Following the April 13 announcement regarding meetings between the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and TriWest leadership and the resulting VA contract-enrollment changes, we have received several questions and heard from concerned members and state associations about how the contracting process was working. This resulted in further outreach to TriWest and EmpowerChiro, where ACA advocated for timely and meaningful implementation of the announced changes. As a result, we were able to confirm and provide the guidance below:
When will these changes go into effect?
The changes announced are in effect now. Providers with new contracting requests can expect no application fee and have the choice to participate in the VA Community Care Network (CCN) only or the full Comprehensive Network.
How do I initiate a new contract request?
All new provider contracting requests begin by completing and submitting a TriWest online Join Our Network request. Once the online request is submitted, providers are asked to contact Norma at TriWest via email, [email protected], to confirm their submission and their preferred participation—VA CCN only or the Comprehensive Network.
This allows TriWest to move the request to the contracting queue. Once contracting requests are worked and assigned, providers will receive an email from an EmpowerChiro representative with further specifics as to how to proceed with said request.
How do I indicate my preferred participation in the VA CCN network only or the Comprehensive Network?
Providers can indicate their preferred participation in the follow-up email to TriWest to confirm their submission.
Are there any exceptions to the changes?
Yes, a provider that is joining a practice already participating in the Comprehensive Network will be enrolled in the Comprehensive Network.
Dr. Spaulding is ACA vice president of health policy and education.
