St. Louis-based Ascension is now an official national provider through the Veterans Choice Program, which gives veterans the choice to receive care at Ascension locations across the country, according to a news release.
Qualified U.S. veterans who face wait times in excess of 30 days at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities or have to travel farther than 40 miles from their home to receive care from the VA can now receive care from Ascension physicians at 2,000 sites of care in 24 states and Washington, D.C.
"Ascension doctors, hospitals and clinics are humbled to be able to provide care to veterans through the Veterans Choice Program," Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, Ascension president and CEO, said in a prepared statement. "Just as veterans take an oath, our doctors are committed to providing quality care and services, particularly to those most in need."
The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 established funding to pay for healthcare services provided to veterans by private healthcare providers. Through the partnership, Ascension physicians and other caregivers may provide primary care, inpatient and outpatient specialty care and mental healthcare for eligible veterans outside of VA, Ascension said.
Ascension has already established a contractual agreement with TriWest Healthcare Alliance and national provider registration with Health Net Federal Services — both are federal contractors to the VA.
Those interested in learning more about the Veterans Choice Program and the participating Ascension sites of care may click here.
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