Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has rolled out a new scheduling system called External Provider Scheduling (EPS) to all its facilities. This system aims to make it quicker and easier for veterans to book medical appointments with community care providers. The project is part of an effort to increase veteran access to care, especially in areas where VA facilities are limited.
Key Facts
- The VA completed deploying the EPS system across all its facilities as of late 2025.
- EPS allows VA staff to book community care appointments in real time, reducing wait times.
- The system is expected to increase the number of community appointments that can be scheduled each day.
- The introduction of EPS is linked to the MISSION Act, which promises veterans more choice between VA and community healthcare providers.
- The manual process it replaces could take days or weeks, but EPS reduces this to minutes.
- Lawmakers introduced a bill in 2025 to expand and permanently authorize EPS due to early positive results.
- EPS is part of the VA's Community Care Network, providing access to providers across five regions.
- The rollout is described as a continuation of efforts by the Trump administration to improve veteran healthcare options.
