How CCN Works
How VA Community Care Works for Veterans and Providers
The VA Community Care Network (CCN) is the system that allows eligible Veterans to receive care from community (non-VA) providers when receiving that care outside a VA facility is in the Veteran’s best interest. CCN expands access while maintaining VA oversight, authorizations, and coordination.
CCN does not replace VA healthcare. It works alongside VA services to reduce travel burden, wait times, and gaps in specialty care—while maintaining accountability through clear rules.
What CCN Is?
- Community Care is the option to receive authorized care outside VA facilities.
- CCN is the national network VA uses to credential providers, manage referrals, and process claims.
- VA decides eligibility and issues authorizations.
- Community providers deliver care within the authorization.
- Records return to VA to keep care coordinated.
How CCN Works — For Veterans
Eligibility review
Your VA care team determines whether Community Care is appropriate based on VA criteria (such as access standards, service availability, or continuity needs).
Authorization issued
VA provides an authorization listing the approved service(s), number of visits, and valid dates. This document guides what is covered.
Scheduling care
You schedule with an in-network provider using a CCN. The provider verifies the authorization before your appointment.
Care delivered locally
You receive care from the community provider. Medical decisions remain between you and licensed clinicians.
Records returned to VA
Visit notes and results are sent back to VA to maintain continuity and inform next steps.
Veteran tip: Keep your authorization details handy and confirm your appointment matches what’s approved.
How CCN Works — For Providers
Credentialing & enrollment
Authorization verification
Before scheduling, verify service scope, visit limits, and valid dates.
Care within scope
Documentation & claims
Veterans & Caregivers: Common Questions
Eligibility · How do I know if I qualify?
Process · What if my needs change?
Costs · Will I have out-of-pocket expenses?
Provider Choice · How do I find CCN providers?
Support · Who helps if there’s a problem?
Where Education Fits
Understanding CCN helps Veterans and caregivers ask better questions and avoid delays. Veterans Desk provides plain-language, state-aware education—guides and workshops that explain rules, risks, and care boundaries without clinical advice or product promotion.
