VA Re-Authorization For Acupuncture

Course of Treatment vs. Your Pain

Your initial set of 12 Acupuncture treatments is considered One Course of Acupuncture. The VA will Re-Authorize you additional Acupuncture, if needed.  

The VA Re-Authorization process can sometimes take a long time.  We do not want your pain coming back just because your care stops.  It has taken a long time for you to find what works.  Let’s make sure you become and remain healthy and pain-free!

Below is some information that will help you maintain your continuity of care and speed up the Re-Authorization process.

Frequency & Continuity of Care

  1. Acupuncture is a Frequency based medicine, especially in the Relief Care Stage (your initial sets of care). Make sure you don’t have big breaks in your treatments.
  2. Some Veterans only need one course of treatment, however many need more than one course. Make sure you do not have a big break between your Initial Authorization and your Re-Authorization or your pains may come back and make your life less functional.

Process for Veterans to Obtain Re-Authorization

  1. Contact your PCM/PCP, thru MyHealtheVet or in person, no later than 2 weeks after starting your acupuncture. If the VA requests an RFS, let the front desk know. https://www.myhealth.va.gov/
  2. Tell your provider the following:
      • “I want to see my current acupuncture provider.”
      • “Base it on wait time. Not BMI.” (Best Medical Interest)
      • If needed, ask for acupuncture auth under different diagnosis code.
  3. After a week, contact VACCN (VA Community Care Network) 706-733-0188, ext. 33666 to facilitate faster re-authorization. They may offer to schedule the first appointment – Definitely schedule with them! Our clinic will follow up to confirm and schedule the rest. When Community Care calls to confirm your referral, give us a call.
  4. Veteran White House Hotline 855-948-2311

***Ask For Your Reauthorization Early.  Your Health is Important.***