we must ensure that we're getting three key things in return: timely access; quality care; and a fair price...

Therefore, establishing relationships with community providers is essential.

I'm interested to see what quality and cost mechanisms are in place for fee-based care as well.

But there is no requirement on any fee-based service to provide the medical records to the VA, am I correct?

I appreciate that because I think it is an important component.

Mr. Chairman, I thank you and I apologize to our witnesses for my tardiness.

Using local community providers can save rural veterans from long, tiresome trips.

I welcome this discussion. I've heard from many North Carolinians who live in rural communities...

Of course contract care should never be used to supplant the VA health care system.

the aim of the veterans' disability program should be rehabilitation, but the goal has not been met.

We are going to get to the bottom of this and we are either going to move forward or we will find another avenue.