A guide into being a Traveling veteran.
In 2015, the VA introduced a program tailored for Traveling Veterans, those enrolled in the VA Healthcare System intending to spend significant time away from their usual residence and preferred VA facility.
These Traveling Veterans fall into distinct categories:
1. Veterans planning seasonal travel away from their primary residence.
2. Veterans embarking on extended trips from their primary residence or preferred VA facility.
3. Veterans requiring ongoing medical care, medication refills, or prosthetic equipment while away from home.
4. Veterans intending to receive medical care from a different VA facility during their travels.
The VA designates the closest medical facility to a Veteran's primary residence as their preferred facility, while the facility they utilize away from home becomes their alternate VA facility.
The program is overseen by Traveling Veteran Coordinators (TVC) stationed at VA Medical Centers, who have replaced Referral Case Managers. These TVCs must hold qualifications as Registered Nurses, Physician Assistants, or Licensed Independent Practitioners.
The process commences with Veterans informing their Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) or Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) of their travel intentions. Providing ample notice of departure is crucial. The PCP or PACT then submits a referral to the TVC, who in turn coordinates VA medical services at the Veteran's alternate VA medical facility.
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