Tips on using the Urgent Care Benefit

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 09/15/2020 01:25 PM EDT

St. Cloud VA Healthcare System Update
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Tips on using the Urgent Care Benefit

                                               Veteran at Computer

Visit the Locator tool before every Urgent Care visit as network providers may change. 

VA’s goal is to give eligible Veterans who need same-day urgent care for minor illnesses or injuries as many avenues as possible at the right time, right place and right provider.

VA transitioned its Community Care Network (CCN) urgent care network managers in Minnesota on Sept. 1, 2020, from TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) to Optum Public Sector Solutions, Inc. (Optum), which is part of UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

VA’s goal is for the transition to be seamless for Veterans. However, the change will result in new urgent care providers being added to its contracted networks while others may be removed.

To make sure you get the urgent care you need, when you need it, it is suggested that you print and carry the attached card located below to help you and local in-network urgent care providers to use the Community Care network effectively.

Here are some other tips:

  • Urgent care visits in community settings must be made to providers in the VA's Community Care Network (CCN).
  • To find an urgent care location in VA’s network, use the VA.gov Provider Locator at https://www.va.gov/find-locations/.
  • Please visit the Locator tool before every visit as network provider lists may change, particularly for visits after Sept. 1.  
  • In addition to the urgent care location, Veterans must check whether their pharmacy is in-network. To find an urgent care pharmacy location use the VA.gov Provider Locator at https://www.va.gov/find-locations/.

Remember, in-network pharmacies are only available for immediate medication needs arising from an urgent care visit. All other prescriptions are filled by VA.