How To
Become A Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network (CCN) Provider
Welcome to Veterans Desk, your pivotal resource for joining the VA Community Care Network (CCN) and serving those who have served our country. As a VA Community Care provider, you play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare services to Veterans through a streamlined, nationally recognized system.
What is the VA Community Care Network (CCN)?
The VA Community Care Network (CCN) is the preferred national network the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses to purchase Veteran care from community providers. CCN is administered through third-party administrators (TPAs) who manage services, reimburse providers promptly, and ensure Veterans have timely access to high-quality care.
Key Facts About CCN:
- 5 Regional Networks across the nation.
- Optum administers Regions 1, 2, and 3.
- TriWest Health Care Alliance administers Regions 4 and 5.
- VA’s direct link with private-sector providers to deliver seamless care to Veterans.
CCN Regional Networks
Use this map or refer to the list below to confirm which CCN region you fall under:
Region | States/Territories | TPA |
Region 1 | CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV | Optum |
Region 2 | IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI | Optum |
Region 3 | AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, OK, PR, SC, TN, US Virgin Islands | Optum |
Region 4 | American Samoa, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, N. Mariana Islands, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY | TriWest |
Region 5 | Alaska | TriWest |
Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN
Identify Your Region
- Determine which CCN region you belong to based on your location. Refer to the table above or the official VA CCN Regional Map for details.
Contact the Appropriate Third Party Administrator (TPA)
- Regions 1, 2, 3 (Optum):
- Region 1: (888) 901-7407
- Region 2: (844) 839-6108
- Region 3: (888) 901-6613
- Optum Provider Website
- Regions 4, 5 (TriWest):
- Provider Contract Request Website (preferred)
- Email: providerservices@triwest.com
- Phone: (877) CCN-TRIW or (877) 226-8749
Complete Credentialing and Enrollment
- Follow instructions from Optum or TriWest to submit required documentation (licenses, certifications, etc.) for credentialing and enrollment. This process ensures that you meet all VA standards and are ready to start serving Veterans through the CCN.
- Ensure you meet all VA standards for credentialing and enrollment.
Start Serving Veterans
Once approved, you can begin receiving referrals and providing services to Veterans through CCN
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Community Care Network (CCN)?
CCN is the VA’s preferred method of purchasing care from community providers. It connects VA with private-sector clinicians who offer services to Veterans.
Why did VA hire third-party administrators (TPAs)?
TPAs (Optum and TriWest) play a crucial role in the CCN. They streamline administration, ensuring providers receive prompt payments and Veterans have access to comprehensive care. They also manage the referral process and provide customer service to Veterans, making them a key part of the CCN system.
How do referrals work within CCN?
Veterans typically receive referrals from VA medical centers. If they need additional services beyond the initial referral, VA or the TPA may issue an updated authorization or referral.
Who handles customer service for Veterans?
The VA or the respective TPA generally manages Veteran customer service. Providers can contact their TPA for help with claims or referral questions
What are Veterans Care Agreements (VCAs)?
VCAs are formal agreements for specific services, typically used when there’s a unique care requirement or a provider outside CCN.
Where do I find information on claims and payments?
Optum and TriWest both have provider portals with claims guidance. Always confirm claim submission processes with your TPA.
How do I become a CCN dental provider?
Dental providers follow similar steps: identify your region, contact the TPA, and complete credentialing. Additional dental program details may apply; check with Optum or TriWest.
What is External Provider Scheduling?
Some regions use external scheduling systems to coordinate Veteran appointments. Your TPA will provide details if this applies to your services.
What is the High Performing Provider Designation?
This designation identifies providers who consistently meet or exceed performance standards. It may lead to preferential referrals, but qualifications vary by region.
VA Facility Locator
If you’re searching for VA facilities or providers near you, use our VA Locator tool. At Veterans Desk, we make it easier to connect with the right care by guiding you to trusted VA locations and resources, helping you save time and move forward with confidence.Find the nearest VA facility to coordinate care or verify Veteran eligibility.
Veterans Desk:
If you need assistance understanding the Community Care Network or gathering documents, Contact Us. Our goal at Veterans Desk is to provide comprehensive support and streamline your path to becoming a VA Community Care provider, ensuring you feel confident and reassured throughout the process.
Key Fact Sheets (from VA Community Care):
- How to Become a VA Community Provider
- How to Become a VA CCN Dental Community Provider
- CCN Regions 1–5
- Urgent Care
- Billing and Payments
Disclaimer: VeteransDesk.org is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. All content is for informational purposes; providers should confirm details directly with VA or its TPAs.
Together, let's ensure our Veterans receive the timely, high-quality care they've earned.
Join the VA Community Care Network Today
If you’re ready to make a profound difference for Veterans in your community, sign up with the appropriate TPA to become a CCN provider. Whether you’re located in Region 1 with Optum or Region 4 with TriWest, the steps are straightforward. Veterans Desk is here to help you navigate the process and answer any questions along the way, ensuring you feel a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in your work.