Join
The VA Community Care Network
A Guide for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Providers
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 dedicated platform for connecting healthcare professionals with opportunities to support the veteran community. This guide is designed for physiatrists and PM&R specialists who are interested in joining the VA Community Care Network (CCN) to provide high-quality rehabilitative care to veterans.
Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN
Verify Your Credentials
- Hold a valid state medical license
- Maintain board certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- DEA registration if prescribing controlled substances
Prepare Required Documentation
- State license and board certification
- CV or résumé
- Malpractice/liability insurance
- Signed W-9 form
- Facility credentials (if applying as a clinic or hospital-based practice)
Submit Your Application
Choose the appropriate regional portal:
Complete Required Training
- Complete VA onboarding, privacy training, and care coordination modules
- Training includes documentation standards and use of VA-authorized billing systems
Visit:
Credentialing & Facility Review
- Your credentials and history will be verified
- Clinics or group practices may undergo a facility review for compliance
Final Contract
- After approval, you’ll receive a formal contract outlining payment terms and authorized services
- Once signed, you may begin treating VA-authorized patients by care plans
Why PM&R Specialists Matter to Veterans
Veterans often face complex rehabilitation needs due to traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries (SCI), amputations, stroke, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and other functional impairments. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) professionals play a vital role in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and helping veterans regain their independence and quality of life.
As a PM&R specialist in the VA CCN, your role includes:
- Designing and implementing rehabilitation plans for physical recovery
- Managing chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders
- Coordinating with physical and occupational therapists
- Supporting recovery from neurologic injuries and post-surgical conditions
- Promoting community reintegration through functional and cognitive rehab
Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN
• Serve a Resilient Population: Help veterans recover from injury and trauma while supporting their mental, emotional, and physical reintegration
• Collaborative Interdisciplinary Care: Join teams including therapists, psychologists, and case managers to deliver coordinated care
• Inpatient & Outpatient Access: Deliver care in both settings when authorized in a veteran’s treatment plan
• Streamlined Reimbursement: Receive payment for authorized services without excessive administrative burden
• Clinical Impact: Your work directly contributes to increased independence and improved long-term outcomes for veterans
Bridging the Gap for Veterans
Educational Support & Carrer Growth
- Access VA-funded CME opportunities in rehabilitation, pain management, and post-traumatic recovery
- Network with interdisciplinary professionals across VA and DoD health systems
- Explore loan repayment programs for eligible providers
- Learn more at: VA Education and Training
Transitioning from Military Medical Service
- Former military physiatrists should highlight deployment-related rehab experience
- VA may expedite credentialing for military-trained specialists with relevant experience
- Submit your DD214 documentation as part of your application package
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can PM&R providers offer both inpatient and outpatient care through the VA CCN?
Yes, if the services are explicitly included in the veteran’s authorized VA care plan. Preauthorization is required for reimbursement.
Are electrodiagnostic services, such as EMG or nerve conduction studies, covered?
Yes, these are reimbursable when medically necessary and pre-approved. Providers must ensure prior authorization through VA channels.
Can I refer veterans to physical or occupational therapy within the VA CCN?
Yes, PM&R providers can coordinate and refer veterans to therapy services within the network to ensure continuity of care.
Is pain management part of PM&R services?
Absolutely. PM&R physicians often lead the non-surgical management of chronic pain, including physical rehabilitation, medication management, and interventional techniques.