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Active Duty Service Memebers
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Medical Benefits PackageToday's Veterans receive a Medical Benefits Package, which VA administers through a patient enrollment program. Along with your enrollment in the VA health care system comes the assurance that health and treatment services will be available when and where you need them. Active Duty ServicemembersUnder certain circumstances, active duty service members may receive limited health benefits and health care services at VA medical centers through sharing agreements. Enrolled VeteransIf you are enrolled in VA health benefits, call your local facility to schedule an appointment. If you cannot keep an existing appointment, please contact the facility as soon as possible to reschedule or cancel. Contact information is available in the VA Facility Directory Accessing VA Healthcare ServicesVA strives to ensure that you have access to all of your needed services wherever you receive your VA health care. This may be on-site during inpatient hospitalization, at one of our primary or specialty care clinics, at a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), in a Community Living Center (formerly known as a VA nursing home), or in a residential care facility. However, all services may not be available at every location. Sometimes, you may need to travel to another VA facility or a community care facility to receive the necessary treatment. If that is the case, your VA provider will work with you to find the place best suited for you to obtain the required services. To learn more about scheduling an appointment, emergency care, extended care, social work services and interpreter services. Scheduling an Appointment and Canceling AppointmentsVA is committed to providing high-quality, clinically appropriate health care - when you want and need it . This commitment includes the ability to make appointments that meet your needs, with no undue waits or delays. We monitor the wait times for scheduled appointments, and give you the opportunity to complete a survey to tell us whether you received an appointment when you wanted one. Sometimes, you may need to travel to another VA facility or a community care facility to receive the necessary treatment. If that is the case, your VA provider will work with you to find the place best suited for you to obtain the required services. How do I schedule or cancel appointments?Call your primary care/specialty clinic during regular business hours to:
If you know you are going to miss an appointment, please cancel it as soon as possible so that another Veteran can get an appointment. What if I just walk-in without a scheduled appointment?Although we will evaluate your condition if you decide to “walk in” to a primary care clinic without a scheduled appointment, you may have a wait, depending on the severity of your medical situation. Interpreter ServicesIf you think foreign language (or American Sign Language) services would help you or your family understand your medical or health care benefits, contact your Patient Advocate. Social Work ServicesVA social workers are assigned to all patient treatment programs, including community-based outpatient clinics . They provide social and clinical services to Veterans and their families in resolving the social, emotional, and economic problems associated with the stresses of illness. Social workers bring skills in individual, group, and family treatment to the care of Veteran patients as they move through the continuum of care. VA Social Work Service has responsibility for the Fisher House Program, the Temporary Lodging Program, policies on reporting suspected abuse and neglect, and family support for polytrauma patients. For more information, you can contact your local Social Work Service Office. Urgent and After-Hours CareIf you need non-emergency care, call the after-hours telephone advice care line to get advice about your health concerns. The advice line is staffed by registered nurses who will discuss your medical concerns and work with you to determine the care you need. The registered nurse will document the telephone call in your electronic medical record and notify the appropriate medical provider. What if I Require a Hospital Admission?Your VA provider will make appropriate arrangements to admit you to the nearest VA hospital that is adequately equipped and staffed to furnish the care you need. Depending on your eligibility and other factors, VA may admit you to a non-VA hospital. Emergency CareWhat if I think I am having a medical emergency?Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You do not have to contact VA in advance. What is a medical emergency?A medical emergency is generally defined as a condition that would cause a prudent layperson (a person who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine) to reasonably expect that a delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be hazardous to life or health. Non-VA FacilitiesYou should go to the nearest emergency room whether in a VA or private facility If you are in an ambulance, the paramedics will usually take you to the closest emergency room. If the doctor wants to admit me to the non-VA hospital, must I obtain approval from VA?
Does my enrollment in the VA Health Care System change my coverage for emergency care?It might. Call your local VA facility’s Enrollment Coordinator to find out what your options are. Does my other insurance (TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross, etc.) change my VA coverage for emergency services?It might. Call your local VA facility’s Enrollment Coordinator to find out what your options are. 
For information call1-877-222-VETS (8387) between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM ET Monday - Friday
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