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AT Practitioner news

SWEP Communique - Portal Closure and Application Form Update

28 May 2026
Dear Practitioners,

Please be advised that our application portal will be temporarily closed from 15 June at 7pm through to 30 June and will reopen on 1 July at 9am.
This closure is necessary to allow for important system upgrades and updates to application forms. This is aimed at improving the application format and submission process.
  • Important:
    • All draft applications must be submitted by 15 June 2026
      • This includes applications you have sent to a validating practitioner, these must be validated and submitted prior to 15 June. If you need to send this to another practitioner to meet this timeframe, please contact SWEP
    • Any applications remaining in draft after this date will unfortunately be removed from the system and cannot be recovered.
    • Applications placed back to draft by SWEP for further information will not be affected. If you are able to submit these prior to June 15 this would be preferred
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SWEP Communique - Increase in POC Prescriptions

22 May 2026
SWEP is providing the following information to support awareness of common considerations associated with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) for consumers requiring domiciliary oxygen.

In recent months, SWEP has observed an increase in POC prescriptions, alongside a rise in consumer requests to change to, or revert to, oxygen cylinders. Feedback from consumers indicates this is most commonly related to practical factors rather than clinical intent.

Common factors reported by consumers include:
  • Difficulty managing device weight
  • Battery duration not supporting planned or usual community activities
  • Perception that the airflow or oxygen delivery from a POC does not feel comparable to oxygen delivered via cylinders
Read More

SWEP Communique - Underwear Trials Required Prior to Prescribing

20 May 2026
SWEP has recently observed an increase in returned underwear products, often related to sizing concerns. A review of these returns and consumer feedback suggests that, in some instances, products may have been prescribed without a trial, or where consumers have been asked to self-measure.

As outlined in the Practitioner Manual, the first item of underwear (including washable products) must be purchased and trialed before applying to SWEP. This ensures the product is appropriate, effective, and correctly sized, considering the consumer's individual needs.

While measurements can support assessment, they are not a substitute for a product trial and may increase the risk of incorrect sizing.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Update to Supplier Off-Contract Process

17 April 2026
Dear Practitioners,

We wish to advise that SWEP will no longer accept Off Contract documents from suppliers in lieu of a formal quote with applications.

This change aligns with SWEP's application processing requirements for equipment that is not included in the current Contracted Picklist, for which a supplier quote is required. This ensures the accuracy and currency of pricing for all requested equipment.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Re Support at Home Program

5 March 2026
Dear SWEP practitioner,

Re: New Support at Home classifications and application to Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VAEP) guidelines

Effective 1 November 2025, the Commonwealth government introduced the Support at Home program with 8 classifications with increasing levels of funding to replace the previous 4 levels of the Home Care Package (HCP) program.
Updates to the VAEP guidelines are as follows:
  • Commonwealth Government Support at Home classification level 1 to 3 recipients
         Can apply for all assistive technology items available under SWEP, except domiciliary oxygen. 
         This should be funded through the Oxygen Supplement of the Support at Home program.
  • Commonwealth Government Support at Home classification level 4 to 8 recipients
         Can only apply for SWEP subsidies for a mobility scooter, a powered wheelchair, home modifications and to the
         Electronic Communication Devices Scheme (ECDS) for electronic communication devices.

Read More

SWEP Communique - Update to Aidacare Off-Contract Process - Lift Recliner Chairs & Mobility Aids

4 March 2026
Dear Practitioners,

We wish to advise that Aidacare will no longer be utilising the Off-Contract document for lift recliner chairs and mobility aids.

This decision has been made due to the significant administrative time required to maintain the document in line with ongoing product changes, updates, and pricing adjustments. Aidacare has reported that ensuring the accuracy and currency of the Off-Contract list has become increasingly resource-intensive.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Important Update Chemtronics & Alter VHHE transition to Aidacare

4 February 2026

Dear Practitioner,

As you may already be aware, Aidacare Pty. Ltd. is now the new owner of Chemtronics Direct and Alter VHHE.   Moving forward equipment, repairs and maintenance purchase orders previously raised with Chemtronics and Alter VHHE will now be raised to Aidacare.

