VA Health Chat in the Apple App Store.
For Veterans, VA Health Chat is a game changer, allowing them to receive VA care without the need to visit a VA facility. Through the app, Veterans can send messages to VA staff from any location using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. They can use it to receive medical advice for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses, schedule VA appointments, refill VA prescriptions, and more.
The biggest benefit of VA Health Chat is the ability to manage care from anywhere. Whether a Veteran is not feeling well enough to visit the clinic or lacks transportation, they can still connect with VA staff from home or any other location.
VA Health Chat also allows Veterans to chat privately with VA staff without the need for phone calls. This ensures privacy, even in public settings, as there is no fear of being overheard. Besides convenience, the app offers an added layer of privacy.
VA Health Chat is convenient and easy to use. Upon signing into the app, Veterans are asked to choose a channel based on their health care needs. They can then message a VA staff member trained in that area of health care.
Available channels include:
Clinical Triage: Talk to a nurse about health care concerns.
Pharmacy Support: Refill, renew, or ask questions about VA prescriptions.
Scheduling and Administration: Schedule VA appointments or ask other administrative questions.
Virtual Clinic Visit – Urgent Care: Receive medical advice for injuries or illnesses needing immediate care but not serious enough for an emergency room visit.
Whole Health: Ask questions about overall health and well-being.
Women’s Health: Receive care tailored to women’s health needs.
Channels may vary by location, but new channels are added regularly, so Veterans should check back periodically to see what is available.
Veterans can chat with VA staff in most locations from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, excluding federal holidays. In some locations, staff are available 24/7. The app can be launched through the VA App Store and is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
For more information on VA Health Chat, Veterans should talk to their VA care team or visit the app’s webpage.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.