Captain James A. Lovell Federal health care - VA Center

Provides three levels of addiction treatment – residential, outpatient and aftercare – based upon the clinical and psychosocial needs of veterans with substance use disorders.

Learn more about our addiction and substance use care programs.

The registered nurses on our Nurse Advice Line provide you and your family with helpful medical advice and free, confidential answers to many of your health care questions. Call anytime. We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, our nurses can:

• Help you manage many of your basic health care needs
• Answer questions about your current medications or medical condition
• Discuss your health care concerns and help you decide the best way to handle them
• Offer improved access to VA services

Our audiology and speech pathology clinic provides diagnostic and rehabilitative services, VA compensation and pension examinations, and screening for employee hearing conservation. We offer a full range of audiology and speech pathology services including:

• Hearing and balance evaluations
• Selection, management, and repair of hearing aids and assistive listening device assessments
• Progressive tinnitus management
• Evaluation and treatment for auditory processing disorders
• Services that help with speech, language, fluency, voice, cognitive communication, swallowing, stuttering, and laryngectomy (surgical removal of the larynx, which contains your vocal cords)

Learn more about our audiology and speech programs.

Our visual impairment services team (VIST) coordinator will assess your needs and provide a rehab plan tailored to your personal goals. Our VIST coordinator will work with you to find the right aids and services.

If eligible, we can provide:

• Lifetime case management services with our VIST coordinator
• Referrals to VA blind rehabilitation services
• Referrals to community services for the blind and severely visually impaired
• Training to help you manage daily activities with your vision loss

Our cardiology specialists offer exceptional care for conditions affecting your heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure. Available cardiac testing modalities include transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, exercise and pharmacologic stress testing, heart rhythm and blood pressure monitors, as well at cardiac computed tomography.

Cardiology provides full services include:

• Consultative and continuing medical evaluations
• Compensation and pension evaluations
• Performing procedures that include: 
  • Electrocardiograms
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiac stress testing (with and without imaging modalities)
  • 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitors
  • 24 hours to 30 days cardiac rhythm monitors

If you’re a caregiver for a Veteran, you can get support by contacting one of our caregiver support coordinators. If the Veteran you care for was injured post-9/11, you may be eligible for even more services, including a stipend to help with expenses, training, and medical coverage if you aren’t already covered. For all caregivers, we can:

• Help you get caregiver assistance available through VA
• Provide progressive needs planning to help you manage degenerative conditions
• Match you with services and benefits
• Connect you with local resources and programs
• Listen to you when you struggle

Learn more and connect with a support coordinator

If you’re eligible for VA dental care, we offer a full range of quality dental services like:

• Routine exams and teeth cleaning
• Restorative procedures, including fillings and crowns
• Comprehensive surgical care, including extractions (pulling teeth) and oral cancer screening
• Routine and advanced prosthodontic care, including bridges, dentures, and dental implants
• Routine and advanced periodontal care, including root canals, gum treatments, and supporting bone care
• Oral and facial reconstruction surgery to repair damage from traumatic injury or serious illness

Dermatology provides full service dermatologic care to categories of adult beneficiaries.  Procedures performed include excisions of skin lesions, cutaneous biopsies, laser and light therapy. 

The emergency department is a level IV emergency service which provides medical services by emergency medicine specialists on a 24/7/365 basis to Veteran, Active Duty and retired Department of Defense (DoD) personnel and their dependents.  The scope of care includes pediatric through geriatric populations, including women’s health and mental health.

The Endocrine Section provides a full range of Endocrine care including Diabetes, bone health and other hormonal issues.  The Division provides Special Diabetes Education including insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring training programs. It provides expertise regarding hormonal issues specific to Women Active Duty DOD members and female veterans.  It serves as referral source for VA/DOD Autonomic Neuropathic Disorders. It provides fine needle aspiration biopsies of the thyroid and management of thyroid disorders.

Gastroenterology (GI) provides full services including:

• GI consultation 
• Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures such as:
  •  Upper endoscopy and colonoscopies
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Video capsule endoscopy (VCE)
• 24 pH monitoring

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing for Veterans uses people's genes to understand how they respond to medicines. Genes are parts of our DNA that provide instruction on how your body develops and functions. Everyone has small differences in their genes so people may respond different to medicines.

Learn more about pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing here.

Our specialists offer reproductive health care services, including contraception and family planning, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, evaluation of vaginal bleeding problems, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility evaluation, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, abnormal Pap smears, and menopausal issues.

A referral is required to be seen in the gynecology clinic, except for routine well woman care. The gynecology clinic serves Veterans, Active-Duty service members, dependents, and retirees. Services include evaluation and management of many gynecologic concerns, including surgical care.

Learn more about our gynecology services.

We provide consultative services to all beneficiary categories for wide variety of conditions.  Services provided include oral and IV chemotherapy to cancer patients, iron infusion therapy for primary care patients and immunosuppressive therapy in support of the rheumatology, GI and neurology.  Procedures performed include bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for diagnostic hematology and oncology diseases.

