A technical issue temporarily delayed the publication of the updated fee schedule for Department of Veterans Affairs last month.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed that it has now correctly processed all claims caught up in an indexation error last month.
According to a department spokesperson, a “a number of technical issues were encountered in the implementation of new indexation rates for DVA funded treatment in the lead up to 1 July”.
DVA medical and allied health services are normally indexed annually on 1 July; the technical issues meant there was a delay in the updated fee schedule being published.
“We acknowledge these technical issues may have caused some difficulties for providers, however, we can confirm all payments have been correctly processed according to the item number and date of treatment,” the spokesperson said.
“Even if a treatment provider invoiced DVA at the pre-1 July 2026 rate they have been paid at the post-1 July 2026 rate.
“This ensures providers were not disadvantaged by the delay in publishing the updated Fee Schedules.”
The department said it will be reviewing the process and putting mechanisms in place so this situation does not repeat.
Related
Under the indexed schedule, GPs will be paid at 115% of the listed MBS benefit, as well as the relevant Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, Veterans’ Access Payment or Rural Enhancement Initiative loading.
An item 23, for instance is worth $45.05 for regular Medicare card holders, but $50.50 for DVA card holders.
Earlier this year, the DVA also introduced dedicated funding for the completion of medical forms and clinical notes.
The completion of medical forms, even in circumstances not attached to a consult, is rebated at $23.29 per page.
The rebates for clinical notes, which can be billed for in addition to a consult fee, range from $41.61 to $225.06.
