Several years ago the VA created a Community Care Network (CCN). Since October of 2017, veterans using the Cheyenne and Denver VA have been provided with visits for acupuncture at my office in Longmont. Happily, travel time for appointments is much less burdensome. There have been many changes along the way, and now the VA is also offering acupuncture services on site in Loveland and Denver. Be sure to ask if there is a CCN provider closer to your home or place of work to request a specific office. Acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care are part of your health care benefits.
The CCN provides an opportunity for veterans to see a wider variety of health care professionals apart from the VA. The following provides a general outline of how it works and what to expect:
- Veterans can ask for acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy and chiropractic care through the CCN by first speaking with their primary care provider (PCP) at the VA, either in person, over the phone, or through myhealthyvet.
- Requested care does NOT have to be service connected.
- The PCP may then authorize visits and provides the information to the CCN department.
- Veterans may request a specific in-network CCN provider.
- According to the Mission Act, No Veteran Left Behind, appointments are required to be scheduled within 28 days.
- If you are told that you must drive to the VA instead of a CCN provider that is closer, inform them that this information is incorrect.
- TriWest calls the veteran and the provider to set up appointments.
- The veteran will receive paperwork in the mail detailing how many visits were authorized.
- The CCN provider takes care of submitting invoices and treatment notes.
- The veteran is not responsible for payment.
Eligibility for the CCN program :
Veterans must either be enrolled in VA health care, or be eligible for VA care
> Veterans may be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll at the VA <
For more information about eligibility, the link below provides a fact sheet:
https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/docs/pubfiles/factsheets/VA-FS_CC-Eligibility.pdf
Here is an article with additional information about Community Care Network in the event that veterans are misinformed : https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2022/11/14/federal-undercover-investigation-confirms-veterans-healthcare-concerns-south-dakota-across-nation/
“I am fortunate enough to have had Daisy for my care. As a combat vet, I came home with my fair share of issues that needed addressing. Getting approved through the VA was fairly seamless and I highly recommend her service to all of my battle-buddies out there that need help. Having been utilizing acupuncturists for 14 years, I know the difference in quality care and Ms. Lear is top notch.”
Darren Moon, Longmont