The Department of Veterans Affairs announced on Mar. 9 that new technology designed to speed up the scheduling of community care appointments is now operational at all VA facilities, with plans for further expansion in 2026.
The move aims to make it easier for veterans to access health care by allowing VA employees instant access to the scheduling systems of participating community care providers. This enables immediate booking of appointments that fit veterans' schedules, reducing wait times and streamlining the process.
Previously, VA employees had to contact multiple providers individually and relay information back to veterans before securing an appointment. This traditional method limited each employee to booking only a few appointments per day and could result in delays of days or weeks. With the External Provider Scheduling system, staff can now book up to 25 appointments daily, representing a significant improvement in efficiency.
According to the department, 27,000 community care providers across 78 medical specialties are currently participating in the program. The VA plans to enroll thousands more providers in 2026 as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver timely and veteran-centered care. Participation in the system is free for providers.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said, “When President Trump signed the MISSION Act, Veterans eligible for community care were guaranteed the right to choose the health care that’s best for them, whether at a VA facility or a community provider. We are making it easier and more convenient than ever for those who have worn the uniform to choose the care that best fits their lifestyle.”
The department noted that while previous administrations had access to this technology, nationwide deployment occurred under the second Trump Administration by late 2025.
