American Family Care Approved to Treat Veterans as Network Provider

SPRINGFIELD — American Family Care (AFC) announced it is now an approved contracted network provider with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans can receive urgent-care treatment at AFC locations in Springfield, West Springfield, Dedham, Saugus, Worcester, and New Bedford without pre-authorization or an appointment.

“We are honored to be able to serve those who have served our country,” said Jim Brennan, owner of AFC. “Our helpful staff will verify the veteran’s eligibility before providing care to ensure treatment is covered.”

The VA urgent-care benefit covers treatment of non-emergency conditions such as flu-like symptoms, coughs and colds, wheezing, sprains, sore throats, painful urination, bumps and bruises, and mild skin irritations.

The benefit also covers diagnostic services like X-rays and some lab testing. Vaccines are covered when they are required as part of the urgent-care treatment — for example, a tetanus shot for a vet seeking treatment for a wound caused by a rusted metal object. Flu shots are also covered. There’s no limit on the number of times an eligible veteran can access urgent care, and no out-of-pocket co-payment is required.

Brennan noted that preventive and dental services are not covered under the benefit. If veterans are experiencing a medical emergency, they should call 911 or seek immediate care at the nearest emergency room.

The VA recently began offering an urgent-care benefit to provide eligible veterans with greater choice and access to timely high-quality care under the VA Mission Act of 2018. When using the urgent-care benefit, veterans must go to a provider in the VA’s network. Upon arriving, veterans must state they are using their VA urgent-care benefit.

To check eligibility, veterans can contact their local VA medical facility by phone or in person. They can also click here for more information.