The two main fee basis care delivery methods-preauthorized care and emergency care-are approved using two different processes. Preauthorizing fee basis care involves a multistep process conducted by the VAMC that regularly serves a veteran. The preauthorization process is initiated by a VA provider who submits a request for fee basis care to the VAMC's fee basis care unit, which is an administrative department within each VAMC that processes VA providers' fee basis care requests and verifies that fee basis care is necessary. Once approved by the VAMC Chief of Staff or his or her designee, the veteran is notified of the approval and can choose any fee basis provider willing to accept VA payment at predetermined rates.