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Getting Started with Occupational Therapy (DVA Clients)

This checklist is designed to help you or your loved one access Occupational Therapy services through DVA as smoothly as possible.
Following these steps can help ensure your Occupational Therapist has the information needed to provide appropriate and timely support.

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Step 1: Book an Appointment with Your GP

Contact your GP and request an appointment to discuss:

A referral for Occupational Therapy at Belong Health

​You can let your GP know the referral is for:

• Home-based Occupational Therapy
• Functional assessment and support
• Equipment and safety recommendations
• Support to remain independent at home

Learn more about DVA Occupational Therapy services

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Step 2: Request Supporting Medical Information

To assist with your referral and reduce delays, it is helpful to request copies of the following documents:
☐ Health Summary
☐ Past Medical History
☐ Current (Active) Medical Conditions
☐ Hospital Discharge Summaries (if applicable)
☐ Specialist Reports (if applicable)

These documents provide important background information and support your Occupational Therapist in understanding your needs.

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Step 3: Confirm Referral Details

Before leaving your GP appointment, check that:
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☐ A referral has been written for Occupational Therapy
☐ The referral includes your current health conditions and relevant history
☐ The referral is addressed to Belong Health

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Step 4: Send Referral to Belong Health

Once your referral is complete, it can be sent to our team via:

• Email
• Fax
• Or provided directly to you to forward

If you need assistance, our admin team can guide you through this step:
Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or email us

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Step 5: We Will Contact You

Once we receive your referral:
☐ Our team will review your information
☐ We will contact you to arrange an appointment
☐ A home visit will be scheduled

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Support for Families, Carers & Representatives

If you are supporting a veteran as a:

• Family member
• Carer
• Enduring Power of Guardianship

You can assist by:

• Organising the GP appointment
  
• Requesting medical documentation
  
• Communicating with our team

We are happy to work closely with you to ensure the process is smooth and supportive.

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Tips to Help Avoid Delays

✔ Request your medical documents at the same time as your referral
✔ Keep copies of all documents where possible
✔ Ensure referral details are complete before leaving your GP
✔ Contact our team if you are unsure about any step

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Need Help Getting Started?

If you’re unsure about any step, our team can guide you through the process.

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or email us

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Important Note

Every referral process may vary slightly depending on your GP and individual circumstances.
Our team is available to support you at any stage if you need guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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Does DVA cover Occupational Therapy?
Yes, Occupational Therapy services can be covered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) when they are clinically required and supported by an appropriate referral.

Do I need a GP referral for DVA Occupational Therapy?
Yes, a GP referral is typically required to access Occupational Therapy services under DVA.

What is covered under a DVA Gold Card?
DVA Gold Card holders are generally entitled to a wide range of clinically necessary services, including Occupational Therapy, when referred appropriately.
Coverage is based on clinical need and individual circumstances.

What is covered under a DVA White Card?
DVA White Card holders may be eligible for Occupational Therapy services related to specific accepted conditions. A GP can help determine eligibility based on your circumstances.

What services can an Occupational Therapist provide under DVA?
Occupational Therapists can provide:

• Home safety assessments
• Functional assessments
• Equipment and assistive technology recommendations
• Home modification recommendations
• Support for daily living and mobility

Do you provide home visits for DVA clients?
Yes, all services are delivered via home visits to ensure assessments and recommendations are practical and tailored to your environment.

Can family members help organise the referral?
Yes, family members, carers, or individuals with appropriate authority can assist with organising referrals and supporting documentation.

How long does it take to get started?
Timeframes can vary depending on referral and documentation, however our team will guide you through the process as efficiently as possible.

Is Occupational Therapy covered by Medicare?
Occupational Therapy is not typically fully covered under Medicare. However, some individuals may be eligible for limited sessions under specific care plans.
DVA funding is separate from Medicare and follows different eligibility criteria.

Do I need to pay for Occupational Therapy under DVA?
In many cases, DVA covers the cost of approved Occupational Therapy services. This depends on your card type and referral.

What happens after I get a referral?
Once your referral is received:

• Our team will review your information
• We will contact you to arrange an appointment
• A home visit assessment will be completed
• Recommendations and next steps will be provided

Can you help me organise the referral process?
​Yes, our team can guide you or your family through the referral process, including what to request from your GP and how to provide the required documentation.

What documents should I ask my GP for?
To help streamline the referral process, you can request:

• Health Summary
• Past and active medical history
• Hospital discharge summaries (if applicable)
• Specialist reports (if applicable)

Having these ready can help reduce delays and ensure your Occupational Therapist has the information needed to support you.

Can I contact you before I have a referral?
Yes, you are welcome to contact our team before obtaining a referral. We can help guide you on the next steps and what is required to get started.

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Get Started

If you’re looking for Occupational Therapy services under DVA, our team is here to support you.
​
Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934

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Older Adult Guides 

Navigating the journey of ageing with a loved one can be a complex and emotional experience. As a family member or primary carer understanding the signs that indicate the need for additional support and knowing how to access appropriate services are essential in ensuring the health and happiness of your loved one. Our informative content is designed specifically for family members and primary carer of Older Adults aged 50 and older, providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions.

Through our comprehensive guides, FAQs, and detailed service descriptions, we aim to empower you with the tools to recognise the early signs of cognitive and physical decline, understand the benefits of Occupational Therapy, and effectively engage with healthcare professionals. From identifying when to seek a GP referral to implementing practical strategies for daily living, our content is here to support you every step of the way. By staying informed and proactive, you can help your loved one maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life. To Learn more about  different aspects of these services and how to go about it we've created some step by step instructions, guides and FAQ's below.

Guide on Step-by-Step for Clients and Family Members
Guide on Recognising the Need for an Occupational Therapist
Guide on How to Engage with an Occupational Therapist
Guide on What to Look for During Daily Activities
​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Belong Health's Resource Hub
To further support your child's development, visit our Resource Hub for additional activities, tips, and tools tailored for various needs and diagnoses.

Resource Hub

Accessing our Perth services

Let's Work Together

​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

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Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 

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Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

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