Update on VA Community Care Network Contracting Process
For more than two years, the Colorado Chiropractic Association (CCA) has been actively engaged in ongoing discussions regarding access to chiropractic care for veterans and the challenges doctors have experienced within the VA Community Care Network (CCN).
Throughout this process, CCA has worked with providers, VA representatives, EmpowerChiro leadership, Congressman Crank’s office, and other stakeholders to address concerns related to referrals and requests for services, administrative burdens, continuity of care for veterans, and the provider contracting process.
Recently, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) announced updates following meetings with TriWest leadership regarding provider enrollment options within the VA CCN network. At the same time, CCA was engaged in direct conversations with EmpowerChiro leadership regarding these same concerns and implementation questions affecting Colorado providers and veterans throughout the region.
We appreciate the ACA’s national advocacy efforts and wanted to share the following implementation guidance that has now been confirmed through those discussions.
What has changed?
According to information provided by ACA and confirmed through discussions with EmpowerChiro and TriWest, providers submitting new contracting requests now have the option to participate in:
- The VA Community Care Network (CCN) only, or
- The full Comprehensive Network.
When will these changes go into effect?
The changes announced are in effect now. Providers with new contracting requests can expect no application fee and have the choice to participate in the VA Community Care Network (CCN) only or the full Comprehensive Network.
How do I initiate a new contract request?
All new provider contracting requests begin by completing and submitting a TriWest online Join Our Network request. Once the online request is submitted, providers are asked to contact Norma at TriWest via email, nhawkins@TriWest.com, to confirm their submission and their preferred participation—VA CCN only or the Comprehensive Network.
This allows TriWest to move the request to the contracting queue. Once contracting requests are worked and assigned, providers will receive an email from an EmpowerChiro representative with further specifics as to how to proceed with said request.
How do I indicate my preferred participation in the VA CCN network only or the Comprehensive Network?
Providers can indicate their preferred participation in the follow-up email to TriWest to confirm their submission.
Are there any exceptions to the changes?
Yes, a provider that is joining a practice already participating in the Comprehensive Network will be enrolled in the Comprehensive Network.
As always, participation decisions are individual business decisions to be made independently by each provider and practice.
The CCA will continue advocating for improved access to care for veterans, reduced administrative barriers, and greater transparency and efficiency within the referral and contracting processes. We appreciate the many Colorado doctors who have shared their experiences and concerns over the past several years, as that feedback has helped inform these ongoing discussions.
This work is an example of the advocacy efforts supported through CCA membership. If you are not currently a member, we encourage you to consider joining and investing in the advocacy work being done on behalf of Colorado chiropractors and the patients they serve. From direct meetings with stakeholders and policymakers to ongoing engagement with national organizations and network leadership, CCA remains committed to representing Colorado chiropractors and ensuring the profession has a voice in decisions that impact both providers and patients.
UnitedHealthcare Announces Changes to Prior Authorization Requirements
Some of you may have seen recent reports in the news regarding changes to UnitedHealthcare’s prior authorization requirements. UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has announced that by the end of 2026 it plans to eliminate prior authorization requirements for chiropractic care. According to UHC, the change is part of a broader initiative to simplify access to care and reduce administrative burdens for providers and patients.
In addition to chiropractic services, UHC announced plans to eliminate prior authorization requirements for select outpatient surgeries, certain diagnostic tests, and some outpatient therapies.
While additional implementation details are still expected, this announcement represents a significant development for chiropractic physicians and patients who have experienced ongoing administrative challenges associated with prior authorization requirements.
CCA will continue monitoring these developments and will share additional information as necessary.
You can read UnitedHealthcare’s full announcement here.