June 2004

VA to Begin Chiropractic Care

Veterans can receive chiropractic care at 26 selected Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities beginning this fall, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi announced on June 28.

VA will hire or contract with doctors of chiropractic to provide the care. In consultation with VA primary-care providers, doctors of chiropractic will offer patient evaluations and chiropractic care for neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

"Today, VA makes another significant improvement to the world-class health care we provide for eligible veterans," said Principi. "Veterans who will benefit from chiropractic services will now have the opportunity to receive chiropractic care to restore them to good health."

Locations where chiropractic care will be provided include West Haven and Newington, Conn.; Togus, Maine; Phoenix, Ariz.; Buffalo and the Bronx, N.Y.; Butler, Pa.; Martinsburg, W.Va.; Salisbury, N.C.; Augusta, Ga.; Tampa and Miami, Fla.; Mountain Home, Tenn.; Columbus, Ohio; Danville, Ill.; Iron Mountain, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Jackson, Miss.; San Antonio, Temple, and Dallas, Texas; Albuquerque, N.M.; Fort Harrison, Mont.; Seattle, Wash.; Martinez and Los Angeles, Calif.; and Sioux Falls, S.D.

Eligible veterans in areas distant from these locations will also be able to receive chiropractic care through VA's outpatient fee-basis program after a referral by their primary-care provider and prior authorization by the department.

VA was authorized to offer chiropractic care and services under the provisions of section 204 of Public Law 107-135, the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001.

Chiropractors seeking employment or to provide contract services to veterans should call the Human Resources office of any of the above facilities. Some VA positions may be advertised at http://www.vacareers.com/.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, www.va.gov

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