TVC’s Health Care Advocacy Department (HCAD) reports an increase in veterans contacting them for assistance with VA Community Care.
Through that program, veterans receive care from third party providers when the VA cannot provide the care needed.
A recent example comes from a Lufkin area veteran connecting with TVC Health Care Advocate (HCA) and Navy veteran DeDe Card for an orthopedic consultation.
“The veteran stated he had worked with a provider in the community for surgery in the past; but, was not aware of how to check on the status of his new consultation and had been waiting a month for information,” said Card. “After many phone calls and communication between Community Care and VA third party administrator TriWest, the veteran was able to obtain the appointment that he had been waiting on.”
The veteran thanked Card for her assistance. “I could not have gotten this done without you” and told her that she is “forever” in his contacts and that he has “no intention of changing advocates.”
In addition to receiving needed care, Card noted the experience gave the veteran a better understanding of the Community Care process.
“He learned valuable information needed such as the authorization number and date of service, and important phone numbers to utilize for additional assistance. This empowered the veteran to navigate the VA health care system, if needed in the future. He is also aware that if he needs a liaison, he is able to reach out to the health care advocate in his region that assisted him.”
Find an HCA near you at https://tvc.texas.gov/health-care-advocacy/advocates/ .
