VA Expands Services in Phases

VA Medical Centers: Moving Forward Together

Message from the VA Medical Centers: As our centers are expanding more services, your safety is our top priority.

VA medical centers will begin broadening services in phases with limited services for Veterans. As our staff begins welcoming back Veterans, we will continue safety measures including physical distancing, face coverings required, and staff and Veteran screening for signs of COVID-19 infection.

Because the safety of our Veterans and staff is our priority, VA facilities may not expand to a full spectrum of care immediately. Factors VHA uses to determine expansion of health services are based on facility circumstance and the differing clinical needs of each Veteran. This flexibility allows facilities to provide safe care taking local circumstances into account. Consult your medical center’s website for current status and contact information.

What you need to know

As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all working to keep Veterans and VA staff healthy. To protect Veterans and staff, everyone must:

• wear face coverings or masks at all VA facilities
• be screened for COVID-19 symptoms or exposures before entering, to include a temperature check

VA medical centers will also have limited access points and new processes for visitors and patients to ensure everyone’s safety. Look for signs indicating new entranceways and new entry procedures to protect patients and staff.

Virtual options are still available

If you’re unsure about visiting your VA medical facilities, you can still schedule a secure video visit with your health care team for non-urgent appointments. Take advantage of video visits from the comfort of your home and reduce the need to visit a facility.

My HealtheVet is also a great tool to use from home. You can refill prescriptions and use Secure Messaging (sign in required) for any non-urgent questions you have for your health care team.

Contact your health care team

To help you and your health care team, call before visiting a VA medical facility. Discuss your health care options with your doctors. They may prefer to meet virtually. Your health care team can explain what to expect when you arrive. These steps are important to ensure the health and safety of Veterans.

Original source: Department of Veteran Affairs. “VA Expands Services in Phases .” VA Medical Centers: Moving Forward Together – My HealtheVet, 2020.