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Hello, I have recently migrated to WA from the UK, I am trying to famaliarise myself with EPC and DVA. How does it work? I have checked out the medicare site, but still confused? Is it worth be medicare approved? I would appreciate any guidance or advice. Thanks Sonya.

 

Hi Sonya,

The simple answer is that Medicare is the national health scheme which covers Australians in the public health system. Podiatry only falls into this scheme with the EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) system or as some lay people call it Medicare +. Under this scheme patients who fit into the criteria set out by medicare can recieve up to 5 Podiatry consultations and be rebated the official medicare podiatry rebate (about $51AUD) out of their consultation fee OR you may choose to bulk bill them and only recieve the benefit.

DVA is the department of veterans affairs - and again in the interests of brevity - these patients are covered by the department as they are usually returned war veterans or family of. DVA has its own schedule of fee's and item numbers and encompases many things such as footwear, doppler examination, orthoses etc..... Its a great scheme for veterans and the rebates for Podiatry work are excellent as well.

You must be a registered Podiatrist and regestered with both organisations to claim fee's or see patients under their schemes.

Best to check up on both these separate schemes at their relevant websites!

 

You also need to a Medicare provider number to refer patient for rebatable medical imaging, and having a Medicare Provider Number also means you don't need to individually register with each of the private health funds.

 

It does get confusing when gps send you epc referrals for dva patients . .??

 

Please email me at domhogan@ozemail.com.au & I will forward you some information on DVA & EPC and how it works etc. It is too large to post. If you follow the guidelines and local doctors are participating it is worth being involved in. Although I am in NSW the fee schedules are national & should be the same for you.
Dominic Hogan