Join
The VA Community Care Network
A Guide for Podiatrists
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 Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) interested in joining the VA Community Care Network (CCN). As a podiatrist, you provide essential foot and ankle care to veterans living with chronic illness, injury, and service-related mobility challenges.
Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN
Verify Your Credentials
- Hold an active and unrestricted state license as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- Board certification is recommended but not required
Prepare Required Documents
- Current medical license and board certification (if applicable)
- Up-to-date CV or resume
- Completed W-9 form for reimbursement
- Proof of malpractice insurance, if required by region
Submit Your Application
Submit through your region’s CCN portal:
Complete Mandatory VA Training
- Complete required onboarding, documentation, and privacy trainings
- Topics may include HIPAA, care coordination, and podiatric coding protocols
- Access courses here:
Credentialing & Facility Review
- Your credentials and background will be verified
- If applicable, your practice may undergo review to ensure it meets VA accessibility and quality standards
Final Contract
• Receive a formal contract outlining service expectations and reimbursement details
• Once finalized, begin delivering authorized podiatric care to veterans in your area
Why Podiatrists Matter to Veterans
Foot and ankle health is foundational to a veteran’s mobility, independence, and quality of life. Veterans are more likely to develop conditions such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, and service-related musculoskeletal injuries, all of which place them at higher risk for ulcers, infections, and amputation.
As a podiatrist, your expertise supports:
- Limb preservation through early intervention and wound care
- Improved mobility via surgical and nonsurgical care
- Pain management for chronic lower extremity conditions
- Integrated care with primary care and rehabilitation teams
Your Role as a Podiatrist in the VA CCN
- Deliver comprehensive foot and ankle care, including surgery, orthotics, and biomechanical correction
- Treat diabetic foot complications, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bunions, and trauma-related conditions
- Support wound care and ulcer management for high-risk veterans
- Collaborate with primary care, endocrinology, and rehab teams to coordinate whole-person care
- Participate in prevention programs that reduce hospitalization and limb loss
Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN
- Serve a High-Risk Population: Veterans often require advanced podiatric care due to complex health histories and service-related conditions
• Streamlined Reimbursement: The VA CCN process is structured to reduce administrative burdens while ensuring fair compensation
• Collaborative Care Environment: Work in tandem with other VA specialists to deliver integrated, outcome-focused care
• Expanded Access to Referrals: Gain access to veterans in need of timely podiatric interventions
• Professional Development: Access VA-led CME and clinical guidelines relevant to diabetic limb preservation and veteran-specific care
Bridging the Gap for Veterans
Educational Support & Carrer Growth
- Participate in VA CME programs related to diabetic foot care, wound healing, and limb salvage
- Contribute to VA public health initiatives around mobility, fall prevention, and amputation reduction
- Qualified podiatrists may explore federal loan repayment options
- Learn more at: VA Education and Training
Transitioning from Military Service
• If you’re a former military podiatrist, submit your DD214 and include military clinical experience in your application
• Emphasize any experience with combat-related trauma, musculoskeletal rehab, or field medicine
• VA credentialing teams may offer expedited processing for veterans transitioning into civilian care roles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I be reimbursed for orthotics or diabetic shoes?
Yes, if the item or service is medically necessary and included in the veteran’s authorized plan of care, it is eligible for reimbursement.
Am I allowed to manage chronic wounds or ulcers for veterans?
Absolutely. Wound care is a core podiatric service, especially for veterans with diabetes, vascular disease, or mobility impairments.
Will I work independently or as part of a VA care team?
Both. You may provide individualized care or collaborate within interdisciplinary VA teams that include primary care, rehab, and nursing staff.
Can podiatric care be delivered via telehealth?
Telehealth may be used for follow-up consults, post-op checks, and diabetic foot education, depending on authorization and care plan details.