VA Community Care Guide
How to navigate VA Community Care
Quick answer: Veterans navigating VA Community Care should put the request in writing, ask for the authorization details, call the Community Care office at the assigned VA medical center, and request a written reason if the answer is no.
Last updated 2026-06-23. This independent guide is for research and does not replace VA referral authorization, eligibility decisions, or provider office verification.
What to do next
- Use VA secure messaging when practical and ask the VA care team for a Community Care referral tied to the specific service needed.
- Confirm the authorization number, approved provider, covered service, date range, visit count, and whether follow-up care is included.
- Call the Community Care office at the assigned VA medical center to verify referral and authorization status.
- If trying to keep an existing doctor, provide the provider name, specialty, clinic, phone, fax, address, and NPI if available.
- If a request is denied or stalls, ask for the reason in writing and ask about Patient Advocate or clinical appeal options.
Frequently asked questions
Who should Veterans contact when Community Care stalls?
Veterans can start with the VA care team and Community Care office at the assigned VA medical center. If the issue continues, they can ask about the Patient Advocate process.
What details matter most on an authorization?
Important details include the authorized service, provider, date range, visit count, location, and whether follow-up care is covered.
Can this directory resolve VA authorization problems?
No. The directory is a research aid. VA manages referral decisions, authorization details, and appeal or escalation processes.
Related VA community care pages
- How referrals work
- Referral preparation checklist
- Provider verification checklist
- Browse all care categories
- Find VA community care by city
VA Community Care Directory is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans should verify eligibility, referral authorization, provider participation, appointment availability, address, and phone details before scheduling.