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 doctor submits the Community Care referral. This goes through TriWest Healthcare Alliance (for most Florida veterans) or Optum VA CCN. The authorization is sent directly to our clinic — you don't need to coordinate this part yourself.
Step 3 — We receive your authorization and call you. Once we have the authorization — typically within 3–7 business days — our office calls you to schedule your first appointment. Most authorizations cover 12 sessions, which is enough for a meaningful course of treatment for most conditions.
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 doctor is resistant to the referral?
Some veterans encounter difficulty getting their VA doctor to initiate a Community Care referral. If this happens, you have options. First, you can request to speak with a VA patient advocate, who can help navigate the referral process. Second, you can ask specifically about the Veterans Community Care Program eligibility criteria under the MISSION Act — eligibility has expanded and your doctor may not be aware of the current standards. Third, you can call our office at 407-347-5038 and we'll do our best to help you understand your options and provide any documentation that might support your referral request.
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 — how veterans get free care · does insurance cover acupuncture in Florida? · Dr. Ajay Purohit DTCM — acupuncture physician in Orlando
Dr. Ajay Purohit, DTCM, MPH · Licensed Acupuncture Physician AP 2734 · VA Community Care Authorized Provider · Spectrum WellCare · 2295 S. Hiawassee Rd, Suite 207 · MetroWest Orlando FL 32835 · 407-347-5038