Shared Care Relationship Sample letter

Updated April 9, 2004 MLA

Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center
830 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908-4799

To (non-VA provider): _______________

From: _______________

RE (patient): _______________ and VA PCP: _______________

Date: _______________

The patient named above is a Veteran who requests health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs but wishes to continue receiving primary care from you. One of the benefits of VA healthcare is medication at reduced cost. The VA may only dispense medications prescribed by VA providers for medical conditions under the supervision of a VA provider. The VA operates within the limits of approved clinical practice guidelines based on medical literature and cost effective prescribing practices.

With multiple providers of care it is important to maintain communication to assure the highest quality of care for our patient. In order to prescribe medications we require the same information that you require: documentation of history, exam, labs and tests, allergies, rationale for particular medications and so forth. After review of this information, VA providers may prescribe the medication in accordance with VA formulary and guidelines. You may provide the needed information via a:

  • Copy of your progress note, including supporting lab data, and a
  • Copy of the prescription.

Some medications will not be prescribed unless the patient is being closely followed for the condition by the VA. For example, drugs that require frequent lab tests, e.g. warfarin, certain medications for diabetes or dysrhythmias, narcotics, or medications such as antibiotics for acute conditions. If you begin a medication, once a stable dose has been attained and the patient no longer requires close monitoring, we can then prescribe it through the VA. Thank you.

Department of Primary Care

Page updated: 04-12-04

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Contact Information

Nitin S. Damle, MD, FACP
ACP Governor for Rhode Island

Nancy Baker-Hobin
ACP Rhode Island Chapter
Ph: 401-725-8671
Email: NBaker4@cox.net