if eligible (charge no gap fees) | Rebate with a possible gap | Full fee |
| Referral needed | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best for | Veteran-specific care | Basic support | Ongoing training |
To sum it up, DVA referrals focus on ongoing, condition-related care, while Medicare is best suited for short-term treatment blocks, and private care is the most flexible but requires full payment.
Our Exercise Physiology Clinics
At Healthstin, we provide professional Exercise Physiology services across multiple locations in Australia, helping individuals improve mobility, manage pain, recover from injury, and enhance overall wellbeing through tailored aquatic exercise programs.
Step-By-Step Referral Process for Falls Prevention
Getting started with falls prevention care through the DVA referral process is structured to be straightforward so
veterans can receive the right care at the right time. Each step verifies that the treatment is safe, clinically
necessary, and tailored to the veteran’s needs. How it works:
- Confirm eligibility — Check if the veteran has a valid DVA card and approved health conditions.
- See a GP or clinician —the doctor assesses fall risk and determines whether exercise physiology is the best option.
- Issue a DVA referral —A written referral is provided for treatment.
- Initial Assessment — A veteran books with a DVA-registered provider who can evaluate balance, strength, walking, and daily movement.
- Personalised programme — After completing the assessment, an individualised falls prevention plan is created.
- Progress reviews — Sessions are monitored and adjusted depending on improvement and goals.
- Clinical reporting — Report updates are sent to the referring doctor and DVA if needed.
Following this step-by-step process helps make sure safe treatment is approved quickly and delivered without further delays.
Need Help Getting Started?
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Strong Evidence Supports Exercise Physiology for Falls Prevention Programme
A large body of research shows that exercise therapy is among the most efficient strategies for preventing falls, especially among older adults and veterans. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, people aged 65 years and older are about eight times more likely to be hospitalised due to a fall, making it the most common injury in this population. Reviews of clinical evidence find that exercise-based programmes focused on strength, balance, and gait training can lower the risk of falls by 13% to 40% for those at risk.
Exercise services funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) usually use methods that are proven to work. These programmes often include weekly group or one-on-one sessions with an allied health professional, such as an exercise physiologist, with exercises targeting strength, balance, and gait. Progress is closely monitored, and activities such as walking, getting up from a chair, and turning are practised to mirror everyday movements.
Veteran Falls Prevention Journey
Peter is a 74-year-old veteran who started to feel steady when walking, turning, or stepping onto uneven ground. He went to his doctor and, through DVA, was referred to an exercise physiology programme to reduce his risk of falling again. In his first session, an assessment revealed reduced leg strength and some balance issues.
He followed a plan personalised to his goals and needs, composed of easy exercises that gradually became more challenging as he improved. After a series of sessions, he reported feeling more stable and less worried about falling. As the programme ended, his follow-up results confirmed lower fall risk and better balance, supporting him in moving with more confidence every day.
FAQs about DVA Referrals for Exercise Physiology for Falls Prevention
Do exercise physiologists accept DVA referrals for falls prevention?
Yes, if an exercise physiologist is a registered provider under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the referral is written by a doctor for a recognised condition.
Who is eligible for DVA-funded exercise physiology for falls prevention?
Veterans who hold a valid DVA card and exhibit an accepted medical condition may be eligible. But a GP must first verify that exercise therapy is clinically needed.
What conditions may qualify a veteran for an exercise physiology service?
Conditions that often affect balance, mobility, strength, or movement safety can qualify if they are approved for the exercise physiology programme.
Will the veteran pay anything?
In most cases, eligible veterans pay nothing. However, coverage still depends on the card type and approval. How long does approval take?
Approval time can differ depending on various circumstances, but once eligibility and referral are approved, treatment usually starts not long after booking an appointment.
Do DVA rules ever change?
Yes,. DVA funding and eligibility rules can change at any time, so it’s always recommended to check the current guidelines before beginning care.
How Healthstin Helps Veterans with DVA Referrals
At Healthstin, veterans referred through DVA receive dedicated support from our university-trained, experienced exercise physiologists. Each of our EP programmes is tailored to the veteran’s condition, mobility stage, and personal goals, with a heavy focus on meeting real-life needs such as walking safely at home or in the community.
Our team also handles the clinical paperwork and reports required for DVA services. With close coordination between doctors and case managers, together, we help ensure exercise therapy is organised, accepted, and concentrated on real results.
Start Your Fall Prevention Care Plan with Healthstin
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*Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for medical or funding advice. Eligibility, services, and referral rules from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs can change. Please check with your GP, provider, or DVA before starting treatment.
