[ad_1]
On June 6, the Veterans Administration implemented the MISSION Act, but one of the lesser known provisions of the law included a new emergency care benefit for eligible veterans to access urgent and unrequited care in the participating clinics. Veterans no longer require prior VA approval to visit an emergency care provider in the VA network. During this question-and-answer session, Joe Burks, Public Affairs Manager for the VA Eastern Kansas Health System, explains how this initiative benefits veterans.
Q: Why is the provision of emergency care helpful to veterans?
A: With urgent care, veterans have a new treatment option for minor injuries and illnesses such as colds, sore throats and minor skin infections. The benefit is offered in addition to the opportunity to receive care from a VA provider, as VA Eastern Kansas also offers same day services.
Q: What types of care can veterans expect in emergency care clinics?
A: Veterans can expect medical services for minor, life-threatening illnesses such as strep throat, pink eye or flu. Urgent care also covers diagnostic services such as x-rays, some laboratory tests and some medications (with limitations). However, not all networks will be able to offer certain services.
Q: What local emergency care clinics are involved?
A: Veterans can search for local emergency care clinics using the localization tool at www.vaurgentcarelocator.triwest.com/Locator/Care.
Simply filter your search to include the address, VA facility or zip code when selecting the radius.
Q: Why is VA deployment a new initiative?
A: It is important to provide veterans with the care they have received as quickly as possible and as close as possible to the communities in which they live. Although the choice of a VA Eastern Kansas facility is always available, we understand that not all eligible veterans have immediate access to: their VA Medical Center or their outpatient clinic.
Q: Do veterans have to follow certain arrangements to receive this care?
A: In order to qualify for emergency and walk-in care, veterans must be enrolled in the health care system for AV and have received care through an AV from a VA or a community supplier within the last 24 months. Veterans will be able to receive urgent care from an emergency care provider in the community-based VA service provider network without the prior approval of the VA. VA can only pay for urgent care if the veteran is eligible for the benefit. the emergency care provider is part of the network of community providers and the services are not excluded from the benefit of the benefit. Excluded services include prevention services and dental services.
Q: How can veterans get more information?
A: Veterans can access the Community Care website at any time for more information: www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Urgent_Care.asp
Veterans are also encouraged to contact a local Community Care customer service representative here at VA Eastern Kansas at 785-350-4330. We are honored to serve the VA Eastern Kansas to the veterans of this great country and to our heroes of this great community.
Source link
