In response to a new benefit recently announced by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Cooper University Health Care is now able to accept veterans as walk-in patients to its community based urgent care centers.
In early June, the VA launched a new urgent care/walk-in benefit under its Community Care programs as part of the MISSION Act. The program is applicable to care providers who are part of the TriWest network. Cooper University Health Care is a TriWest provider.
“We are privileged to offer urgent care services to veterans and their families,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, co-president/CEO of Cooper. “Cooper has a long commitment to the military community, and we provide a wide range of programs geared toward expanding health care access to active military, veterans, family members, and first responders. Among Cooper’s leading military programs is the first-in-the-nation Elite U.S. Army Resuscitation Forward Surgical Team Training Program and Hero Care Connect, a partnership with the Deborah Heart and Lung Center.”
“Our urgent care centers offer the highest level care in a convenient setting, making it a great choice when faced with a sudden illness or minor injury as an alternative to the emergency department,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-president/CEO.
Cooper has three Urgent Care Centers located in Audubon, Cherry Hill and Cinnaminson, offering treatment for an array of medical conditions including colds and flu, seasonal allergies, cuts, breaks and sprains, fevers and all other non-life-threatening conditions. Each center is staffed by expert, board-certified emergency medicine physicians and offers on-site x-ray services. Cooper’s team of physicians and advanced practice providers treat patients of all ages – infants to seniors.
Under the new benefit, TriWest network urgent care/walk-in providers may treat veterans who self-present without a prior authorization on file. Prior to providing care, the urgent care staff will confirm the veteran’s eligibility. The urgent care benefit covers treatment of non-emergent symptoms such as flu-like symptoms (coughs and colds), wheezing, sprains, sore throats, painful urination, bumps and bruises, ear pain and mild skin irritations, which are typically addressed by urgent care facilities and walk-in retail health clinics. Excluded from the benefit are preventive and dental services.
To learn more about Cooper’s Urgent Care services, visit: https://www.cooperhealth.org/services/urgent-care-center.
