Improving Veteran Access to Care by Streamlining Scheduling | November 2025-EPS_Provider_FactSheet

EPS_Provider_FactSheet_Updated

Pdf Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites healthcare providers to participate in the External Provider Scheduling (EPS) system, a cloud-based tool designed to streamline and accelerate the scheduling of care for Veterans. EPS allows VA schedulers to book approved appointments directly into providers' existing scheduling systems at no extra cost, eliminating the need for phone calls and faxes. This real-time integration includes the necessary referral authorization number, enabling faster and more efficient appointment confirmations for Veterans.<br /><br />Key benefits of EPS include instant appointment updates within providers’ systems, maintaining provider control over schedules, enhanced collaboration with the VA, and secure handling of patient information—since EPS does not access patient files. Participation is voluntary, allowing providers to continue using their current referral processes if preferred.<br /><br />Initial feedback from areas already using EPS has been highly positive, with scheduling turnaround times for referrals decreasing from weeks to just a few hours, significantly improving Veterans’ access to timely care. The system also improves the overall Veteran experience by supporting faster scheduling and better-informed appointment decisions.<br /><br />Providers interested in joining EPS can contact the VA at EPSProvider@va.gov for more information and to begin the intake process. Additional details and resources are available online at the VA’s community care provider website. Through EPS, the VA aims to enhance care coordination, reduce administrative burden on providers, and ensure Veterans receive faster, better-managed care within the community system.

Keywords

Department of Veterans Affairs

External Provider Scheduling

EPS system

Veteran healthcare scheduling

cloud-based scheduling tool

real-time appointment integration

provider scheduling control

referral authorization

Veteran care coordination

community care providers