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The VA Community Care Network

A Guide for Cardiovascular Disease Specialists

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 Cardiovascular Disease specialists, including general and subspecialized cardiologists. Whether you manage chronic heart failure or conduct diagnostic imaging, this guide walks you through how to join the VA Community Care Network (CCN) and serve veterans through high-quality cardiac care.

Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN

Verify Your Credentials

Ensure you meet the following requirements:

  • Board certification in Cardiovascular Disease (ABIM or AOBIM)
  • Active, unrestricted state license

Prepare Required Documents

You’ll need to submit:

  • Valid medical license, malpractice insurance, and NPI
  • Hospital privileges and recent procedural logs
  • Signed W-9 and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Submit Your Application

Apply through your region’s enrollment portal:

Complete VA Provider Training

Visit the VA training portal and complete the required modules:

Credentialing & Contracting

After submission:

  • VA will verify credentials and hospital privileges
  • You’ll receive a contract with your reimbursement and service terms.
  • Once signed, you can begin receiving referrals for cardiovascular services.

VA CCN Enrollment Page
Join the Network – TriWest

Why Cardiovascular Specialists Matter to Veterans

Cardiovascular conditions are among the most prevalent and serious health issues facing veterans. Many face elevated cardiac risk due to service-related stress, physical inactivity, PTSD, diabetes, and exposure to toxic substances. As a cardiovascular specialist, your work helps prevent life-threatening events, extend quality of life, and coordinate treatment across multiple disciplines.

Your role in the VA CCN includes:

  • Managing hypertension, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias
  • Performing post-MI care, CHF management, and stroke prevention
  • Coordinating cardiac rehab and interdisciplinary follow-up
  • Providing advanced testing (e.g., echocardiograms, stress tests, Holter monitors)

Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN

  • Serve a High-Risk Population: Work with veterans at elevated cardiovascular risk who require both preventive and interventional care.

  • Collaborative Cardiac Management: Partner with VA primary care, endocrinology, nephrology, and mental health providers to deliver whole-person care.

  • Fair Reimbursement & Referrals: Receive competitive rates and consistent referrals for both diagnostic and treatment services.

  • Flexibility in Services: Provide care in outpatient clinics, hospital consults, or as part of an integrated cardiac facility.

  • Clinical Continuity: Contribute to long-term management of cardiac patients, including recurring diagnostics and rehab support.

Bridging the Gap for Veterans

Educational Support & Career Growth

  • Access VA-sponsored CME opportunities on veteran cardiac care.
  • Stay informed with DoD and VA research on toxic exposures and cardiovascular health.
  • Eligible providers may qualify for federal student loan repayment programs.
    • Learn more at VA Education and Training

Transitioning from Military Service

If you’re a former military cardiologist or medical officer:

  • Convert your military credentials to civilian equivalents
  • Explore expedited licensing options for transitioning service members.

Highlight deployment-related cardiac or diagnostic experience in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are outpatient diagnostics like stress testing and echocardiography covered?

Yes. These are commonly approved under authorized VA care plans.

Yes. The VA supports collaborative treatment plans that include multiple specialists and institutions.

Yes, when recommended as part of your cardiology care plan and approved by the VA.

Yes. Physicians and facilities may bill separately when using appropriate NPIs and provider types.

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.