Precertification is the process of notifying VA before a specific service is delivered.

Precertification helps ensure Veterans receive the specific care they need, confirms VA and providers are on the same page, and helps build a more accurate record of each Veteran’s health care journey.

All Community Care Network (CCN) providers who receive a VA-authorized referral are required to notify VA of services that require precertification before delivering these services to Veterans.

When precertification requirements begin

Starting on the following dates, claims for services requiring precertification will be denied if a precertification ID was not obtained before the date of service. Optum and TriWest will provide more information about this requirement before changes take effect.

• September 16, 2026: Regions 1–3 community providers in the Optum network
• September 26, 2026: Regions 4–5 community providers in the TriWest network

How to submit a precertification

Use the VA Precertification Portal to submit a precertification. Submit all precertification requests through the portal. Fax, email, and U.S. mail submissions are not accepted.

• Enter the Veteran’s demographics and VA authorization number.
• Enter a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System/Current Procedural Terminology (HCPCS/CPT) code to check if precertification is required.
• Upload medical documentation that justifies why the service is medically necessary.

After a successful submission, you’ll receive immediate confirmation and a unique precertification ID on the submission page and via email. Once you receive the precertification ID, you can proceed with rendering care. You do not need to include the precertification ID on claims, but it must be shared with any providers involved in the Veteran’s care (such as labs and imaging centers).

Important notes:

• Other Health Insurance: Care authorized and paid for by VA cannot be submitted to a Veteran’s other health insurance by community providers.
  
• Requests for additional services: Do not use the precertification process to request more services or extend care.
  • View the Request for Service information for instructions on how to submit those requests.
    
• CHAMPVA: Do not use the precertification process to request approval for CHAMPVA services.
  • Visit the CHAMPVA page for instructions and contact information.