You often get a say in who you see
Community care is not only a way to be seen off base. Once the VA approves your referral, you frequently get a choice about which in-network provider you go to. The VA says you can search for a provider yourself, or ask your VA health care team to find one for you. This is general navigation, not medical or VA-benefits advice.
This page assumes you already have an approved referral. If you are not there yet, start with how community care works and when you may be eligible in our VA community care guide and the access standards guide.
How the VA describes scheduling
The VA lays out the steps directly. Your VA team prepares the referral, which the VA says can take up to 14 days. After you have the referral, you can schedule the appointment yourself, or ask your VA team to schedule it for you. If you schedule it yourself, tell your VA team within 14 days so they can note it in your chart and coordinate with the community provider.
After the appointment is scheduled, the VA sends you an authorization letter, which is your approval for that care. Keep it handy, and confirm with the provider's office that they have your VA authorization on file before the visit.
Finding local practices that report accepting VA Community Care
When you can pick your own in-network provider, a local directory is a practical starting point. On ProviderQuoHealth you can filter the provider directory near Fort Bragg to practices that report accepting VA Community Care, and see their specialty, location, hours, and whether they are accepting new patients in one place.
One honest caveat: that label is the practice's own statement, not something ProviderQuoHealth verifies, and it is not a guarantee that they are in your VA network for your specific referral. Use it as a shortlist, then confirm with the provider's office and your VA team that the provider is in-network and can honor your authorization before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own community care provider?
Often, yes. The VA says you can search for a provider yourself, or ask your VA health care team to find one for you, once your referral is approved. The provider needs to be in the VA's network for your care.
Who schedules the community care appointment?
Either you or your VA team. After you have your referral, the VA says you can schedule the appointment yourself or ask your VA team to schedule it. If you schedule it yourself, tell your VA team within 14 days so they can coordinate.
How do I find local providers that take VA Community Care?
You can filter the ProviderQuoHealth directory near Fort Bragg to practices that report accepting VA Community Care. That is the practice's own statement, so confirm they are in-network for your referral with the provider and your VA team before booking.
Does the ProviderQuoHealth badge mean the VA will pay?
No. The badge is the practice's self-report that they accept VA Community Care, not a verification and not a guarantee of coverage. VA payment depends on your authorized referral. Always confirm with your VA team.
Sources
- How to get community care referrals and schedule appointments (VA.gov)· reviewed 2026-07-09
- Community care (VA.gov)· reviewed 2026-07-09
- Eligibility for community care (VA.gov, General Care)· reviewed 2026-07-09
About our medical review process
This page was reviewed by Myra A. Jones BSN, RN, CCM, a registered nurse, as of July 10, 2026: checked for accuracy, for the safe handling of sensitive topics (including how crisis and mental-health resources are presented), and to confirm it stays general benefits-navigation information rather than medical advice, with each fact tied to an official source. ProviderQuoHealth’s guides are reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals before publication and re-checked when the content materially changes.
Important: Not Medical Advice
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you have about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read on ProviderQuoHealth. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
ProviderQuoHealth is an independent directory and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Department of Defense. This page provides general information about navigating benefits only and is not medical, legal, or VA-benefits advice. Always confirm details on va.gov and with an accredited representative.