VA Community Care Guide
How VA Community Care referrals work
Quick answer: A VA Community Care referral usually starts with the Veteran's VA care team, then moves through authorization, provider selection, scheduling, and confirmation that the outside provider can see the Veteran under the authorized care.
Last reviewed 2026-07-23 by the VA Community Care Directory editorial team. This independent guide is for research and does not replace VA referral authorization, eligibility decisions, or provider office verification.
What to do next
- Talk with the VA care team about the health need and whether community care is appropriate.
- Wait for VA referral or authorization details before assuming outside care will be covered.
- Search for relevant providers by care type, city, state, VA hospital location, or specialty.
- Contact the provider office to confirm current participation and appointment availability.
- Bring referral or authorization details to the appointment when requested.
Frequently asked questions
What information should a Veteran confirm before scheduling?
Confirm the authorized service, provider participation, appointment location, phone number, and any referral or authorization date requirements.
Can the directory send a referral to the VA?
No. The directory can help with research and intake, but VA referral authorization must come through the appropriate VA process.
Where can Veterans confirm official referral steps?
VA publishes the official referral and appointment process. This independent guide summarizes that process and links to the VA source below.
Related VA community care pages
- See the three-step search workflow
- Read eligibility basics
- Contact the directory team
- Browse all care categories
- Find VA community care by city
Primary sources
These sources support the referral, authorization, provider-identification, and verification guidance on this page.
- VA Community Care overview ↗
- VA referrals and appointment scheduling ↗
- VA Community Care Network and covered services ↗
- CMS National Plan and Provider Enumeration System ↗
- Directory methodology and evidence levels
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.