Veterans Services

Utilize Community Care Benefits at BVCHD

Making It Easier for Big Bear Veterans to Get the Care They Need

At Bear Valley Community Healthcare District, we believe in making it easier for veterans to get the healthcare and mental health services they need. Big Bear veterans can transfer and utilize their Community Care benefits right here at the Big Bear Family Health Center, rather than traveling to the local veterans’ hospitals in Loma Linda, Los Angeles, Long Beach or San Diego.

The current suite of services available as part of Community Care includes:

    • Primary Care
    • Skilled Nursing
    • Mental Health Treatment
    • Chiropractic Care
    • Specialty Services

See below for more information on transferring your Community Care benefits to BVCHD.

How Do I Transfer My Community Care Benefits to Big Bear?

First, you’ll transfer your primary care services from your VA hospital to a provider here in Big Bear. You must initiate this process by calling the Community Care Office in Loma Linda, San Diego, Los Angeles or Long Beach (see below for contact information for these offices).

BVCHD recommends that the veteran or his/her family member take time to research Big Bear’s available care providers in advance to make the process quick and seamless. For those wishing to see a provider who has also served in the U.S. armed forces, there are many options, including Alex Weis, PA-C  (Army), John Nunn, PA-C (Army), Jessica Rule, PA-C (Air Force) and Daniel Curtis, PA (Navy).

While it is also possible to receive authorizations for some specialty services, that process may take a bit longer — up to three months. However, representatives at BVCHD can manage that process for the vet once the local primary care selection is in place.

Who Should I Contact?

The first step is contacting your assigned Community Care facility. Contact information is below:

  • Loma Linda Community Care: (909) 825-7084 – ext. 5248 #3
  • San Diego Community Care: (858) 552-8585 – ext.1879 #3
  • Long Beach Community Care: (562) 826-8000 – ask for Primary Care Clinic
  • West Los Angeles Community Care: (818) 895-5855 – ask for Primary Care Clinic


When you reach your representative, request authorization to be seen at the Family Health Center in Big Bear Lake. Once approved, the VA will send the authorization to the Family Health Center, and a member of our staff will reach out to schedule your appointment.

Please call the Patient Care Navigator at 909-878-2316 or your Community Care Coordinator for any further questions or additional assistance.

How Can I Stay Up-to-Date on the Availability of Veterans Community Care Benefits in Big Bear?

Visit our bvchd.com/events page to check for upcoming Lunch & Learn opportunities, held in partnership with American Legion Post 584.

Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your service. We are honored to care for you – because you’ve given so much for all of us.

Community Care at the Family Health Center

Download our informational flier.

Address

Family Health Center
41820 Garstin Dr.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315