We help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail. Contact one of our care coordinators to get help with:

• Immediate food and shelter needs, including both transitional and permanent housing
• Job training, life skills development, and education
• Justice system navigation and community reentry from jail
• Financial support to prevent homelessness
• Addiction and depression treatment
• Health and dental care

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator.

The infectious disease (ID) department provides in-patient and outpatient services for a wide variety of clinical conditions. In-patient consults are seen by ID team members through their in-hospital stay, discharge and until completion of antimicrobial treatment if continued after discharge. ID evaluates immunizations and prophylaxis related to international travel. Infectious disease provides HIV post-exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis services. HIV-infected patients make up the majority of patients seen in the out-patient clinic.

ID also runs infection control (IC). The IC team is responsible for the health safety of the patients and their families, health care workers, visitors, and volunteers, as well as the cleanliness of air, water, and the inanimate environment. High risk infections, multi-drug-resistant organisms, and emerging pathogens are continuously and closely monitored.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is when a current or former intimate partner (like a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse) stalks, harms, or threatens to harm their partner. Intimate partner violence can be emotional, physical, or sexual. It can also lead to short-term and long-term health problems, and a wide range of mental health issues. If you or someone you know is in a potentially abusive or violent relationship, we can help. We offer:

• Intimate partner violence care coordinators
• Links to community-based support groups, and advocacy and legal services
• Referrals to and coordination with other treatment providers
• Connection to domestic violence shelters
• Services for Veterans who are homeless
• Interventions for patients who use violence in their intimate relationships

Learn more about intimate partner violence.

We promote the health, welfare, and dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) patients. We focus on ensuring a safe, welcoming, and affirmative environment when providing you with sensitive and high-quality health care services like:

• Hormone therapy
• Substance use and alcohol treatment
• Testing and treatment for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI)
• Mental health care
• Psychosocial assessments for gender-confirming surgeries and hormone therapy

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

Our laboratories provide a full range of clinical and diagnostic testing services. Our laboratory and pathology services include:

• Study of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids for illness management
• Testing for infectious diseases
• Cytopathology (study of unusual cells) and surgical pathology (study of tissue removed during surgery)
• Autopsy services

MOVE! is a weight-management program designed to help you live a longer, healthier life. With the help of your MOVE! care team, you can eat a healthier diet, get more exercise, reduce your health risks, and improve your quality of life. The MOVE! program offers:

• Tips for portion control
• How to read a food label
• How to make better food choices to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
• Mindful eating techniques that will help you learn to slow down and be satisfied with smaller portions
• Tips for dinning out at restaurants and in social gatherings
• How to become more active using your free pedometer and resistance bands!

Learn more about our MOVE! program.

If you qualify for VA health care, you can get high-quality mental health services as part of your benefits. You may also be able to get care for certain mental health problems even if you don't have VA health care.

The Mental Health Clinic provides comprehensive mental health services for Veterans, active duty military members and their dependents, or TRICARE beneficiaries diagnosed with a broad range of behavioral and mental health disorders.

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator.

We offer care for military sexual trauma at our facility. Military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault, sexual harassment, or other threatening, offensive, or unwanted sexual advances, activities, or remarks that you experienced in the military. Our goal is to help you improve your quality of life with strategies to manage emotions and memories related to your military sexual trauma. Our services include:

• Counseling
• Psychiatric care
• Walk-in care

Learn more about military sexual trauma.

For help with disability compensation related to military sexual trauma, please contact the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) MST Outreach Benefits Coordinator at your local VBA regional office.

The goal of the Minority Veterans program is to increase local awareness for issues related to minority Veterans and to promote participation in existing VA benefit programs for eligible Veterans.

We also target outreach to minority Veterans and advocate on behalf of minority Veterans by identifying gaps in service to improve service delivery. The primary emphasis of the Minority Veterans program is to conduct outreach and education to the following, often underserved, minority Veterans: Pacific Islander, Asian American, African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American, including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian.

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator.

Veterans using My HealtheVet will use the new My VA Health patient portal to manage their Lovell FHCC care online.

If you use My HealtheVet, ensure you take the below actions to prepare to use the My VA Health patient portal.

• Double-check your account type. Access My VA Health via a verified Login.gov or ID.me account, Premium DS Logon account or Premium My HealtheVet account. If you are logged into your My HealtheVet account, make sure you click the "Go to My VA Health" blue button in the important information section at the top of the page to access your new portal!
• Upgrade to a Premium My HealtheVet account for free. By upgrading your Basic account to Premium, you’ll ensure you have access to My VA Health.
• Confirm your contact information is up to date. Make sure your contact information is up to date in your VA Profile or through VA.gov. To update, log in to your VA Profile or VA.gov using your verified Login.gov or ID.me account, Premium DS Logon account or Premium My HealtheVet account. If you are logged into your My HealtheVet account, make sure you click the "Go to My VA Health" blue button in the important information section at the top of the page to access your new portal! You can also contact My HealtheVet or call 1-877-327-0022, on weekdays from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CT, if you need additional assistance. If your legal name has changed, you may also need to update your information in DoD’s Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
• Secure Messages. Starting March 9, 2024, you will use My VA Health to message your providers. In the interim period, you can contact your provider by phone. Please note, conversations in My HealtheVet will not transfer into My VA Health.
• Bring your third-party insurance to your first appointment with your VA provider. Doing so will help ensure we have the correct information on file for you.
• View a demonstration of what the My VA Health patient portal will look like here.

