Medical Massage for Veterans Through VA Community Care
Tri-Cities Medical Massage provides medical massage for Veterans when care has been referred and authorized through VA Community Care.
VA recognizes massage therapy as a complementary and integrative health service that may be covered through community care when approved by the Veteran’s VA health care team. In Washington, VA Community Care is administered through TriWest.
Who This Is For
VA Community Care may be available when an eligible Veteran needs care outside the VA system and the VA approves that care with an in-network community provider. A referral and authorization are required before routine community care begins.
If your VA provider believes medical massage may be appropriate for your condition, ask whether you can be referred for medical massage through Community Care.
What Medical Massage May Address
Depending on your authorization and diagnosis, treatment may focus on issues such as:
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Muscular and fascial restriction
- Scar tissue
- Lymphedema
- Restricted movement
- Pain that interferes with daily activity
- Complex conditions that require modified positioning, additional treatment time, or other accommodations
Medical massage through VA is different from general massage for relaxation or wellness.
Your Care Is Based on the VA Authorization
VA Community Care referrals identify the care that has been authorized and the limits of that authorization.
We provide treatment within the scope of the referral and the authorized episode of care. If additional visits or services are needed beyond the existing authorization, the VA has a Request for Service process for requesting additional care.
Your First Appointment
Your first visit is 60 minutes.
Your first visit gives us time to understand:
- The condition for which you were referred
- Where you are experiencing pain, stiffness, swelling, or restriction
- How your symptoms affect movement and daily activity
- Relevant surgeries, injuries, or medical conditions
- Previous treatment
- Your current functional limitations
- Your goals for care
- The services and visit limits included in your VA authorization
Treatment is then individualized within the parameters of the referral.
We Track Your Progress
Medical massage should have a purpose beyond simply providing temporary relaxation.
We document:
- Current symptoms
- Functional limitations
- Relevant findings within our scope
- Areas treated
- Response to treatment
- Progress over time
- Remaining limitations
Already Have a VA Referral?
If you already have a Community Care authorization for medical massage, contact our office and have your referral information available.
If you do not have an authorization yet, speak with your VA health care team and ask whether Community Care medical massage is appropriate for your condition. VA must approve routine community care before treatment with a community provider begins.
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Call 509.405.2642