Aidacare have assured us that there will no change to the delivery of equipment, repairs, preventative maintenance, or reissue services. Please note the following key points:

 

  • Technicians previously employed by Chemtronics will continue to work under Aidacare
  •  Aidacare rebranding of service vans and uniforms will occur in the near future
  • The SWEP after-hours emergency repair service will continue without change
  • The Chemtronics Service Centre portal for refurbished equipment will remain fully operational with no change.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Continence consumer review

20 January 2026
Dear Practitioners,

As part of our ongoing review processes, we want to clarify expectations regarding updated applications for continence products. Applications are required biennially (every two years), and when an updated application is submitted, the expectation is that all products the consumer requires are listed on the application.

We've noticed that updated applications often include changes to catheter sizing but do not always re-select existing products (e.g., overnight bags, catheter straps). To ensure continuity of care and accurate supply, please include all items the consumer uses on the updated application, even if they were previously prescribed.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Non-Customised Equipment - CPI increase

7 January 2026
Dear Practitioners

In accordance with the supplier contracts we hold for non-customised, assistive technology equipment, each year a CPI increase is applied. The increase for 2026 is set at 3.28% (effective from 01 January) and we are working to review applications, the SWEP portal and our online equipment catalogue. 

SWEP will conduct a review of applications as follows:-
Read More

SWEP Communique - Holiday Season Operating Hours & Portal Closure 2025

8 December 2025
Dear Practitioners,

SWEP will be closed for the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years Day public holidays, as well as Friday, 2 January 2026.
Our portal will also be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance from 5:00 PM on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, until 9:00 AM on Monday, 5 January 2026.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support throughout 2025 and wish you a safe and happy festive season.

Kind regards,
SWEP Team
Read More

SWEP Communique - Holiday Season Operating Hours & Portal Closure

8 December 2025

Dear Practitioners,

SWEP will be closed for the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years Day public holidays, as well as Friday, 2 January 2026.

Our portal will be undergoing scheduled maintenance from 5:00 PM on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, until 9:00 AM on Monday, 5 January 2026. During this time you will not be able to submit applications to SWEP but you will be able to log in and view or create draft applications.

Read More

SWEP Communique - Updated Review Form for SWEP Domiciliary Oxygen Program

8 October 2025
Dear Practitioner,

We are writing to advise you of important updates to the SWEP Domiciliary Oxygen Program review process.
  • An updated Annual Review Form has been developed to:
Annual completion of this form is required for all consumers accessing the program.
Please ensure:
  • All relevant sections of the form are completed in full
  • The form is used as a writable PDF, allowing:
    • Partial completion.
    • Electronic forwarding to other parties (e.g., GP or healthcare provider) for shared input.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Important Reminder - Appropriate Use of the Copy Application Function

19 September 2025

Dear Practitioner,

We would like to remind you that the copy application function is only to be used for the same consumer, with updated and relevant information reflecting their current situation and eligibility criteria.

We are seeing instances where this function is being used for different consumers, which is not its intended purpose. This has led to:

  • Mixed-up consumer details (name, address, contact info)
  • Outdated or irrelevant notes
  • Incorrect attachments
  • Privacy breaches due to misdirected information
Read More

SWEP Communique - copy applications and replacement items

26 August 2025
Dear Practitioner,

We understand that you may need to submit multiple applications for the same consumer - either simultaneously or over time for replacement items. To support this a "Copy Application" function is included in our portal. 

However, we have noticed a trend where copied applications are submitted without updating the consumer's information and/or confirming a current assessment of the consumer. Even when applying for a replacement item, it is essential that the application reflects a review that has been undertaken to confirm the consumer's current situation. 
Read More

SWEP Communique - Subject: Important Update - VA&EP Oxygen Program Guidelines

22 August 2025
Dear Practitioner,

The Department of Health has updated the Victorian Aids & Equipment Program (VA&EP) Guidelines regarding eligibility for consumers accessing the domiciliary oxygen program.

