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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.
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.
Can I bill for pre- and post-operative care?
Yes. Surgeons can bill for pre-surgical assessments, postoperative follow-ups, nutritional counseling coordination, and complication management.
Are telehealth visits allowed for evaluations?
Yes. Telehealth is permitted for initial consultations, pre-op screenings, and select post-op check-ins, especially when travel poses a barrier
Can I continue serving civilian patients while enrolled in VA CCN?
Absolutely. Most providers serve VA patients alongside their existing patient base. You will only bill VA for the authorized cases referred to you.
Do I need to offer all bariatric surgery types?
No. You may specialize in one or more procedures (e.g., gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy). Be sure to list your capabilities during credentialing.
