If you’re a veteran with a DVA Gold or White Card and need nursing support at home, the referral process is simpler than many people expect. The key is knowing who can refer, what information is needed, and what happens after a referral is sent. This guide walks you through the steps so services can begin quickly.
Step 1: Check your DVA card type
Before a referral is made, it helps to know whether you have a Gold Card or White Card.
- Gold Card holders can access community nursing for any clinically required condition.
- White Card holders can access community nursing for accepted conditions only.
If you’re unsure which card you hold, check your DVA card or ask your GP.
Step 2: Identify the clinical reason for nursing
DVA nursing funding is linked to clinical needs. Common reasons include:
- wound care or dressing changes
- medication safety support
- post-hospital recovery
- continence, catheter, or stoma care
- chronic disease monitoring
- palliative or end-of-life care
Your GP or hospital team will note this in the referral.
Step 3: Who can make the referral?
Referrals don’t have to be complicated. The following people can refer you:
- Your GP (most common)
- Hospital discharge planners
- Specialists involved in your care
- You or your family/carer, by contacting a provider directly
- Other treating health professionals (where appropriate)
If you contact a provider yourself, they may still need a GP confirmation depending on your needs — but they can help you organise it quickly.
Step 4: What a referral should include
A good referral speeds everything up. It usually includes:
- your full name and date of birth
- DVA card type and number
- address and contact details
- clinical reason for nursing
- relevant medical history
- expected nursing frequency or urgency
- GP details (so nurses can coordinate)
If your referral is missing something, your provider may contact the GP to fill gaps. That can add delays, so it’s worth checking early.
Step 5: Send the referral to a DVA-approved provider
Once the referral is complete, it’s sent to a DVA-approved community nursing provider. You can choose the provider you prefer — it doesn’t have to be the one suggested by a clinic.
Core Healthcare Services accepts referrals via:
- phone
- secure online form
- GP/hospital fax or email arrangements
Step 6: What happens next?
After we receive a referral, the usual process is:
- Eligibility confirmation
We confirm your DVA card status and clinical eligibility. - Registered Nurse contact
A nurse calls you within 1–2 business days to discuss your needs and schedule a visit. - In-home assessment
The nurse completes an assessment and creates a care plan. - Services commence
Visits begin as soon as clinically required. Some referrals start within days if urgent.
Tips for a faster referral
Here’s what makes things move quickly:
- Have your card type and number ready
- Ask your GP to include a clear clinical reason
- Choose a provider early
- Ensure your contact details are correct
- If you’ve just been discharged, ask the hospital to send the referral before you go home
If you don’t have a referral yet
You can still get started by calling a provider. We can:
- explain what nursing services fit your needs
- help you contact your GP
- guide your GP on what to include
- coordinate the next steps for you
A veteran-friendly reminder
You don’t have to wait until things become difficult. Early nursing support can often prevent bigger problems later — especially after hospital or when managing chronic health conditions.
Want to start a referral?
Call 1300 71 09 63 and our team will walk you through the process.
