Veterans Massage

Steps to follow for your Veterans Massage

1. Get a Referral

• Consultation: Begin by scheduling an appointment with your VA primary care provider to discuss your need for massage therapy. They will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and specific conditions that may benefit from massage therapy.
• Referral Issuance: If deemed appropriate, your provider will issue a referral for massage therapy services. This referral is essential for accessing care through the CCN.

2. Authorization

• VA Approval: The referral is reviewed to confirm that the requested services are necessary and covered under your VA benefits.
• Coordination with TriWest: In Region 4, which includes Oregon, TriWest Healthcare Alliance manages the CCN. They coordinate with participating massage therapists to ensure the services meet VA standards and policies.

3. Find a Provider

• Provider Selection: After authorization, you can choose a community provider from the CCN that offers massage therapy services. TriWest can help by supplying a list of qualified and vetted providers in your area.
• Scheduling Assistance: You can schedule your veterans’ massage appointment either on your own or by requesting help from your VA facility or TriWest. If you choose to self-schedule, please inform your VA care team within 14 days to ensure proper documentation and coordination.
  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

4. Appointment Scheduling

• Direct Contact: With permission, contact your selected community provider to schedule your massage therapy sessions.
• Coordination: To ensure comprehensive coverage, verify that all appointments are approved under the referral. Keep in touch with your VA care team and the community provider to promote smooth care coordination.

Additional Considerations

• Documentation: We at the Veterans’ Massage Clinic send all your treatment records back to the VA to keep your medical history current.
• Billing: You should not pay the community provider directly for authorized services; we handle billing through the VA and TriWest. However, the VA may bill you separately for any applicable copayments.

By following these steps and maintaining open communication with your VA care team and TriWest, you can effectively access massage therapy services through the VA Community Care Network.