VA Optum Serve Community Care
At Phelan & Bell Family Dentistry, we want to say thank you to our veterans. We know that many of you served our country with pride, and now it is our turn to serve you.
Sometimes, getting to a big VA hospital for a dental checkup can be a hassle. The drive might be too long, or the wait for an appointment might be several months. That is where the VA Community Care Network comes in. It is a program that lets you see a local, neighborhood dentist like us, and is covered by the VA.
How Does "Community Care" Work?
The VA Optum Serve Community Care programme allows you to visit a trusted dentist when VA clinics are unable to provide timely care.
The VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) wants you to have healthy teeth. If they are too busy to see you at their own clinic, they give you the “green light” to visit a private dentist in your town. This is called Community Care. It means you get the care you need, close to home, without the long drive or the long wait.
Who is Optum Serve?
You might see the name ‘Optum Serve’ on your paperwork when visiting a dentist in Jacksonville, FL. Think of Optum as the “helper”. The VA is a very large organisation, so they hired Optum to help manage the schedules and payments for local dentists.
Because Phelan & Bell is part of the Optum network, we can work directly with them to handle all your paperwork. You don’t have to worry about the complicated stuff; we help take care of it for you.
How to Get Started (The Easy Steps)
If you want to come to Phelan & Bell for your dental work, just follow these simple steps:
- Talk to the VA: Call your VA dental clinic or your VA doctor. Tell them you would like to use “Community Care” because you want to see a dentist closer to home.
- Ask for Phelan & Bell: Specifically mention our name! This helps the VA know exactly where to send your files.
- The “Okay”: The VA or Optum will send us an “authorization.” This is just a letter that says, “Yes, we will pay for this veteran’s dental visit.”
- Make an Appointment: Once we get that letter, we will call you to set up a time that works for your schedule.
We Are Ready to See You!
Veterans, your health is our priority at Trusted Dentist near you. You shouldn’t have to struggle with long drives or confusing websites just to get your teeth cleaned or fixed.
Give us a call or stop by our office today. We can walk you through the steps to get your VA referral started.
Let us help you keep your smile healthy and bright! Phelan & Bell Family Dentistry: Serving those who served us.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to pay anything out of my own pocket?
In most cases, no. If the VA approves your visit through Community Care, they pay for the treatment. You shouldn’t have to pay a co-pay or a bill for the services they authorized.
Can I just walk in without a referral?
Unfortunately, no. The VA is a bit like a boss, they have to give the “okay” before the work starts. You must get a referral from the VA first. If you just walk in, the VA might not pay the bill, and we want to make sure you are covered!
Does this cover everything, like cleanings and dentures?
It depends on what the VA approves for you. Many veterans get help with cleanings, fillings, and basic care, and many can also get VA care for other treatments like dentures or a crown.
Why should I come to a private dentist instead of the VA clinic?
The biggest reasons are quality, comfort and speed. We can usually see you much faster than a big government hospital. Also, because we are a family practice, you will see the same friendly faces every time you walk through our door.
How do I know if I am eligible for this?
Generally, if you have to wait an extended time for a VA appointment, or if you live more than a 60-minute drive from the VA clinic, you should be able to use this program. The best way to be sure is to call your local VA office and ask.