The provider acknowledgement form - why DVA asks

When a medical practitioner receives a request for information from DVA it may include a Medical Provider Acknowledgement form.

The provider acknowledgement form helps delegates understand:

• the nature of the doctor-patient relationship
• whether telehealth was used as part of the assessment
• whether AI-assisted tools were used in preparing the assessment

This information assists delegates in evaluating the evidence and determining any requirement for additional information.

The provider acknowledgement form should be completed and submitted with compensation assessments when requested by DVA. Doing this will assist DVA in considering medical evidence. The acknowledgement form should be billed as an additional page when submitting your invoice.

Treating doctor status

The form asks practitioners to indicate whether they are the veteran's treating doctor. Where possible, DVA prefers an assessment for compensation purposes to be completed in person by the veteran’s treating doctor, as this provides the most accurate information, links the compensation process to treatment, and minimises the work required by both the practitioner and the veteran.

However, being the treating doctor is not essential for completing a compensation assessment and is not a barrier to payment for a report. Identifying this information provides important context regarding the practitioner's familiarity with the veteran and their conditions.

• For GPs completing compensation reports — DVA uses the definition of a treating doctor as one who has seen the veteran on two or more face-to-face occasions within the previous 24 months. For practices located in remote and very remote areas (MM6 and MM7), one face-to-face consultation within the previous 24 months is sufficient.
• For non-GP specialists completing compensation reports — DVA uses the definition of a treating doctor as one who has recently provided, or is currently providing, clinical treatment to the veteran, as evidenced by two or more consultations within the previous 24 months.

Telehealth assessments

DVA recognises that telehealth forms part of routine clinical practice and may be appropriate in some circumstances. This includes situations where veterans live in regional or remote locations, have limited mobility, or for specialties that are only available at limited physical locations around Australia.

Many compensation assessments require clinical examination findings to support diagnosis, determine functional impact, or complete permanent impairment assessment forms. In these circumstances, telehealth may not provide the same information as an in-person consultation.

The form asks practitioners to indicate whether telehealth was used during the assessment process so that delegates can consider any limitations when reviewing the medical evidence.

Use of AI-assisted tools

AI-assisted tools are increasingly used throughout healthcare and may assist practitioners with administrative and documentation tasks.

The Medical Provider Acknowledgement form asks practitioners to indicate whether AI-assisted tools were used in preparing the assessment.

Examples may include:

• AI medical scribe technologies used to record consultation notes
• transcription or summarisation tools
• diagnostic tools

Practitioners remain responsible for the outcome of the assessment and ensuring that the information provided is clinically appropriate and reflects professional opinion. It should also be concise and accurate.

Clinical follow-up

If there is a need for further investigations, specialist referrals, or other follow up, please ensure that you discuss this with the veteran and make necessary arrangements. DVA is not able to arrange referrals for clinical care.