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The VA Community Care Network

A Guide for Bariatric Surgery Specialists

n 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 surgeons who specialize in bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Whether you operate independently or as part of a surgical group, this guide provides everything you need to join the VA Community Care Network (CCN) and begin serving veterans.

Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN

Verify Your Credentials

Ensure that you meet the following qualifications:

  • Board certification in General Surgery
  • Fellowship training or documented experience in Bariatric Surgery

Prepare Required Documents

Gather the following:

  • Valid state medical license
  • Malpractice insurance certificate
  • Updated CV/resume
  • Completed and signed W-9
  • Proof of hospital privileges (strongly recommended)
  • Bariatric surgery case log (recommended for credentialing)

Submit Your Application

Apply to the appropriate regional network based on your practice location:

Complete Mandatory Training

Complete the VA’s required provider education on:

  • Surgical documentation standards
  • HIPAA compliance and data privacy
  • Pre- and post-op care expectations

Access training here:

Credentialing & Contracting

  • Your background and clinical qualifications will be verified through a third-party administrator.
  • Once credentialed, you’ll receive a provider agreement and onboarding instructions.
VA CCN Enrollment Page
Join the Network – TriWest

Why Bariatric Surgery Specialists Matter to Veterans

Veterans are at elevated risk for obesity and its associated comorbidities due to factors like chronic pain, limited physical activity, psychiatric medications, and service-related injuries. Bariatric surgery offers life-changing outcomes by addressing obesity and reducing conditions like:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Sleep apnea
  • Joint dysfunction

Your role as a bariatric surgeon within the VA CCN includes:

  • Performing medically necessary bariatric surgeries
  • Coordinating with pre-op and post-op support teams
  • Enhancing long-term quality of life and disease management

Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN

  • Perform Life-Saving Procedures: Conduct bariatric surgeries for qualified veterans referred through the VA system.

  • Integrated Care Collaboration: Work alongside VA-affiliated dietitians, psychologists, internists, and case managers.

  • Streamlined Reimbursement: Receive timely payments under VA-authorized care plans and TRICARE agreements.

  • Flexible Practice Models: Continue serving your civilian patients while supporting veterans part-time or full-time.

  • Clinical Impact: Improve long-term veteran health outcomes through surgical intervention.

Bridging the Gap for Veterans

Educational Support & Career Development

  • Participate in VA-sponsored continuing medical education (CME) related to obesity treatment, chronic disease management, and surgical safety.

  • Stay up to date on evolving VA protocols for pre-op evaluation, follow-up care, and comorbidity screening.

  • Learn to coordinate with mental health professionals for integrated care when psychological clearance is required.

     

Transitioning from Military Service

  • Surgeons transitioning from military roles should pursue expedited licensure and credential conversion.

  • Highlight deployment-related experience in trauma surgery, obesity medicine, or post-operative rehabilitation when applying.

  • If you’re a veteran provider yourself, include your DD214 and VA affiliation history for priority onboarding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the VA cover bariatric surgery for veterans?

 Yes. The VA may refer eligible veterans for bariatric surgery based on body mass index (BMI), comorbid medical conditions, and completion of required evaluations, including medical and psychological assessments.

Yes. Surgeons can bill for pre-surgical assessments, postoperative follow-ups, nutritional counseling coordination, and complication management.

Yes. Telehealth is permitted for initial consultations, pre-op screenings, and select post-op check-ins, especially when travel poses a barrier

Absolutely. Most providers serve VA patients alongside their existing patient base. You will only bill VA for the authorized cases referred to you.

No. You may specialize in one or more procedures (e.g., gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy). Be sure to list your capabilities during credentialing.

HIPAA Compliance Disclaimer

Veterans Desk is not a HIPAA-covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and is not subject to HIPAA privacy or security requirements. We do not collect, store, or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI) on behalf of veterans, healthcare providers, or any other party.

Our platform operates solely as an informational and networking resource. We offer membership access to a publicly viewable directory of VA Community Care Network (CCN) providers, along with educational links and resources. We do not provide direct medical referrals, coordinate patient care, or act as an intermediary between veterans and healthcare providers in any clinical capacity.

All communications, medical information, or personal data exchanged between a veteran and a provider occur outside of Veterans Desk and at the sole discretion and responsibility of the parties involved. Veterans Desk does not monitor, manage, or store these exchanges.

By using this site, you acknowledge and agree that:

  1. Veterans Desk is not your healthcare provider or representative.

     

  2. Veterans Desk does not give medical advice, make treatment recommendations, or guarantee provider performance.

     

  3. Any medical or personal information you choose to share with a provider is done independently and outside our control.

     

If you require medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please contact a licensed healthcare provider directly or use your VA-approved care coordination channels.

No Medical Advice

All content provided by Veterans Desk, including but not limited to articles, guides, directory listings, and linked resources, is for informational and educational purposes only. Veterans Desk does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and nothing on this site should be interpreted as such.

Use of this website does not create a patient–provider relationship between you and Veterans Desk, its staff, or any healthcare provider listed on the site. We strongly encourage all veterans and users to consult directly with a licensed healthcare professional or their VA-approved care coordinator before making any decisions related to their health, treatments, or medical care.

Veterans Desk makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of any information provided. Reliance on any information found on this site is solely at your own risk.