Veterans Health Administration

Tele-emergency care

VA offers tele-emergency care through VA Health Connect

For Veterans enrolled in VA health care, VA Health Connect offers 24/7 virtual care—including tele-emergency care.

• All it takes is a phone, computer or tablet.
• VA Health Connect is also available through VA Health Chat.

By contacting your local VA medical center, you can speak to a VA Health Connect nurse who can connect you to the right level of care.

• This includes speaking directly to a VA emergency care provider, if appropriate.

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

Tele-emergency care is convenient and safe

Tele-emergency care provides emergency care services without unnecessary exposure to illnesses, drives or long wait times.

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

When not to wait

If you are 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 without immediate treatment, an individual believes their life or health is in danger.
• Examples: 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 are experiencing a suicidal crisis, call 911 or report to the nearest emergency department right away.

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