VA Community Care Network
When the VA can’t provide the care you need, it may approve care from a community provider outside the VA.
Who may qualify
You must be enrolled in or eligible for VA health care. You also need approval from your VA care team first, except in certain cases like urgent or emergency care.
At least one of these must also be true:
- You need a service the VA doesn’t provide at any facility.
- Your state or territory has no full-service VA facility.
- You and your VA provider agree it’s in your best medical interest.
- The VA can’t provide the service in a way that meets its quality standards.
- The VA can’t meet its drive and wait time standards for your care.
Drive and wait time standards
- Primary care, mental health, and extended outpatient care: 30-minute average drive or 20-day wait
- Specialty care: 60-minute average drive or 28-day wait
How to get started
Talk with your VA care team before you see a community provider. In New Orleans, call (800) 935‑8387.
In an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis, dial 988, then press 1. Aspire Community Care is not part of the VA and does not provide medical care.