Steps for veterans

  1. Request a free nurse consultation here
    You will be assigned a Nurse Case Manager.
  2. Nurse consultation
    – A free call to assess eligibility based on your condition(s) and discuss the process/steps
    – Mental health conditions are not included on the DVA’s list at this time but the nurses can discuss possible access pathways with you
  3. Make an appointment with an Ananda Doctor
    – You DO NOT need a referral to book but please ensure you have spoken to an Ananda nurse about your eligibility before booking
    – Book online anandaclinics.com.au or call us: (02) 5624 5024
  4. Doctor Consultation (30 minutes)
    – No charge to DVA patient
    – Doctor will determine best treatment pathway and discuss a personalised plan
    – Doctor will determine if Tier 1 or Tier 2 DVA approval is required
  5. DVA approval – Ananda Clinics sends application to DVA
    Upon approval of your application you will be sent a script
    – Tier 1 approvals can be given to the Doctor by phone by Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre (VAPAC) – allow 24 to 72 hours
    – Tier 2 approvals vary and no timeframe is given by DVA
  6. Fulfill your script
    – You will be sent an eScript that can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice
    – Ananda Doctors can also send your eScript directly to an pharmacy with experience dispensing the medication to minimise wait time
  7. Follow up appointment schedule
    – A follow up appointment will be scheduled in 4 weeks
    – Approval for Tier 1 may be valid for between 1 – 3 months
    – Approval is required for each new script (as per Step 5)

Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Approval

Tier 1:
– Ananda Clinics will submit the Veteran’s application to the DVA for approval (see step 5)

Tier 2:
– Additional approval is required depending on the number of scripts and amount of THC being prescribed
– Ananda Doctor completes RPBS Medicinal Cannabis Tier 2 Application form and submits to DVA
– Patient to see a specialist depending on the THC content in the treatment plan
– Patient to obtain written assessment from specialist that the medicication would clinically benefit the patient

Interim Scripts for Tier 2:
In some cases an interim script complying with Tier 1 guidelines may be issued to the patient while application is processing

Conditions

As stated on the DVA website, funding may be provided for:

– Chronic pain
– Chemotherapy
– Induced nausea and vomiting
– Palliative care indications
– Anorexia and wasting associated with chronic illness such as cancer
– Spasticity from neurological conditions
– Refractory paediatric epilepsy

DVA advises that no psychological conditions will be allowed approval – it is only pain approved for DVA reimbursement.

Please consult the DVA website for further details.

DISCLAIMER: The Ananda Clinics blog is here to provide education and information, without implying medical advice, or recommendation for the use of cannabis as medicine or adult use purposes.

Medical cannabis remains strictly regulated by the Australian TGA as it is not a registered therapeutic agent due to the lack of research and evidence in support of its efficacy or potential side effects.

If you think medical cannabis may be right for you, book an appointment with one of our doctors to find out more.