The Center here in Bend is the first provider in central Oregon to participate in patient-centered community care, known as PC3.

The program is geared at offering specialized health care to eligible veterans and lessening the burden on an overburdened V-A system.

Mike Gonsalves is the CEO of The Center.

"And frankly we're here to help just becuase there is such a wait for qualified specialists through the V.A. We are part of their team."

To be eligible, veterans must be referred to the specialists from the V-A primary care doctor.

The Center offers such specialty services as orthopedics, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation.