If you’ve served in the Australian Defence Force, you deserve health care that recognises your service and understands your needs. At The Surgery at Jerra in Jerrabomberra, we proudly support serving and former ADF members, veterans and DVA card holders with comprehensive, compassionate general practice care, close to home.
From Gold Card and White Card holders to those who have recently discharged, our experienced team can help you understand your DVA health benefits and access the care and services available to you.
No matter when you left the ADF, we’re committed to supporting your health at every stage. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or where to start, contact our friendly team or book an appointment with one of our GPs.
What Is the DVA Health Card and Who Is It For?
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides health care support to eligible Australian veterans, war widows/widowers, and dependants through two main card types:
• Gold Card (Repatriation Health Card For All Conditions): Covers all health care needs, regardless of whether the condition is related to your service.
• White Card (Repatriation Health Card , For Specific Conditions): Covers treatment for specific service-related conditions accepted by DVA.
Not sure which card you have or what it covers? Our GPs can help clarify your entitlements and ensure your care is correctly claimed through DVA.
Our GP Services for Veterans
Veterans often face a unique combination of physical, mental, and lifestyle health challenges. At The Surgery at Jerra, we offer a wide range of services tailored to support our veteran community:
General GP Consultations
Routine and acute consultations for everything from injuries and infections to ongoing health monitoring. Your GP will build a long-term relationship with you to understand your full health history and service background.
Mental Health Support
We understand that mental health is often one of the most significant challenges faced by veterans. Our GPs can develop a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (also known as a Mental Health Care Plan), which gives you access to DVA-subsidised sessions with a psychologist or mental health professional.
Chronic Condition Management
If you’re living with a long-term condition , such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions, or respiratory issues , we can create a personalised Chronic Condition Management(CCM) Plan to coordinate your care and help you stay on top of your health. This also gives you access to DVA-subsidised sessions with allied health professionals.
Health Assessments
Health assessments are a comprehensive review of your overall health, focusing on prevention, early identification of health risks and supporting your long-term wellbeing. They are different from Chronic Condition Management (CCM) plans, which are designed to help manage specific ongoing health conditions. Where appropriate, a CCM plan may be completed as part of your health assessment.
Our nurses play an important role in the assessment, taking a detailed medical history and gathering key health information before you see your GP to review the findings and develop a personalised health plan.
If you have discharged from the Australian Defence Force, you may be eligible for DVA-funded health assessments, regardless of whether you hold a DVA Gold Card or White Card:
- Discharged before 1 July 2019: Eligible for one DVA-funded health assessment.
- Discharged on or after 1 July 2019: Eligible for up to five DVA-funded health assessments.
Referrals to Specialists
When you need specialist care , whether for orthopaedics, audiology, ophthalmology, or another area , your GP at The Surgery at Jerra can coordinate DVA-approved referrals to ensure your care is covered and continuous.
Mental Health and PTSD: You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties are more common among veterans than the general population , and they are nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking help is a sign of strength.
Your GP is often the first and most important step. They can:
• Listen without judgment and take your experience seriously
• Create a Mental Health Care Plan to connect you with the right support
• Work closely with Open Arms , Veterans & Families Counselling (a free, confidential service) alongside your GP care
• Monitor your wellbeing over time and adjust your care plan as needed
Open Arms: If you need to talk now, Open Arms , Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free support. Call 1800 011 046.
Families of Veterans: Your Health Matters Too
We recognise that service to the country doesn’t just affect the veteran , it affects the whole family. Spouses, partners, and dependants of eligible veterans may also be entitled to DVA health support in certain circumstances. Ask our friendly team or visit the DVA website to find out more.
Why Choose The Surgery at Jerra?
- Local and accessible: Conveniently located in Jerrabomberra, serving the Queanbeyan and Canberra region.
- Military-informed care: Several of our GPs have served, or continue to serve, in the Australian Defence Force, giving them a firsthand understanding of military life and the unique health needs of veterans and serving members.
- DVA-experienced team: Our clinicians are experienced in the DVA system and can help you access the care and services you’re entitled to.
- Comprehensive care under one roof: From mental health and chronic disease management to preventative health, allied health and specialist referrals.
- Respectful, patient-centred care: We take the time to listen and treat every patient with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Book an Appointment Today
If you’re a veteran or DVA cardholder in the Jerrabomberra, Queanbeyan, or Canberra area, we’d love to welcome you to The Surgery at Jerra.
You’ve served our country , now let us serve you. Book your appointment online or call our friendly reception team today.
📍 The Surgery at Jerra, Jerrabomberra NSW
Book online button link https://tsaj.com.au/gp-jerrabomberra/dr-renee-robarts/
Call us on – 02 6255 8112
