How to Get VA Community Care Acupuncture in Orlando

Why many veterans do not know acupuncture may be available

One of the most surprising parts of caring for veterans is hearing how many people do not know acupuncture may be available through their VA benefits. I have had veterans sit in my office and tell me, “I wish somebody had told me about this sooner.”

That stays with me. Veterans have earned these benefits, but the process is not always explained clearly. My goal is to help make the next step easier to understand for veterans in Orlando and throughout Central Florida.

I have also spoken with local veteran organizations about VA Community Care and the options available through approved community providers. The questions veterans ask are thoughtful and practical. Many simply want to know whether they qualify, how to request a referral, and where they can receive care close to home.

If your veteran organization would like more information about VA acupuncture in Orlando, contact our office. We are happy to answer questions and explain how the referral process works.

Step-by-step: How to get started

Step 1 — Schedule an appointment with your VA primary care physician. Let them know you're interested in acupuncture through the Community Care Program. Mention that you want to be seen at Spectrum WellCare — 2295 S. Hiawassee Rd, Suite 207, MetroWest Orlando FL 32835. Having our address ready makes the referral process faster.

Step 2: Your VA care team submits the Community Care referral. The VA reviews eligibility and, when approved, sends the authorization to the selected community provider.

Step 3: We receive your authorization and call you. Once the approved authorization reaches our office, we contact you to schedule the care listed in it. Processing time, approved conditions, visit counts and authorization dates vary.

Step 4 — Begin treatment. Your first visit at Spectrum WellCare is a comprehensive intake — Dr. Purohit reviews your full health history, service history as it relates to your conditions, and current symptoms. He performs pulse and tongue diagnosis and designs a treatment plan specifically for you.

What if my VA Community Care referral is not approved?

Ask your VA care team why the referral was not approved and what options are available within VA care. You can also contact a VA patient advocate for help understanding the process. Spectrum WellCare cannot approve VA eligibility or authorization, but our office can provide clinic information if the VA requests it.

We are committed to serving veterans at Spectrum WellCare. If there are barriers, we want to help you work through them.

Related: VA acupuncture Orlando with an approved referral · does insurance cover acupuncture in Florida? · Dr. Ajay Purohit DTCM, acupuncture physician in Orlando

Questions to ask your VA care team

Ask: Am I eligible for Community Care acupuncture? Has the referral been approved? Which condition is authorized? How many visits or what date range is approved? Which community provider is listed? Do I need a new authorization if additional care is recommended?

What should I bring to the community provider?

Bring your VA authorization or referral information if available, a current medication and supplement list, and relevant history about the concern being treated. Spectrum WellCare can review the authorization details with you before care begins.