Eligible veterans may receive VA-paid care from an in-network community provider when VA cannot provide the needed service within its access standards. A mobile clinic can participate in that system, but the same rules apply as they would for a fixed community practice.
VA must authorize Community Care before the appointment in most circumstances. A mobile unit can bring an authorized visit closer to a veteran. It does not create a separate route around VA approval.
The MISSION Act established access standards
The VA MISSION Act expanded the Community Care program and set standards for when veterans may qualify for care outside a VA facility.
A veteran may qualify when the average drive time to the nearest VA location offering the needed service is longer than:
- 30 minutes for primary or mental health care
- 60 minutes for specialty care
Wait-time standards also apply:
- More than 20 days for primary or mental health care
- More than 28 days for specialty care
Veterans may qualify through other criteria as well. VA makes the eligibility and authorization decision for each episode of care.
Where veterans may receive care
| Setting | How it works | Common role |
|---|---|---|
| VA facility | VA provides care directly | Primary, specialty, hospital, and emergency services |
| Community provider | An in-network provider delivers care authorized by VA | Services VA cannot provide within applicable access standards |
| Mobile clinic | An in-network mobile provider brings authorized services to a community site | Routine, preventive, behavioral, and chronic care closer to home |
Mobile providers can address a rural supply problem
Community Care eligibility does not guarantee that a nearby provider exists. Some rural communities lack both a VA site and enough local clinicians. A veteran may meet the drive-time standard and still have no practical appointment available.
A mobile program can place a provider in that community on a recurring schedule. The unit may offer primary care, mental health visits, screenings, lab work, vaccinations, and chronic disease follow-up. It can serve several communities that could not support separate permanent clinics.
The provider must meet VA network, credentialing, authorization, documentation, and billing requirements. The operator also needs referral arrangements for care beyond the unit's scope.
Our overview of mobile clinics for veterans explains how this model can serve rural veterans, older adults, women, veterans experiencing homelessness, and veterans seeking mental health care.
Authorization comes before the visit
Veterans should not assume that VA will pay simply because a clinic serves veterans or is located near a VA facility. VA Community Care generally requires a referral and authorization before the appointment.
The veteran and provider should confirm:
- That the veteran is eligible for Community Care
- That VA authorized the specific service
- That the provider is in the applicable network
- That the appointment falls within the authorization period
- That any needed follow-up is also authorized
Emergency care follows separate rules. Veterans should use emergency services when needed and follow VA notification requirements.
Mission Mobile Medical's planning and staffing advisors help organizations design mobile programs that can work with VA Community Care requirements and local referral partners.