"Mr. Chairman, I thank you and I apologize to our witnesses for my tardiness."
"I appreciate that because I think it is an important component."
"Of course contract care should never be used to supplant the VA health care system."
"I have been contacted by a urologist in North Carolina who is now refusing to see any new VA patients."
"What has been suggested is a model of collaboration versus a VA attempt to take all of the health care professionals in mental health and bring them under the VA's ownership."
"we must ensure that we're getting three key things in return: timely access; quality care; and a fair price..."
"I welcome this discussion. I've heard from many North Carolinians who live in rural communities..."
"But there is no requirement on any fee-based service to provide the medical records to the VA, am I correct?"
"I'm interested to see what quality and cost mechanisms are in place for fee-based care as well."
"Therefore, establishing relationships with community providers is essential."
"Using local community providers can save rural veterans from long, tiresome trips."