If you’re a veteran in the Lincolnton area dealing with back pain, neck pain, or other musculoskeletal issues that chiropractic care can help, you may be eligible to receive that care through the VA Community Care program – with the VA handling the cost directly. Sitzmann Chiropractic is an enrolled VA Community Care provider, which means we can treat eligible veterans through an authorized VA referral. This guide walks you through the actual process of getting that referral, what to expect at each step, and what happens once you’re approved.
A Quick Overview of VA Community Care
VA Community Care is a program that allows eligible veterans to receive care from community providers – like local chiropractors, physical therapists, and specialists – when the VA cannot provide the care directly, when the wait time at the VA exceeds established limits, or when receiving care in the community is a better clinical fit for the veteran.
For chiropractic care specifically, Community Care referrals are common because many VA facilities don’t have chiropractors on staff or have limited chiropractic availability. If you’ve been waiting a long time for chiropractic care through the VA, or if there’s no chiropractor at your local VA facility, Community Care is likely the path to getting that care covered.
Am I Eligible?
Most veterans enrolled in VA healthcare are eligible for Community Care referrals when specific criteria are met. The main eligibility factors include:
You’re enrolled in VA healthcare and have been receiving care through the VA. The care you need is not available at your VA facility, or the wait time exceeds VA standards (currently 28 days for specialty care). Traveling to a VA facility that offers the care would create an undue burden. Your VA provider agrees that Community Care is appropriate for your situation.
You don’t have to meet all of these – eligibility is determined case by case. The important thing is to start the conversation with your VA primary care provider.
Step 1: Talk to Your VA Primary Care Provider
The referral process starts with your VA primary care provider (PCP). Schedule an appointment or send a secure message through My HealtheVet describing what you’re dealing with – back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, joint pain, or whatever’s brought you in.
Ask specifically about a Community Care referral for chiropractic care. Some providers may first suggest trying VA-based physical therapy or medication. If you’ve already tried these approaches without success, or if you specifically want chiropractic care, say so directly. Your preferences matter in this process.
If your PCP agrees that a chiropractic referral is appropriate, they’ll submit the request to the VA’s Community Care office for authorization.
Step 2: Wait for the Authorization
The VA Community Care office reviews the referral request and determines whether it meets eligibility criteria. This typically takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your local VA’s processing time.
Once approved, you’ll receive an authorization letter or notification through My HealtheVet. The authorization specifies which provider you’re approved to see, how many visits are covered, and the timeframe during which the care must be received.
If your authorization names a specific provider you’d like to change (or doesn’t specify one), you can request Sitzmann Chiropractic as your Community Care provider. We’re an enrolled provider in the VA Community Care network, so this request is straightforward.
Step 3: Schedule Your First Visit at Sitzmann Chiropractic
Once you have the authorization, you can schedule your first visit with us directly. When you call or book online, mention that you’re using VA Community Care so we can note the referral and prepare accordingly.
Bring the following to your first visit: your authorization letter or documentation, a valid photo ID, any medical records or imaging related to your condition (if you have them), and information about your VA primary care provider so we can coordinate care.
You can read more about our VA Community Care participation on our website.
Step 4: Your Care Begins
Your first visit with Dr. Sitzmann will be a thorough evaluation – not a rushed intake. He’ll take a full history of your condition, ask about your service background and any injuries related to it, and assess your spine and any affected joints. From there, you’ll receive your first adjustment if appropriate.
Every session starts with our intersegmental traction table, which gently loosens the spine before the hands-on adjustment. Read more about how our sessions work. Care is adapted to your specific situation – service-connected injuries often require modified approaches, and Dr. Sitzmann has experience working with veterans on complex musculoskeletal issues.
How Billing Works
This is one of the biggest advantages of Community Care: you don’t pay out of pocket for authorized visits. Sitzmann Chiropractic bills the VA directly for the care provided under your authorization. You don’t handle claims paperwork, you don’t submit reimbursement requests, and you don’t need to worry about balance billing for the covered services.
The only situation where cost could come up is if you receive services outside the scope of your authorization (for example, if you needed more visits than were initially approved). We’ll always talk through any additional care with you before it happens so there are no surprises.
What If I Need More Visits Than Were Authorized?
Common situation. Many authorizations start with a limited number of visits – often 6 to 12 – and additional visits require a new authorization if care needs to continue. If we determine partway through your care that more visits would benefit you, we’ll help you request an extension through your VA provider. This usually involves a progress note from us to your VA PCP documenting the improvement and the need for continued care.
What If I Don’t Have a VA Provider Yet?
If you’re eligible for VA healthcare but haven’t enrolled or established care yet, you’ll need to do that first before requesting Community Care. Contact your local VA facility or visit va.gov to start the enrollment process. Once you’re enrolled and have a primary care provider assigned, you can begin the Community Care referral conversation.
Common Conditions Veterans Receive Chiropractic Care For
Many of the conditions veterans deal with respond well to chiropractic care. Chronic back pain from service-related injuries or years of physical demands. Neck pain from wearing heavy gear or old injuries. Joint pain in the shoulders, hips, and knees. Headaches and post-concussion related tension. Sciatica and radiating nerve pain. Recovery support after orthopedic issues or surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the referral process take?
From your first conversation with your VA PCP to your first visit with us, it usually takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on how quickly the authorization is processed. Some veterans get through the process faster; others take longer.
Can I use Community Care if I have private insurance too?
Yes. Community Care coverage is separate from your private insurance. When Community Care is authorized, it covers the care through the VA regardless of your other insurance status.
What if I’m having trouble getting my VA provider to approve the referral?
This does happen occasionally. If your PCP is hesitant to refer you for chiropractic care and you believe it’s appropriate for your situation, you can request a second opinion within the VA system or escalate the conversation with the Community Care office directly.
If you’re a veteran ready to start the referral process or if you already have an authorization and want to schedule, we’re here to help. Schedule online at our Lincolnton NC office or call us at (980) 284-2525.
