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Access To Specialty Care

How Quickly are Veterans Seeing a Specialist for Care Needed Right Away?

In , Veterans had referrals to a specialist for care needed right away.

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97.8% (14,048) are resolved within 7 days.

are resolved within 30 days.

Data last updated

A referral for care needed right away happens when a doctor or provider feels you need to be seen by a new specialist or provider for a time-sensitive problem. That referral is then reviewed by the receiving clinic. The provider at specialty clinic may resolve your referral in the following ways based on the clinical need:

  • They may choose to schedule you as soon as possible (almost always within 30 days).
  • They may refer you for care in the community.
  • They could determine that they simply need to contact your original provider with advice about next steps in your care. This may be done over the phone or via a note in your medical records.