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The VA Community Care Network
A Guide for Ambulance & Transportation Providers (Land, Water, Air)
In California, independent Physician Assistants (PAs) can bill the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for services provided to veterans, but it’s essential to understand the regulations surrounding this process.
Welcome to Veterans Desk , your trusted resource for connecting dedicated healthcare professionals with opportunities to serve our nation’s veterans. This guide is tailored for cardiologists who specialize in advanced heart failure and transplant care. Whether you manage end-stage heart failure, ventricular assist devices (VADs), or heart transplant referrals, this page provides everything you need to enroll in the VA Community Care Network (CCN).
Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN
Verify Your Credentials
- Maintain all required state licenses and operational permits for EMS, ambulance, or NEMT services.
- Ensure your vehicles and personnel meet applicable certification and safety standards.
- Include FAA authorization for air transport providers if applicable.
Prepare Required Documents
- State and federal vehicle registrations and licenses.
- Proof of insurance coverage (liability and auto).
- Valid W-9 form for payment processing.
- Company contact information, service areas, and billing structure.
- Licenses and certifications for EMTs, paramedics, or transport staff.
Submit Your Application
Apply through the appropriate regional network:
- Optum VA Community Care Network (Regions 1–3)
- TriWest Healthcare Alliance (Regions 4–5)
Complete Mandatory Training
Required VA training may include:
- HIPAA compliance and privacy standards.
- VA-specific transport documentation protocols.
- Emergency preparedness and patient safety.
Visit the VHA TRAIN portal to complete available courses
Credentialing & Inspection
- VA will review your operational documents and fleet safety records.
- Site or vehicle inspections may be required to verify compliance with VA standards.
- Staff background checks may also be conducted.
Receive and Sign Your Provider Agreement
- You will receive a formal contract outlining service rates, documentation requirements, and scheduling expectations.
- Once finalized, you can begin transporting VA-authorized patients under CCN
Why Ambulance & Transportation Services Matter to Veterans
Reliable transportation is essential for ensuring that veterans, especially those in rural or medically underserved areas, can access timely and appropriate care. Transportation services, including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), and air ambulance, play a vital role in bridging care gaps across the VA healthcare system.
As a transportation provider in the VA CCN, your role includes:
- Providing emergency and non-emergency transport for scheduled appointments and urgent care needs.
- Supporting inter-facility transfers between VA and non-VA medical facilities.
- Offering air or specialty transport services when medically necessary.
- Assisting with mobility-impaired or high-risk veteran populations.
Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN
- Expanded Service Reach: Serve veterans across a broader geographic area, including rural and remote communities.
- Streamlined Reimbursement: Benefit from standardized claims and billing processes with reliable turnaround times.
- Direct Veteran Support: Work within VA-approved protocols for medically necessary transport.
- Access to VA Scheduling Tools: Coordinate NEMT services efficiently through VA scheduling and dispatch platforms.
Bridging the Gap for Veterans
Operational Support & Opportunities for Growth
- Collaborate with VA facilities and third-party administrators for high-priority or recurring transport needs.
- Build referral relationships for inter-facility transfers, dialysis transport, or air-medical evacuation.
- Expand your service profile to include specialized veteran populations (e.g., bariatric, behavioral health).
Transitioning from Military Service
- Military EMS or transport personnel can convert training credentials to civilian equivalents via recognized pathways.
- Veteran-owned transportation businesses are encouraged to apply under VA’s VOSB or SDVOSB certification programs through VetBiz.
- Highlight any military transport logistics, flight, or medevac experience in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are non-emergency transports covered by VA?
Yes, if the transport is medically justified and scheduled through a VA facility, Optum, or TriWest. Pre-authorization is typically required.
Can I provide inter-facility transfers between VA hospitals?
Yes. These transports are reimbursed when proper authorization and documentation are in place.
Are air ambulance services reimbursed under the CCN?
Yes, for emergency or critical care air transports that meet authorization criteria. Coordination with VA and documentation of medical necessity is required.
