If you’re a veteran or active-duty family member trying to access chiropractic care through TriWest, you may be scratching your head wondering, “Where do I start?” Between insurance terms, referral steps, and finding the right clinic—it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. But don’t worry. We’ve put this guide together at Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness (ECRW) to make the process simple and stress-free. Let’s walk through exactly how you can get quality chiropractic care covered by TriWest—and how ECRW can help support your journey to pain-free living.
What Is TriWest and Who Is Eligible?
TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide community-based healthcare services through the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP).
If you’re a veteran qualifying under this program, and your local VA can’t provide the care you need in a timely manner, you may be eligible to receive care from a non-VA provider—including chiropractic services.
You May Be Eligible If:
- You’re enrolled in VA healthcare.
- The VA confirms that your medical needs can’t be met in house.
- You meet specific criteria under the Veterans Community Care Program.
- You receive an official referral and authorization from the VA.
Note: TriWest isn’t the decision-maker—it facilitates care once the VA approves it. Chiropractic care is available under this program, but it must be approved by your VA primary care provider.
Does TriWest Cover Chiropractic Care?
Yes—if you’re referred through the proper VA channels. The VA recognizes chiropractic as an essential part of whole-person care. It covers services like:
- Spinal manipulation and adjustments
- Physical rehabilitation
- Pain management
- Therapeutic exercises
However, chiropractic care must be deemed medically necessary by your VA provider, and is only covered when coordinated through the Veterans Community Care Program, managed by TriWest.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Chiropractic Through TriWest
Getting chiropractic care isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to do:
Step 1: Confirm Your VA Health Benefits
Before anything else:
- Make sure you’re actively enrolled in VA Health Care.
- If you’re not sure, you can call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) to verify.
Step 2: Visit Your VA Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Schedule an appointment with your VA PCP and describe your symptoms. This could be:
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Sciatica or nerve-related pain
- Mobility issues
Be clear about the limitations your pain is placing on your daily life. The clearer your communication, the easier it is for your PCP to support a referral.
Step 3: Ask About Community Care and TriWest
If the VA clinic doesn’t offer chiropractic services in-house (or there’s a long wait), ask your provider about a Community Care referral through TriWest.
Some eligibility criteria include:
- More than a 20-day wait for care
- A drive of more than 30 minutes to the nearest VA clinic offering the service
- Other clinical or personal hardship factors
Step 4: Wait for Approval and Authorization
Once your provider pushes the referral, it gets sent to a VA care coordinator. If approved:
- You’ll receive written authorization
- TriWest will reach out to coordinate your appointment—or give you a list of approved providers
Important: You must wait for official authorization before scheduling care. Unauthorized visits are not eligible for reimbursement.
Step 5: Choose Your Chiropractor (Like ECRW)
You can then pick from TriWest’s approved provider list. This is where Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness comes in.
ECRW is part of the TriWest network and specializes in:
- Functional rehabilitation
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Injury recovery
- Ongoing wellness education
We support patients through every step: from pre-screening to post-appointment care.
Step 6: Start Your Chiropractic Treatment
Once you’re scheduled:
- Arrive with your referral information and ID
- Bring any paperwork you received from TriWest
- Your first visit will include assessment, consultation, and—if appropriate—your first treatment
Your chiropractor will then create a plan tailored for you, often including follow-up visits covered under your authorization.
How Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness Supports TriWest Patients
We understand that navigating veteran care systems can be time-consuming.
That’s why we make it easier at every turn:
- Help with paperwork: We assist in collecting the documents TriWest may require.
- Ongoing communication with VA: We keep in touch with your VA team to ensure continued care.
- Flexible scheduling: We work with your availability and adhere to treatment timelines prescribed by TriWest.
- Customized rehab programs: Designed around your injury history, age, and goals.
- Clear recovery plans: We help you understand what’s working and what needs adjusting.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain and feel like it’s holding you back, we’re here to help get your health moving in the right direction.
What to Expect on Your First Visit to ECRW
Visiting a new clinic can feel intimidating—especially when paperwork and referrals are involved. Here’s a glimpse of what your first chiropractic experience will look like at ECRW.
|
Step |
What Happens
|
|---|---|
|
Check-in |
Verify referral and TriWest documentation |
|
Initial Consultation |
Go over your health history + reason for seeing a chiropractor |
|
Physical Assessment |
Range of motion, posture, pain points, movement patterns |
|
Initial Treatment (if safe) |
Gentle adjustment, soft-tissue therapy, or rehab step |
|
Personalized Plan |
Clear explanation of next steps, exercises, or follow-up frequency |
Remember—your first visit is about more than pain relief. It’s the start of a process dedicated to getting you well and keeping you that way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get a TriWest referral?
Usually between 7–14 business days after seeing your VA PCP. It can be faster or slower depending on your local VA facility’s review process.
What if I’ve already seen a chiropractor before getting VA approval?
Unfortunately, TriWest won’t reimburse past visits unless they were authorized by the VA beforehand. Always wait until you have written approval.
Can I choose my own provider?
Yes—as long as the chiropractor is in the TriWest network and accepts community care referrals. Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness is proud to be one of those trusted options.
Will the VA cover multiple visits?
Your referral will usually include a set number of visits (for example, 6 or 12). Your chiropractor will communicate with the VA if they recommend additional care.
Do I need a new referral for yearly maintenance or wellness visits?
Yes. Each care episode requires new authorization based on current medical need. Maintenance care isn’t always covered unless it ties back to a specific condition or diagnosis.
A Local Partner You Can Trust With Your Care
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness, we’re more than a chiropractic clinic. We’re movement experts, educators, and advocates for your whole-body wellness—especially when it comes to helping our veterans.
If chiropractic care is something you’ve been thinking about, but the process feels like a hassle, let us take some of that load off.
We’ve worked with many veterans and VA patients just like you and can walk you through every step of the TriWest process. Whether you’re struggling with mobility from an old injury or just want your body to move and feel better, we’re here to help you regain control and live pain-free.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t let red tape come between you and a life without pain.
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Call your VA provider and ask about a chiropractic referral.
- Check if Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness is in your area and TriWest-approved.
- Contact our team directly—we’ll help guide you through the rest.
Want more helpful content like this? Follow our blog for updates on navigating VA care, injury recovery, and living your best pain-free life.
You deserve to move well, feel strong, and do the things you love—without limitations. Let us help make that happen.
