PhysicianOne Urgent Care, which has locations in Groton and Norwich, has announced that it is now a contracted network provider with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under a new policy intended to greatly increase veterans' access to private care.

Vets can go to a provider outside the VA if they face a wait time of 20 days or more for an appointment at their closest VA facility. Previously, the wait time limit was 30 days, and the goal is to get it to 14 days by 2020.

PhysicianOne Urgent Care boasts longer hours, including weekends, the latest in newly installed digital X-ray services, and the option to check in and pre-register online.

"We are thrilled that veterans in our communities will have access to convenient, same-day care, when needed," said Dr. Jeannie Kenkare, chief medical officer for PhysicianOne Urgent Care.

Veterans can learn more about program eligibility requirements at missionact.va.gov.

PhysicianOne Urgent Care is open in the early morning, evening and all weekend and has locations across Connecticut, Massachusetts and Westchester County in New York. Most commercial insurances are accepted and no appointment is needed. Patients can walk in for same-day care or check in online to any PhysicianOne Urgent Care location seven days per week, including holidays.