DVA - Department of Veterans Affairs
DVA-Funded Exercise Physiology for Veterans with Diabetes
If you're a veteran living with diabetes, you're not alone — and you're not without support. Through the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), eligible veterans can access fully-funded Exercise Physiology services to help manage chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, improve quality of life, and prevent complications.
At Metabolic Telehealth, we provide telehealth-based programs tailored to veterans’ needs, helping you improve your health from the comfort of home.
What Does DVA Cover?
DVA funds clinically necessary Exercise Physiology services for eligible veterans who:
Hold a Gold Card (for all conditions), or
Hold a White Card (for accepted diabetes-related conditions)
Services are fully subsidised by DVA with no out-of-pocket costs when referred appropriately.
Covered services include:
Initial assessments
Ongoing 1-on-1 sessions
Telehealth consultations
Home exercise program development
Education to self-manage diabetes safely
DVA supports services that help maintain function, independence, and reduce long-term healthcare costs — especially critical for chronic conditions like diabetes.
Why Exercise Physiology for Veterans with Diabetes?
Exercise Physiologists play a key role in managing diabetes by:
Reducing blood glucose levels (HbA1c)
Improving cardiovascular health
Enhancing muscle strength and mobility
Managing weight and waist circumference
Supporting mental wellbeing and reducing fall risk
With a focus on safety and clinical outcomes, our AEPs tailor every program to your physical abilities and medical background.
Who Is Eligible?
To access DVA-funded Exercise Physiology, you must:
Be a DVA Gold Card holder (for all medical conditions), or
Be a White Card holder with diabetes accepted as a compensable condition, and
Have a valid referral from a:
General Practitioner (GP),
Medical Specialist, or
Treating hospital doctor
Tip: If you’re unsure whether your diabetes is covered under a White Card, speak to your GP or DVA directly to confirm your eligibility.
How Much Does It Cost?
All approved DVA Exercise Physiology sessions are fully funded:
No co-payments or gap fees
No cost for assessments, reports, or ongoing care plans
Includes telehealth delivery at no additional cost
We bulk bill directly to DVA — no admin, no stress.
How to Access Support – Step-by-Step
1. Visit Your GP or Specialist
Ask your doctor to assess whether Exercise Physiology is clinically necessary for your diabetes management.
2. Get a DVA Referral
The GP will complete a D904 referral form or a written referral with all necessary details. This is valid for up to 12 sessions, and can be renewed if clinically required.
3. Book Your Sessions with Us
Send us your referral and DVA number, and we’ll handle the rest — including session bookings, reporting, and billing.
4. Start Your Program
Receive expert, one-on-one telehealth sessions designed to improve your strength, glucose control, and overall independence.
Ready to Start?
Our DVA-accredited Exercise Physiologists are experienced in chronic disease and veteran care. We make the process simple — from referral to results — and provide ongoing progress reporting back to your medical team.
Talk to a Consultant Today to get started with your DVA referral, or speak to your GP about whether Exercise Physiology could help you.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to pay anything out of pocket?
No. All DVA-referred sessions are 100% funded. We bill DVA directly — no gap fees.
Q: Can I access this via telehealth?
Yes! DVA supports telehealth Exercise Physiology where clinically appropriate. Our sessions are delivered securely via video call with all reporting and care planning included.
Q: How many sessions can I have?
You’re initially referred for up to 12 sessions. If more are required, your provider can send a request for continuation with clinical justification.
Q: I’m not sure if my diabetes is covered under my White Card — what do I do?
Ask your GP or call DVA to confirm. If diabetes is an accepted condition, you’ll be covered.