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.
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.