For Veterans and caregivers

Getting prostate cancer care through the VA

Where to begin, how to connect with your VA care team, and how to ask about a referral to a prostate cancer specialist.

Your path to care
1
Where to begin
Make sure you're enrolled in VA health care.
2
Connect with your care team
Tell your primary care team about your diagnosis.
3
Ask about a specialist
Ask whether a referral is right for you.
877-222-8387
VA health care enrollment line
3 steps
From diagnosis to a specialist
Free
Independent education since 1996
The basics

A diagnosis brings questions. The system shouldn't add more.

A prostate cancer diagnosis can bring many questions, and understanding how to navigate a health care system can add another layer of complexity.

This guide gives Veterans and their families clear, practical information so you can feel more confident seeking care and taking part in conversations with your medical team.

Who's who in your VA care

The people you'll likely talk with, and what they do.

Primary care provider. Your main VA doctor or nurse practitioner, who coordinates your care.
Care team. Nurses and staff who work with your provider and answer messages between visits.
Urologist. A specialist in the urinary tract and prostate, often involved in diagnosis and surgery.
Oncologists. Cancer specialists. Medical oncologists manage drug treatments; radiation oncologists manage radiation.
Step by step

How to access care

Step 1

Enroll in VA health care

If you aren't enrolled yet, apply at VA.gov or call 877-222-8387.

Step 2

Connect with your care team

Tell your primary care provider about your diagnosis and ask who to contact with questions.

Step 3

Ask about a referral

Ask whether you should see a prostate cancer specialist, such as a urologist or oncologist.

Step 4

Follow up

If you haven't heard about an appointment, call or message your team. It's okay to check in.

Be prepared

What to have ready

Having a few things on hand can make enrollment and your first appointments go more smoothly.

Bring someone with you. A spouse, partner, or family member can take notes and help remember questions.

Your discharge papers (DD214) if you are applying for VA health care
Records from your diagnosis, such as PSA results or a biopsy report
A list of the medications you take
Names of any doctors you've seen outside VA
Your questions, written down
Questions to ask

Take these to your next visit

Asking questions is a normal part of taking an active role in your care. Your team expects them.

For your care team

"Who is my main contact for my prostate cancer?" "What is the best way to reach you between visits?" "Can you walk me through my test results?"

About a referral

"Should I see a prostate cancer specialist?" "Is that specialist at this VA, or somewhere else?" "When should I hear about an appointment, and who do I call if I don't?"

Important: Write down the answers, or ask the person with you to take notes.

Important: If something isn't clear, it's okay to ask your team to explain it again.

Glossary

Terms you may hear

Getting started

VA health care enrollment

The application that signs you up for health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can apply online at VA.gov or by phone at 877-222-8387.

Good to know: Have your DD214 handy when you apply.
Good to know

Common questions

I was diagnosed outside VA. Can I still get care at VA?

If you are eligible and enrolled in VA health care, you can tell your VA primary care provider about your diagnosis and bring your records. They can help you with next steps.

Do I need a referral to see a prostate cancer specialist?

Many specialist visits at VA begin with a referral from your care team. Ask your primary care provider whether a referral is right for you.

What if I haven’t heard back about my referral?

Call your VA facility or send a secure message to your care team. Ask about the status of your referral and who to contact next.

Can a family member help me with my care?

Yes. Many Veterans bring a spouse, partner, or family member to appointments to take notes and help ask questions.

Key takeaways

Remember

1Start by making sure you're enrolled in VA health care.
2Your primary care team is your starting point for prostate cancer care.
3You can ask about a referral to a prostate cancer specialist.
4Bring your questions, and someone you trust, to your appointments.

"We hope to give Veterans and their families clear, accessible information that helps them feel more confident seeking care."

Prostate Cancer Research Institute

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with your health care team about your situation. PCRI is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.