Real Life Chiropractic
DVA & GP Care Plan Chiropractic
DVA referrals and GP Chronic Condition Management plans accepted at our Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Morisset, Narrabri and Watagan Park clinics
DVA & Medicare Care Plan Chiropractic
Real Life Chiropractic accepts DVA referrals and GP Chronic Condition Management plan referrals for chiropractic care at all five of our NSW clinics — Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Morisset, Narrabri and Watagan Park. Whether you are a veteran with a DVA Gold or White Card, or you live with a chronic condition such as lower back pain, neck pain or sciatica, our chiropractors can work alongside your GP.
Both pathways begin with your GP. Below is a plain-English guide to DVA chiropractic care and Medicare care plan referrals, what to bring, and what to expect at your first appointment.
Department of Veterans' Affairs
DVA Chiropractic Care for Veterans
If you hold a DVA Veteran Card, you may be able to see a DVA-registered chiropractor at any of our clinics with a referral from your GP.
- Gold Card holders are generally covered for all clinically necessary chiropractic treatment
- White Card holders are covered for conditions DVA has accepted as service-related
- You will need a current referral from your usual treating GP on the DVA Request/Referral form D0904
- We bill DVA directly for covered treatment, so there is usually no out-of-pocket cost
DVA referrals are generally valid for 12 months. DVA decides which chiropractic treatment it will fund, based on your accepted conditions.
Medicare
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan Chiropractic
If you live with a chronic condition, your GP can prepare a GP Chronic Condition Management (CCM) plan and refer you to an allied health professional, including a chiropractor.
- Your GP decides whether chiropractic care fits your chronic condition management plan
- A care plan referral gives access to up to 5 Medicare-rebated allied health sessions per calendar year
- Referrals are usually valid for 18 months, so your chiropractic sessions can be spread across that time
- You pay our standard consultation fee and Medicare rebates a portion back to you
Medicare sets the number of subsidised sessions and the rebate amount. There may be a gap between the Medicare rebate and our chiropractic fee.
How It Works
How to Claim DVA or Care Plan Chiropractic Sessions
01
See your GP first
Ask about a DVA chiropractic referral (form D0904) or a GP Chronic Condition Management plan and allied health referral for chiropractic.
02
Bring your referral
Bring your referral, your Veteran Card or Medicare card, and any relevant scans or reports to your first chiropractic appointment.
03
We handle the rest
We assess and treat, bill DVA directly where applicable, and send a report back to your GP as required.
Common Questions
DVA & GP Care Plan Chiropractic FAQs
Do I need a GP referral for DVA chiropractic care?
Yes. DVA-funded chiropractic treatment and GP Chronic Condition Management plan referrals both require a current referral from your GP before your first visit.
Is chiropractic covered by Medicare?
Chiropractic is not a standalone Medicare Benefits Schedule service. Medicare does subsidise a limited number of allied health sessions when your GP refers you under a GP Chronic Condition Management plan.
Is there an out-of-pocket cost for DVA chiropractic?
For DVA-covered treatment we bill DVA directly and there is usually no cost to you. Under a GP care plan, Medicare rebates part of the chiropractic fee, so a gap payment may apply.
Which conditions can a GP care plan cover?
GP Chronic Condition Management plans commonly support chronic conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches and sciatica. Your GP will confirm whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your plan.
Can I use DVA and a Medicare care plan together?
A single chiropractic visit can only be claimed through one scheme. If you are eligible for both, our team can help you work out which applies to your circumstances.
Eligibility, referral requirements and rebates are set by DVA and Medicare and can change. This page is general information only. Please speak with your GP, DVA or Medicare to confirm what you are entitled to.
Book a DVA or Care Plan Chiropractic Appointment
Call your nearest clinic or send us a message. We are happy to talk through your DVA referral or Medicare care plan before you book your chiropractic appointment.