The VA Gardena Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) is being transferred from the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) to the VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS). This change will allow VALBHS the opportunity to serve Veterans along their northern most border. In addition, this transfer allows VAGLAHS to more readily and easily manage the eight out-based community clinics and two large ambulatory care centers’ footprints as the number of Veteran users is quickly increasing in Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties, and the eastern Los Angeles County region.
Teams from both the VAGLAHS and VALBHS are working through the transition process with an expected transfer completion date in early October 2019. We are committed to keeping Veterans informed regarding this change and to making this transition as smooth as possible.
To help answer additional questions you or Veterans may have, we plan to provide additional information on the transfer and the services available at VALBHS in the coming months. For now, please feel free to reference the attached frequently asked questions or call the point of contact listed for VAGLAHS with any additional questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the points of contact for questions or concerns?
A: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: Christine Gonzales, (310) 478-3711, x43571
Q: Where is the VA Long Beach Healthcare System?
A: VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822
Q: What is the VA Long Beach Healthcare System main line?
A: VA Long Beach can be contacted by calling our main line at either of the following numbers: (562) 826-8000 or (888) 769-8387
Q: When does the transfer take place?
A: October 2019
Q: Why is the VA Gardena CBOC transferring to the VA Long Beach Healthcare System?
A: The transfer allows VA Long Beach Healthcare System the opportunity to serve Veterans along their northern most border. In addition, the transfer allows VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System to more readily and easily manage the eight out-based clinics and two large ambulatory care centers as the number of Veteran users is quickly increasing in Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties, and the eastern Los Angeles County region.
Q: How does this transfer impact Veterans?
A: Once Gardena CBOC is officially transferred to the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Gardena CBOC patients will become VA Long Beach patients. The transition should be seamless, and the services currently being offered at Gardena CBOC will continue to be provided.
Q: What if a Veteran wants to continue receiving specialty care at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System?
A: Veterans can continue to receive follow-up care with their specialist for existing care at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. However, for any new specialty care services at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, the Veteran’s Primary Care Provider will need to do an interfacility consult (IFC). Without the IFC, new specialty care services would be referred within VA Long Beach Healthcare System by default. VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and VA Long Beach Healthcare System have a long and successful history of care coordination between facilities. Care will continue to flow between the sites, based on availability of services and patient preference.
Q: Can a Veteran continue to see their VAGLAHS mental health care provider?
A: Yes, if a Veteran is currently receiving mental health care at VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center or VA West Los Angeles Medical Center, they can continue to do so.
Q: How does the transfer effect beneficiary travel?
A: Beneficiary travel is paid to the closest VA facility and is paid by the facility of jurisdiction. The mileage reimbursement Veterans were receiving should not change but, for services received at the Gardena CBOC, claims will be paid by VA Long Beach. If a Veteran chooses to receive specialty care services at the Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center or West Los Angeles Medical Center, those claims will be paid by VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
Q: What else will change?
A: Care in the Community (MISSION Act) will be coordinated through the Veterans home facility which would be VA Long Beach Healthcare System
following the transfer.
Department Of Veterans Affairs | Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
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