While the existing exclusion remains unchanged - whereby oxygen supply is terminated if a consumer is found to be smoking - the updated guidelines now extend this exclusion to include vaping.

This change reflects the serious safety risks associated with smoking or vaping while using oxygen, including fire and explosion hazards, and recognises that such practices diminish the intended clinical benefits of oxygen therapy.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Compression Garments for post operative use

30 June 2025
Dear Practitioner,

We have noticed an increase in applications for lymphoedema garments intended for post-operative use. With regard to this, we would like to clarify the relevant responsibilities and guidelines.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Discontinuation of Philips SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator

13 June 2025
Dear Practitioner,

We have been advised by Philips Respironics that they will be discontinuing the manufacture and sale of the SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator.

Please find attached formal notification from Philips Respironics, as well as additional information provided by our supplier, Air Liquide Healthcare.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program - Pick List Codes

12 June 2025
Dear Practitioners

The Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program (LCGP) continues to experience a steady increase in demand. Our team remains committed to processing applications as efficiently as possible, to support consumers of the program.
To help avoid delays and ensure timely processing, we kindly ask that you carefully select the correct item/picklist code when submitting applications. This step is essential in preventing applications from being returned as draft and to assist us in calculating the correct subsidy funding.

Read More

SWEP Communique - SWEP Portal fixed

15 May 2025
Dear Practitioner,

We are pleased to advise our portal is fully operational again.  You can log in and resume using the portal as usual.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this outage may have caused and truly appreciate your patience while we resolved the issue.
Read More

SWEP Non-Customised Equipment - CPI increase

3 January 2025
SWEP Communique - Non-Customised Equipment - CPI increase

Dear Practitioners

In alignment with supplier contracts a CPI increase of 2% will be applied to non-customised, assistive technology equipment for 2025. This adjustment will take effect on 1st January 2025. 
Read More

SWEP Communique - Laryngectomy Consumables Updated price list Main Medical

3 January 2025

SWEP Communique - Laryngectomy Consumables

Updated price list Main Medical


Read More

SWEP Communique - Additional information required for NDIS Participants

19 December 2024
Important Update: Changes to SWEP Application Process 

Due to recent changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), SWEP is seeing an increase in demand for funding through our programs. This rise in applications may coincide with changes in NDIS eligibility, with some individuals no longer qualifying for specific NDIS supports.
Read More

SWEP Communique - Portal closure

2 December 2024

Dear Practitioners,

During the Christmas holiday period the SWEP portal will be closed from Tuesday 24 December at 5.00 p.m. until Monday 30 December 2024 at 8.30 a.m. for a system review.  

Read More

SWEP Communique - Expression of Interest for Lymphoedema Compression Garment Clinical Advisors

11 October 2024
SWEP is seeking expressions of interest to join our expert Clinical Advisory Panel for the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program. SWEP utilises the Clinical Advisor Panel to support SWEP and our consumer cohort. As a Clinical Advisor you may be required to:
  • Provide clinical support and validation of assistive technology applications
  • Undertake clinical reviews as requested
  • Provide expert advice to the Chief Allied Health Officer specific to your area of expertise
  • Participate in projects as required (e.g. updating manuals, review of new products, resources and education material)
  • Participate in Clinical Advisor Panel meetings (approx. 1 per year)
Read More

SWEP Communique - SWEP & TAC

7 October 2024
Dear Practitioner,

You are receiving this communication as you previously "opted in" to share your services with the TAC or were registered for the CAPE category.  

Whilst we have appreciated working with TAC over the last five years they have completed an evaluation to reconsider their future approach to sourcing and paying for OT services. The evaluation demonstrated that SWEP had effectively delivered on its contractual requirements via the SWEP credentialing framework however, the TAC considers that its OT service delivery model requires change to ensure their clients can access high quality OT services to achieve the best health outcomes possible.
Read More

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