Questions raised over telehealth care for Australian veterans
06 Oct 2026
The investigation, broadcast on 5 October, examined the way some companies provide healthcare and other services to veterans through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
The program included accounts from veterans who reported negative experiences with some providers. It also examined claims that some businesses encouraged veterans to move their Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) arrangements away from their usual GP.
One veteran told the ABC that a veterans-focused telehealth provider prescribed him large amounts of high-strength THC medicinal cannabis despite his history of substance use problems. He said his cannabis use contributed to a psychiatric hospital admission earlier this year.
The investigation also examined marketing practices used by some providers. These reportedly included competitions offering prizes such as smartwatches, headphones and holidays, with participants required to provide DVA details.
According to the program, multiple examples were identified of veterans being encouraged to transfer their CVC arrangements to other providers.
The investigation also reported that 19 providers had collectively billed $114 million for medical reports used by the DVA when making decisions about veterans’ support. This worked out at more than $6600 per report on average.
Another veteran, who had trained as a nurse, said a company contacted them by phone about using esketamine nasal spray. Esketamine is a Schedule 8 medicine used to treat depression and was added to the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme last year.
Associate Professor Michael Clements, Chair of RACGP Rural and a veteran himself, said the issues raised by the program had been a concern among doctors caring for veterans.
He said his practice had seen patients move their CVC care away from their regular GP and that he had personally seen promotional offers targeting veterans on social media.
The DVA said the allegations raised in the investigation were ‘deeply concerning’. It said reported issues included inappropriate billing, referral or kickback arrangements, misleading advice, undisclosed conflicts of interest and business practices that put commercial interests ahead of veterans.
The department said such behaviour could reduce veterans’ available entitlements, misuse public money and damage trust in the system. It also warned that inappropriate healthcare advice could harm veterans.
Dr Steph Davis, DVA Chief Health Officer and a GP, said the department recognised the work of thousands of Australian GPs who provide care to veterans.
She said veterans can benefit from having an ongoing relationship with a trusted GP and that the DVA prefers veterans to receive coordinated care from their usual doctor.
This includes discussing treatments and medicines, including medicinal cannabis, with the regular GP where appropriate. The DVA also encourages GPs to ask veterans about other treatments and healthcare providers involved in their care to help prevent gaps or duplication.
Dr Davis said GPs with serious concerns about a veteran’s treatment should take appropriate clinical action and consider informing the DVA. Veterans should also be encouraged to report concerns themselves, with consent required before sharing their personal information.
The DVA has also introduced tighter requirements for medicinal cannabis prescribing, including limits on products, THC dose and concentration, as well as requirements for face-to-face consultations.
Dr Hester Wilson, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine, also raised concerns about the reported marketing practices and the removal of care from veterans’ usual GPs.
Dr Wilson, who worked on DVA guidance covering medicinal cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain in veterans, said some veterans may benefit from medicinal cannabis but that treatment needs to be carefully managed.
She said veterans with substance use concerns may need support from their GP, drug and alcohol services or doctors with an interest in addiction medicine.
Questions raised over telehealth care for Australian veterans
Source: ABC Four Corners, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).