Connect to VA care
When you can't see a VA health care provider in person, here are some ways to connect to VA virtually—by text, chat, secure messaging, online, over the phone, and using apps. Explore each option and decide which is best for you.
VA Health Connect
Availability:
VA Health Connect is a phone call away wherever you are. You'll talk to a real person who will get you the help you need. If you're not sure which number to call, visit Find VA Locations or VHA Facility Search to identify your regional health facility.
Hours of Operation:
24/7, 365 days a year
How to access:
By telephone or chat, in participating locations.
Services:
- Make an appointment
- Speak to a nurse
- Meet virtually with a medical provider (including emergency care health care providers)
- Get help with prescriptions
Who will I speak with?
Depending on what you need, you'll speak with a medical support assistant, registered nurse, medical provider, pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
VA Health Chat app
Availability:
VA Health Chat is available to most Veterans enrolled in care. For the list of participating facilities, visit the VA Health Chat page and select your U.S. state or territory. If your facility or health care system is listed, VA Health Chat is available to you.
Hours of Operation:
Chat hours vary by location. In most locations, you can connect with VA staff Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in your local time zone, except on federal holidays.
How to access:
Download on the VA App Store.
Services:
The VA Health Chat app lets you connect with VA health care professionals through text-based chat messaging within minutes. You can chat with VA staff about non-life-threatening health issues, request VA prescription refills, schedule VA appointments, and more.
Who will I chat with?
Depending on what you need, you'll chat with a VA nurse, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, physician, or scheduler about your health concerns or questions.
1-800-MyVA411
Availability:
1-800-MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number.
Hours of Operation:
24/7, 365 days a year
How to access:
Telephone
Services:
Information on VA care, benefits and services, referrals and transfers.
Who will I speak with?
Press 0 to be immediately connected with a customer service agent who will answer your questions or connect you with the right VA expert.
Secure messaging
Availability:
Veterans enrolled in VA health care and registered as a patient at a VA health facility whose VA health care provider has agreed to communicate through secure messaging.
Hours of Operation:
You can send non-urgent, non-emergency messages at any time. Your VA health care team will respond within three business days, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in your local time zone, except on federal holidays.
How to access:
Sign in to My HealtheVet, and select “Messages” via web or phone to communicate with your VA health care team online.
Services:
You can ask nonurgent health questions, send updates on your condition and more. You can also review portions of your VA health record, request VA prescription refills, and manage VA appointments.
Who will I speak with?
You'll speak with VA health care team members at your local VA facility and other VA staff. You can also call the My HealtheVet help desk, toll free at 1-877-327-0022 or 1-800-877-8339 (TTY) from Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Central time or visit Secure Messaging - My HealtheVet - My HealtheVet (va.gov) for frequently asked questions.
VA Video Connect
Availability:
Connect via video from anywhere in the U.S. to a VA provider on any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
Hours of Operation:
You can meet with your VA provider on a scheduled date and time, just like a face-to-face appointment in a clinic exam room.
How to access:
Download the VA Video Connect app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the VA App Store.
Once you make an appointment to meet with your VA provider through VA Video Connect, you'll receive an email notification from VA with instructions. On the date and time of the appointment, open VA Video Connect by selecting the appointment link included in the email you received.
Services:
In the virtual medical room, you'll participate in a video health care visit where a hands-on physical examination is not required. VA Video Connect let you meet virtually with specialists located outside of your area. Family members or caregivers who are far away from you may also attend.
Who will I speak with?
You'll speak with a live person such as a primary care provider.
Automated Prescription Refill Telephone Line
Availability:
24/7, 365 days a year.
Hours of Operation:
24/7, 365 days a year.
How to access:
Call your local VA medical center main phone number and select 1 for pharmacy.
Services:
You can refill your VA prescriptions. Other pharmacy services may be available depending on your location.
Who will I speak with?
Generally, you won't speak with anyone as long as the system is able to complete your request successfully. If not, the system will offer to transfer you to a VA pharmacy technician.
VA Health and Benefits mobile app
Availability:
24/7, 365 days a year.
Hours of Operation:
24/7, 365 days a year.
How to access:
Download the app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the VA App Store.
Services:
This app offers you a user-friendly, all-in-one platform to easily manage the most common VA health care and benefits tasks.
Health care tools
- Refill and track VA prescriptions.
- Send and receive secure messages from your VA health care team.
- Review appointments and add them to your calendar.
- View your VA vaccination records.
Benefits tools
- Check your disability rating.
- Review your claim or appeal status.
- Submit evidence for a claim or appeal.
- Download common VA letters.
Payments tools
- Review your payments from VA.
- Update your direct deposit information.
Facility locator
- Find VA facilities and services.
Veterans Crisis Line
- Get quick access to the VA Crisis Line.
Proof of Veteran status
- Show your proof of Veteran status.
Who will I speak with?
Who you speak with depends on the feature you use. For example, with Secure Messaging, you can securely communicate with your VA health care providers.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Availability:
Available to all Veterans across the United States.
Hours of Operation:
24/7, 365 days a year.
How to access:
Call 1-877-424-3838 or chat directly on this site: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - VA Homeless Programs
Services:
Provides referrals to homeless programs assistance, housing, and other VA and community resources.
- If you are a Veteran experiencing homelessness or at risk of being homeless, we connect you with experts who can help you figure out which VA programs and services are available to you.
- We also connect you with local resources.
Who will I speak with?
You'll always speak with a live person, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Women Veterans Call Center
Availability:
Nationwide
Hours of Operation:
Weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Eastern time, Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, closed on Sundays and holidays
How to access:
Call 1-855.VA.WOMEN (Call/Text), Chat Online (Chat (va.gov))
Services:
We help women Veterans navigate VA. We can give you information about a variety of VA services and benefits. We can also help connect you with your local VA medical center or local women's health contact, who can help you in coordinating all the services you may need.
Who will I speak with?
You'll always speak or chat with a live person.
Veterans Crisis Line (VCL)
Availability:
Available nationwide via telephone, chat, and text.
Hours of Operation:
24/7, 365 days a year.
How to access:
Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
Services:
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects you to a real person specially trained to support Veterans. Continuing care after the call, chat, or text, Veterans Crisis Line responders can refer Veterans to a local suicide prevention coordinator (SPC). Available in each VA medical center across the country, SPCs can connect Veterans to the counseling and services they need.
Responders are also available 24/7 to help service members and their families and friends. Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, along with their loved ones, can Dial 988 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or send a text to 838255 to receive free, confidential support.
Who will I speak with?
You'll always speak with a live person.
AskVA
Availability:
Worldwide
Hours of Operation:
You can ask a question 24/7, 365 days a year. Agents usually respond between 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.
How to access:
Go to: Ask.VA.gov | Veteran Affairs
Services:
You can get answers to your benefits questions, learn about VA resources and programs, and contact patient advocates at VA medical centers.
Who will I speak with?
You'll speak with a live agent.
Chatbot
Availability:
Anywhere the internet is available.
Hours of Operation:
24/7, 365 days a year.
How to access:
Services:
Learn general information about VA benefits and services. You can also refill prescriptions and take advantage of other VA services that don't need a live person
Who will I speak with?
You won't speak or chat with an actual person.
