If you have VAC coverage, you may be wondering if veteran treatments require referrals in Alberta.
The short answer: not always.
Depending on the type of service and provider, you may be able to access care directly without a formal referral.
That said, knowing what’s required can help speed things up and avoid delays.
Here’s what you should know about veteran treatments and referrals:
Understanding VAC Coverage Rules for Treatment
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offers a wide range of treatment benefits, but coverage isn’t automatic for every service or provider.
Some services require approval, some need referrals, and others are eligible as long as they fall under your condition or approved treatment plan.
Who Determines Treatment Eligibility
VAC makes the final call on treatment eligibility based on your condition, the benefits you’ve been approved for, and the type of care being requested.
Even if your doctor or nurse practitioner recommends something, it still has to fit within VAC’s guidelines to be covered.
Referrals (And When They’re Required)
For some types of care, like massage therapy, physiotherapy, or acupuncture, VAC usually needs a referral or treatment plan from a chiropractor, nurse practitioner or doctor.
Other services may not need a referral if they’re pre-approved through your health benefits or part of your established care plan.
When a Referral Is Not Required
There are VAC treatments with no referrals that can be accessed directly.
Here are two common situations where a referral isn’t required:
You Already Submitted a Medical Questionnaire and Received VAC Approval
Once VAC reviews your completed medical questionnaire and confirms your treatment eligibility, you’re often cleared to start care without another referral.
As long as the treatment matches what was recommended or discussed in your file, you’re good to go.
You Are Choosing a VAC-Approved Provider Like River Stone Wellness Centre
Some wellness clinics, like River Stone, are already set up to work directly with VAC.
That means they understand the referral rules, know which services are covered, and can often help you start care without delay.
If your treatment is on file and the provider is approved, you don’t need to loop in a doctor or nurse practitioner again.
When a Referral Might Be Needed
If VAC doesn’t yet have enough information about your condition or the care you’re asking for, they may need a bit more before giving the green light.
Here are two common reasons a referral might still be required:
You Haven’t Yet Completed a Medical Questionnaire
If your medical questionnaire hasn’t been submitted or reviewed yet, VAC won’t have the details they need to approve treatment.
Until that step is complete, they may ask for a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner to support your request.
Once your questionnaire is processed, future appointments may not need additional referrals.
VAC Has Requested Further Documentation or Specialist Input
In some cases, VAC might ask for more information before approving a treatment, especially if it falls outside typical guidelines or isn’t clearly linked to your approved condition.
They may request a referral, a letter from your healthcare provider, or input from a specialist.
This just means VAC needs more clarity before moving forward.
How River Stone Streamlines the Process
Getting support shouldn’t feel like jumping through hoops.
Here’s how we help move things along:
No External Referral Needed If You Were Assessed by River Stone NP Clinic
If your initial assessment was done at our Nurse Practitioner Clinic, you don’t need to track down an outside referral.
We already have your details on file and can connect your treatment directly to the VAC approval process.
This means you can start seeing your chosen therapist or practitioner right away, without waiting on additional paperwork.
If You’re New, We’ll Walk You Through the Intake and MQ Completion
New to River Stone or just starting with VAC? No problem!
Our reception team will guide you through the intake process and help you complete your Medical Questionnaire (MQ) so your file is ready for review.
We’ll explain what to expect and answer questions as you go.
Direct Coordination With VAC
Once your file is active, we stay in touch with VAC on your behalf.
That includes submitting treatment plans, updating documentation, and confirming service approvals.
We’ll handle the details so you can focus on your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
VAC treatment rules can be confusing at times.
Here are a few of the most common questions veterans ask when it comes to referrals, claims, and working with River Stone:
Can my family doctor refer me instead?
If you already have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, they can provide the referral VAC may require for certain services.
Just make sure it’s tied to your approved condition or claim.
Once submitted, we can add it to your file and move forward with booking treatment.
Will VAC accept River Stone as a provider without a referral?
If you’ve already been assessed and approved by VAC, and the treatment falls within your plan, no outside referral is needed.
River Stone is recognized by VAC, and we’re familiar with their requirements.
That makes it easier for you to book directly with us.
What if my claim is still pending?
If your VAC claim hasn’t been finalized yet, we can still help.
Our team will walk you through the intake steps, help you complete the necessary forms, and hold your spot in our system.
In some cases, services can begin once pre-approval is in place, but it depends on your situation.
No Referral? No Problem. Your Path to Care Starts Here.
You don’t need to figure it all out on your own.
At River Stone Wellness Centre, we’re here to help you access the treatment you need, referral or not.
Get in touch today and we’ll match you with the right practitioner, support your paperwork, and make sure your care starts as smoothly as possible.