How To

Become A Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network (CCN) Provider

Welcome to Mendry, your pivotal resource for joining the VA Community Care Network (CCN) and serving those who have served our country. As a VA Community Care provider, you play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare services to Veterans through a streamlined, nationally recognized system.

What is the VA Community Care Network (CCN)?

The VA Community Care Network (CCN) is the preferred national network the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses to purchase Veteran care from community providers. CCN is administered through third-party administrators (TPAs) who manage services, reimburse providers promptly, and ensure Veterans have timely access to high-quality care.

Key Facts About CCN:

  • 5 Regional Networks across the nation.
  • Optum administers Regions 1, 2, and 3.
  • TriWest Health Care Alliance administers Regions 4 and 5.
  • VA’s direct link with private-sector providers to deliver seamless care to Veterans.

CCN Regional Networks

Use this map or refer to the list below to confirm which CCN region you fall under:

Region

States/Territories

TPA

Region 1

CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV

Optum

Region 2

IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI

Optum

Region 3

AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, OK, PR, SC, TN, US Virgin Islands

Optum

Region 4

American Samoa, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, N. Mariana Islands, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY

TriWest

Region 5

Alaska

TriWest

Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN

Identify Your Region

  •  Determine which CCN region you belong to based on your location. Refer to the table above or the official VA CCN Regional Map for details.

Contact the Appropriate Third Party Administrator (TPA)

Complete Credentialing and Enrollment

  • Follow instructions from Optum or TriWest to submit required documentation (licenses, certifications, etc.) for credentialing and enrollment. This process ensures that you meet all VA standards and are ready to start serving Veterans through the CCN.
  • Ensure you meet all VA standards for credentialing and enrollment.

Start Serving Veterans

Once approved, you can begin receiving referrals and providing services to Veterans through CCN

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Community Care Network (CCN)?

CCN is the VA’s preferred method of purchasing care from community providers. It connects VA with private-sector clinicians who offer services to Veterans.

TPAs (Optum and TriWest) play a crucial role in the CCN. They streamline administration, ensuring providers receive prompt payments and Veterans have access to comprehensive care. They also manage the referral process and provide customer service to Veterans, making them a key part of the CCN system.

Veterans typically receive referrals from VA medical centers. If they need additional services beyond the initial referral, VA or the TPA may issue an updated authorization or referral.

The VA or the respective TPA generally manages Veteran customer service. Providers can contact their TPA for help with claims or referral questions

VCAs are formal agreements for specific services, typically used when there’s a unique care requirement or a provider outside CCN.

Optum and TriWest both have provider portals with claims guidance. Always confirm claim submission processes with your TPA.

Dental providers follow similar steps: identify your region, contact the TPA, and complete credentialing. Additional dental program details may apply; check with Optum or TriWest.

Some regions use external scheduling systems to coordinate Veteran appointments. Your TPA will provide details if this applies to your services.

This designation identifies providers who consistently meet or exceed performance standards. It may lead to preferential referrals, but qualifications vary by region.

VA Facility Locator

If you’re searching for VA facilities or providers near you, use our VA Locator tool. At Veterans Desk, we make it easier to connect with the right care by guiding you to trusted VA locations and resources, helping you save time and move forward with confidence.Find the nearest VA facility to coordinate care or verify Veteran eligibility.

Mendry:

If you need assistance understanding the Community Care Network or gathering documents, Contact Us. Our goal at Mendry is to provide comprehensive support and streamline your path to becoming a VA Community Care provider, ensuring you feel confident and reassured throughout the process.

Key Fact Sheets (from VA Community Care):


Disclaimer
:
mendry.org is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. All content is for informational purposes; providers should confirm details directly with VA or its TPAs.

Together, let's ensure our Veterans receive the timely, high-quality care they've earned.

Join the VA Community Care Network Today

If you’re ready to make a profound difference for Veterans in your community, sign up with the appropriate TPA to become a CCN provider. Whether you’re located in Region 1 with Optum or Region 4 with TriWest, the steps are straightforward. Mendry is here to help you navigate the process and answer any questions along the way, ensuring you feel a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in your work.

Get in Touch With Us

Required Disclaimer

Mendry is an educational platform only. We do not provide medical advice, product recommendations, or assistance with state programs. All medical decisions are made by Mendry, a nonprofit platform offering education and a professional network for providers interested in safe, legal medical cannabis access for veterans, without prescribing or product sales.

Who We Are

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit for licensed healthcare providers
  • Focused on veterans and civilians seeking alternative care
  • Founded by veterans, caregivers, and osteopathic physicians
  • Not a dispensary; provides education, credibility, and visibility

Why Providers Join

  • Legally safe: no health record storage or product sales
  • Audience of motivated veterans seeking credible providers
  • Community focused on transparency and compassion

Membership Benefits

  • SEO-optimized directory profiles
  • Media exposure (podcasts, webinars)
  • Professional networking
  • Elevated visibility to veterans

Membership Tiers

  • Tier 1: Verified Provider listing and badge
  • Tier 2: Enhanced profile, newsletter, media eligibility
  • Tier 3: Full media partner, event co-branding, social amplification

Content Policy

  • No medical advice or product endorsements
  • No state paperwork help
  • Full compliance and transparency

How to Join

  • Submit credentials, staff verification, choose tier, publish profile
  • Simple online application for providers

Why Now

  • Rising demand for compliant cannabis education
  • Mendry provides a trusted alternative between avoidance and noncompliance

Disclaimer

  • Educational only; not affiliated with the VA or state programs.

 the patient in consultation with their licensed healthcare provider. Mendry.org is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.