The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system assigns every enrolled veteran to a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) centered around a primary care provider (PCP). Life changes, such as moving or seeking a better fit for care, often require a formal adjustment to this assignment. This process is structured but requires the veteran to initiate the request to formally change their assigned VA primary care location or provider.
Understanding VA Primary Care Assignment
A veteran’s initial VA primary care assignment is based primarily on the geographical area they select for their care. The VA utilizes a system of catchment areas and internal capacity metrics to determine which facility or clinic can best serve the veteran. This facility choice then dictates the specific PACT and PCP assigned to the veteran.
The assignment is managed through a system that tracks the capacity of each Patient Aligned Care Team. This ensures that the workload is distributed appropriately among providers to meet access standards. This article focuses exclusively on changing the assignment within the VA system itself.
Initiating the Request to Change Location or Provider
The request to change a primary care provider or PACT within the same VA facility is initiated through a few distinct channels. The most direct method is often contacting the administrative staff at your current VA clinic, sometimes called Ambulatory Care Management Staff Assistants (AMSAs). These personnel frequently manage the administrative process and may have a specific “Change of Provider form” to complete.
Alternatively, many veterans utilize the secure messaging feature available through the My HealtheVet portal to submit a formal request to change their provider. This digital method documents the request and is efficient for internal changes. A third pathway involves contacting the Patient Advocate at your current VA medical center.
The Patient Advocate’s office is designed to help veterans navigate the administrative complexities of the system, including requests for a new provider. Regardless of the method chosen, the request is typically processed by administrative staff or the Patient Advocate’s team, not directly by the current PCP.
Navigating Relocation and Facility Transfers
Changing your care due to relocation involves a full facility transfer, which is more complex than a local provider change. For a full transfer, the first step is to update your address with the VA and identify the new VA medical center or clinic where you wish to receive care. This is often accomplished by calling the VA’s general benefits line to validate your new address and start the transfer process.
For a seamless transition, notify your current PACT four to six weeks before your intended move. Your current team will then work with the facility’s Traveling Veteran Coordinator to initiate a “Traveling/Relocating Veteran Consult.” This consult acts as a handoff, formally registering you at the new facility and coordinating the transfer of care between the two VA sites.
Finalizing the Change and Records Transition
Once the request for a change or transfer has been approved, you will receive notification of your new primary care provider and PACT assignment. The final step is to contact the new clinic to schedule your initial appointment, which formally establishes care at the new location.
The transfer of medical records between VA facilities is an automatic process, as providers across the system have access to your digital health history through the Joint Legacy Viewer (JLV). Veterans are encouraged to confirm with their new team that all records have been successfully accessed. If you encounter delays in getting a new assignment or if the request is denied, immediately contact the Patient Advocate for assistance. For prolonged issues, the White House VA Hotline is a resource for intervention.