VA CCN June 2026 Provider Pulse

VA Precertification ID Requirement for Certain Services Under CCN

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has implemented a new requirement where select procedure codes require providers to obtain a precertification ID from VA.

See VA’s Precertification Billing Code List.

What’s changing

For certain services, VA CCN providers must request a precertification ID through the VA Precertification Portal (VAPP). This ID is required to be obtained prior to rendering services.

Log into the VA Precertification Portal to request the precertification ID for applicable procedure codes. Please note that the process to request a precertification code is completed entirely within the VAPP portal.
Precertification ID requests should be submitted 14 calendar days prior to the planned date of service.
Once the precertification ID is approved by VA, providers will immediately receive the precertification ID and the ID will be transmitted to TriWest via HealthShare Referral Manager (HSRM).
The precertification ID will then be ingested by our claims processor, PGBA, where it will be referenced during claims adjudication and payment.
Precertification ID requirements are to be met for all authorizations regardless of when the VA issued the authorization.
Services for which a precertification ID was not obtained, providers should utilize the retrospective precertification process and obtain a precertification ID.
Note: A referral issued by the VA does not automatically authorize the services which require a precertification ID.

Beginning September 25, 2026, VA CCN claims submitted for services that do not include the required precertification ID will be denied.

For more information visit the VA CCN Precertification ID Requirement web page or the precertification ID quick reference guide.

Want to learn more? Training classes are available for providers.

Reminder: Share Authorization Numbers with Ancillary Providers

According to the Ancillary Providers section of the VA CCN Provider Handbook, referring providers must share authorization numbers and billing information with ancillary providers when providing care. When referring providers share referrals with ancillary providers, it lets them know the patient has VA benefits. Ancillary providers may not bill Veterans, and the referring provider must notify them of these restrictions. Not sharing this important information can lead to additional, unnecessary bills.

Referring providers should also make reasonable efforts to use CCN-contracted ancillary providers. If ancillary providers are not contracted, they must agree to be reimbursed at Medicare’s allowable rate.

By ensuring these guidelines are in place during ancillary referrals, we can continue to provide reliable and stress-free care for our Veterans and their families.

Learn More About VA’s Digital Scheduling System

VA recently introduced External Provider Scheduling (EPS) to improve the speed and convenience of appointment scheduling. EPS is available nationwide.

If you are interested in connecting Veterans to care faster with fewer potential errors, EPS can help you streamline scheduling by using automated scheduling grids, reducing time spent waiting for authorization numbers, and eliminating additional phone calls to verify patient references.

Security settings only allow VA access to your availability in your scheduling system, ensuring no electronic health record information is shared. Your data remains exclusively yours.