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!

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. Continuity of Care is the key to your success.

  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 in Acupuncture Treatments, 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. https://www.va.gov/health-care/manage-health/

  2. Tell your provider the following:

    A. “I want to see my current acupuncture provider.”

    B. If the VA requests an RFS, let the front desk know. Inform your PCP / PCM “All notes and RFS forms are in HSRM.”

    C. If needed, ask for acupuncture auth under different diagnosis code.

  3. Contact the following to facilitate faster re-authorization:

    A. RCI (Referral Coordination Initiative) Team 706-733-0188, ext. 26323 RCI is usually where it gets stuck. Keep calling them!

    B. VACCN (VA Community Care Network) 706-733-0188, ext. 33666

  4. If VACCN calls to schedule – Schedule With Them! Our clinic will follow up with you to reschedule to an appropriate time. This puts the auth in your hands.

  5. If VACCN calls to confirm your referral, Please Call Us. We can help you.

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