GPs have been given greater control over veterans’ allied health treatment after a tightening of the referral process came into effect last week.

Under the changes, Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients now must return to the GP after 12 sessions with an allied health service or one year, depending on whichever ends first, in a bid to increase GP management and oversight. 

Previously, veterans outside the Co-ordinated Veterans’ Care Program could attend an unlimited number of allied health sessions during a referral period without communication with the GP. 

But now the allied health provider must create a plan at the start of each treatment cycle and send a report back to the GP, detailing progress and treatment outcomes at the end of each cycle.