What Is VA Community Care?
The VA Community Care Network allows eligible Veterans to receive healthcare from approved providers outside the VA system when certain eligibility requirements are met. For chiropractic care, Community Care may be appropriate when: The local VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic does not have a chiropractor available. Wait times exceed VA access standards. Travel distance to a VA chiropractor is excessive. Your VA provider determines that receiving care in the community is in your best medical interest.
More information about eligibility is available through the VA Community Care Program at: https://www.va.gov/communitycare/
The VA also explains Community Care eligibility here: https://www.va.gov/resources/eligibility-for-community-care-outside-va/
Step 1: Contact Your VA Primary Care Provider The fastest way to begin the process is to contact your VA Primary Care Provider (PCP) at Savannah or Hinesville VA Clinic. Many Veterans find the easiest method is sending a secure message through My HealtheVet or the VA's patient portal. You can also call your VA clinic and speak with your care team or triage nurse. During your message or appointment, ask specifically for a: "Community Care Chiropractic Consult."
If you already know where you'd like to receive care, request:
Palmer Chiropractic
11258 Ford Avenue
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Phone: (912) 756-3433
Palmer Chiropractic is an authorized, in-network provider within the TriWest Community Care Network.
You may also ask your provider to include the clinic's National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI: 1780904193 Providing this information helps ensure your referral is directed to your preferred Community Care provider if approved.
Step 2: Explain Why Chiropractic Care Is Medically Necessary Your VA provider needs to document why chiropractic care may benefit you. Instead of simply saying your back hurts, explain how your condition affects your daily life. For example: "My lower back pain is a 7 out of 10. It's making it difficult for me to sleep, walk, exercise, work around the house, and perform normal daily activities. I'd like to try conservative chiropractic care." Examples of symptoms that may qualify include: Low back pain Neck pain Sciatica Mid-back pain Muscle spasms Joint stiffness Headaches related to neck problems Limited mobility The more clearly you explain your functional limitations, the easier it is for your provider to document medical necessity.
Step 3: VA Reviews Your Community Care Eligibility After your Primary Care Provider submits the consultation request, it is forwarded to your local VA Community Care office. The VA reviews whether you meet Community Care eligibility requirements. Factors they consider include: Availability of chiropractic services within the VA Wait times Driving distance Your clinical circumstances Whether Community Care is in your best medical interest This review typically takes several days, although timelines vary by VA facility. Many Veterans receive a phone call from Community Care within approximately 14 days to discuss the referral and confirm authorization.
Step 4: Receive Your Standard Episode of Care (SEOC) When approved, the VA usually authorizes what is called a Standard Episode of Care (SEOC). A typical initial chiropractic authorization often includes: Up to 12 chiropractic visits Approximately 90 days to complete those visits Initial examination Follow-up chiropractic adjustments Authorizations vary depending on your condition and your local VA facility. The VA will send you an official authorization letter (or secure electronic notification) that includes: Authorization number Approved chiropractor Approved diagnosis Number of authorized visits Expiration date Always keep a copy of this authorization for your records.
Step 5: Palmer Chiropractic Monitors Your Referral Once your VA physician approves your referral, it is transmitted through the VA's secure HealthShare Referral Manager (HSRM) system. At Palmer Chiropractic, we actively monitor the secure referral portal for incoming authorizations. As soon as your authorization appears in our system, our staff will contact you to schedule your first appointment as quickly as possible. There is no need to worry about whether we received your referral—we continually monitor the system throughout the day.
Step 6: Begin Your Chiropractic Care Once your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive conservative chiropractic care within the scope of your VA authorization. Your authorized episode of care typically includes: Initial examination Chiropractic adjustments Progress evaluations Documentation required by the VA Throughout your care, Palmer Chiropractic submits the necessary reports back to the VA as required under the Community Care program.
What Happens If You Need More Than 12 Visits? Many musculoskeletal conditions improve within the initial authorization period. However, some Veterans continue to benefit from additional chiropractic care. If additional care is medically necessary, you do not usually have to start over with your Primary Care Provider. Instead, Palmer Chiropractic will submit a: Request for Service (RFS) VA Form 10-10172 This request includes: Progress notes Objective clinical findings Documentation supporting continued medical necessity Request for additional authorized visits Many extension approvals authorize approximately 6 additional visits, although this varies depending on the individual Veteran and VA review. The important thing is not waiting until your authorization expires. We closely monitor your authorized visits and submit extension requests before they run out whenever appropriate.
Information for Your VA Primary Care Provider If your VA provider asks where to send the Community Care referral, please provide:
Palmer Chiropractic
11258 Ford Avenue
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Phone: (912) 756-3433
NPI: 1780904193
Requested referral: Community Care Chiropractic Consultation Helpful Tips for Veterans
To make the process as smooth as possible: Use My HealtheVet or your VA patient portal to contact your Primary Care Provider. Specifically request a Community Care Chiropractic Consult. Explain how your pain limits your daily activities. Request Palmer Chiropractic if you wish to receive care there. Keep your VA authorization letter. Know how many visits remain. Attend your appointments before your authorization expires. If additional care is needed, allow enough time for your chiropractor to submit an extension request.
Dr. Trace Palmer
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