Tele-emergency care through VA Health Connect

If you're a Veteran enrolled in VA health care, you now have access to VA tele-emergency care - should you need it - through VA Health Connect.

24/7 Virtual Care

VA Health Connect offers 24/7 virtual care. All it takes is a phone, computer or tablet.

When you call your local VA medical center, you can choose to speak with a VA Health Connect nurse who will connect you to the right level of care. That includes speaking directly to a VA emergency care provider if appropriate.

VA Health Connect is also available through VA Health Chat.

The right care at the right time in the right way

"VA is committed to providing the right care at the right time in the right way," said Dr. Neil Patel, acting executive director of VA's National Emergency Medicine Office. "Tele-emergency care is perfect for Veterans who need medical advice right away but don't have a condition that needs to be treated in person."

Depending on the need, a VA Health Connect provider can evaluate you over the phone or video and recommend treatment or advise where and when you should go if you need in-person care.

In life-threatening emergencies, the VA nurse will call 911 and stay on the line with you until help arrives.

VA Health Connect connects you to VA in many different ways

In addition to tele-emergency care, VA Health Connect allows you to speak with a nurse, schedule, reschedule or cancel appointments, check on the status of your medications with the help of pharmacy professionals and meet virtually with a medical provider about your health care needs.

And you can do all that without long waits, long drives or being exposed to illnesses. It's especially convenient for rural Veterans or Veterans who can't get to a VA medical center in person.

When not to wait

If you're having a medical emergency, you should immediately seek care at the nearest medical facility. A medical emergency is an injury, illness or symptom so severe that you believe your life or health will be in danger without immediate treatment. Examples include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, stroke-like symptoms or excessive bleeding.

If you believe your life or health are in danger - or if you're experiencing a suicidal crisis - call 911 or report to the nearest emergency room right away.

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