Information supplied by the Joint Health Support Agency

A toll-free telephone health advisory service is now available to all permanent ADF members in Australia.

The Joint Health Support Agency service allows personnel to discuss health concerns with ADF health staff and receive immediate advice on appropriate investigations and treatment.

The aim of the advice and information service is to make ADF health services more accessible, facilitate service delivery closer to where people live or are on holiday and ensure that members are receiving treatment that is appropriate.

It will enable members' parent units to follow up treatment regimes and verify accounts.

The new service will streamline the authorisation process for ADF members seeking out-of-hours health care, making it a worry free and simple procedure.

It will operate from the nearest ADF health facility, using duty health personnel and on call medical officers.

When a member is ill or injured away from the work place and out of normal working hours, they simply have to call 1800 467 425.

The call will be automatically diverted to the nearest ADF health facility. The duty health personnel will note the member's personal details, unit and any relevant clinical details.

After taking details the health staff member will decide on a plan to best help you. This could include

Taking contact phone numbers and having a medical or dental officer contact you directly

Advising you on accessible treatment facilities in your immediate area

Issuing a referral number (if required) to authorise treatment and track expenditure

If you attend a local civilian or military health provider call 1800 467 425 to advise duty personnel.

For IMSICK health line