What community care is
Sometimes the VA arranges for you to be seen by a provider in the community instead of at a VA facility. This is called community care, and the VA pays for it on your behalf. It can come into play when the VA cannot provide the care you need nearby, or when the drive or the wait would be too long.
The single most important thing to know: community care must be authorized by the VA before you receive it. The VA is explicit that care must be first authorized before you see a community provider, so booking a civilian provider on your own and expecting the VA to pay is the common, costly mistake.
Who administers it in North Carolina
The company that administers the VA's community care network in North Carolina is in the middle of changing, so a contractor name you read in an older post may already be out of date. Rather than plan around a specific administrator, confirm who handles your care on the VA's community care page and ask your VA team directly when a referral comes up.
If you are weighing community care against driving to a VA facility, you can compare what is offered where using the VA Facility Locator before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just see any civilian doctor and have the VA pay?
No. Community care must be authorized by the VA first. Eligibility depends on factors like distance and wait time, and the decision is made through the VA, not by booking on your own.
Who runs VA community care in North Carolina?
The administering network is mid-transition, so we do not name a contractor here. Confirm the current administrator and how it works on the VA's community care page, and ask your VA team.
How do I find a VA facility to compare against community care?
Use the VA Facility Locator and search your ZIP code to see locations and services near Fayetteville.
Sources
- Community care (VA.gov)· reviewed 2026-06-14
- Community Care for Veterans (VA.gov)· reviewed 2026-06-14
- Find VA locations (VA.gov)· reviewed 2026-06-14
About our medical review process
This page was reviewed by Myra A. Jones BSN, RN, CCM, a registered nurse, for medical accuracy and adherence to current clinical standards as of June 14, 2026. ProviderQuoHealth’s health content is 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.
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