Patient categories (PATCATs) are identified and grouped by sponsor service, beneficiary category, and special interest patient groups. The correct usage of PATCATs is directly linked to UBO billing operations for determining the appropriate rate to charge and the correct billing method.
New PATCAT Table (v7.0) Available
VA Choice Program (VCP) Initiative – New PATCAT Approved
A top priority for VA is making sure that Veterans have access to high quality care when and where they need it. One way VA accomplishes this priority is by using VA’s community care network. The Veterans Choice Program (VCP), one pathway among several for accessing the community care network, is being used at an increased rate. As a result, VA is providing its medical facilities with the flexibility needed to optimize resources locally for VA community care. Veterans that need community care will continue to be able to receive it.
Under the guidance of NDAA 2017, the VA Choice Program initiative was implemented at three (3) DoD MTF pilot sites: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center and Wright Patterson AFB Medical Center. The VA Choice Program initiative necessitated the need to develop new PATCATs to identify VA Choice enrollees receiving care in the Direct CareDirect care refers to military hospitals and clinics, also known as “military treatment facilities” and “MTFs.”direct care system.
VO1– VA CHOICE Service Connected
V02 - VA CHOICE Non-Service Connected (DO NOT USE)
At this time, all MTFs should only use PATCAT V01 when registering any VA Choice enrollees.
Please NOTE!!!
- VA Choice Program eligible candidates must be enrolled in the VA Choice Program prior to obtaining care at participating MTFs.
- Please direct any questions you may have to your Service or NCR MD UBO Managers.
PATCAT Training Resources
The new and improved PATCAT Training Module provides detailed information for understanding the purpose of PATCAT codes and about how PATCATs are structured and assigned.
The training module also offers learning checks throughout to assist with retaining knowledge about identifying PATCATs, access to PATCAT help resources, and how to utilize the latest PATCAT Finder Guide to choose the correct PATCAT.