For more information about My VA Health, visit our page on the Electronic Health Record Modernization.

Nephrology provides evaluation and treatment of patients with acute and chronic kidney diseases.  These include kidney stone diseases, disorders of fluid and electrolytes and difficult to manage and complicated renal hypertension.  They provide oversight of in-patients requiring hemodialysis.

Neurology sees all patients with or suspected to have central or peripheral nerve disease as well as muscular conditions.  It performs EMG’s, EEG’s and LP’s as indicated and also has a neurologist trained in injection therapy as part of pain management to include the use of Botox.

Our registered dietitians can help you maintain or improve your health with good nutrition tailored to your needs. Through group, individual, and telehealth sessions, we provide nutrition education and counseling in areas such as:

• Cardiovascular and heart health
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (including gestational diabetes)
• Eating disorders and digestive health
• Pregnancy and postpartum nutrition
• Weight management

Ophthalmology is the medical and surgical specialty involving the eyes and ocular structures. Our focus is to restore and preserve visual health. Our service is made up of eye physicians and surgeons, a registered nurse who serves as our surgical coordinator, health technicians, and administrative staff.

Learn more about our ophthalmology services here.

The West campus optometry clinic provides primary eye care services. Equipped with the latest ophthalmic instruments, our clinic provides comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered eye care to all eligible patients. Services we proudly provide include:

• Comprehensive, dilated eye exams
• Glaucoma diagnosis and non-surgical management
• Diabetic eye exams
• Diagnosis and management of diseases and injuries of the conjunctiva, cornea, lens, retina, and other ocular structures
• Diagnosis and treatment of acute eye health issues

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time for pre-screening. Please bring all eyeglasses and eye drops with to your appointment.

We use surgical and nonsurgical means to treat illnesses and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue. We treat conditions like:

• Musculoskeletal trauma
• Degenerative illnesses
• Sports injuries

We evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions, like:

• Nasal and sinus problems
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Throat, lymph node, thyroid, and parathyroid tumors and other conditions
• Voice and swallowing disorders

If you have symptoms of PTSD after a traumatic event, we can help. We offer assessment and treatment support such as private counseling, group therapy and medication. It’s never too late to get help.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. We can help you with effective treatments and support services, like:

• Psychiatric and psychological counseling
• Services for Veterans who are homeless
• Treatment for addictive disorders
• Transition and care management for post-9/11 combat Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND)

Learn more about the PTSD services we provide.

Our palliative and hospice care services support you and your family as you cope with a life-threatening or terminal illness. Palliative care works to provide comfort, reduce suffering, and improve the quality of life for patients being treated for serious illnesses. Hospice care focuses on helping patients with terminal illnesses to manage the final stages of their lives. Our palliative and hospice care services include:

• Pain and symptom management
• Emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial support for you and your family
• Help with practical issues that include an advance directive (living will), health care power of attorney, funeral arrangements, and applying for VA death and burial benefits
• Education to help you and your family make informed health care decisions and know what to expect as your health declines
• Bereavement care to help surviving family members during the grieving process

Learn more about our palliative and hospice services.

Would you like to tell us about a great interaction with your health care provider?  Or do you have a specific concern about how your care was provided and need assistance with resolving the problem?  Our patient advocate program helps ensure that your health care experience here meets your expectations. Our highly skilled patient advocates can assist you by working with any department on your behalf to ensure that your concern is addressed in a timely manner.

Learn more and connect with a patient advocate

Our pharmacy provides a full range of services to help you get and understand your prescription medicines and supplies. You can refill VA prescriptions online, by phone, or by mail.

Learn more about our pharmacy.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation is a branch of medicine which aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments and disabilities.

Learn more about out physical medicine and rehabilitation services.

Our podiatry specialists evaluate and treat a wide range of injuries, diseases and disorders that affect your feet and ankles—from ingrown toenails to inflammation to diabetic foot ulcers.

After years of walking, running, marching, jumping, rappelling, and parachuting, many Veterans experience trouble with their feet and ankles. We can help treat those problems so you can continue to enjoy an active lifestyle. Our podiatry services include:

• Arthritis care for inflamed, swollen, or damaged joints
• Foot and ankle fracture treatment, repair of cartilage, torn tendons and ligaments
• Injections to reduce pain and swelling
• Joint arthroplasty (surgical repair or reconstruction) and replacement
• Minimally invasive surgery and post-surgical rehabilitation
• Foot health maintenance procedures (bunion removal and nail trimming)

Your VA primary care provider will work closely with you to plan for all the care you need to stay healthy and well throughout your life, including immunizations and vaccinations. They will also work with family members or caregivers who support you.

A strong network of family and internal medicine specialists and services can offer you the best possible care. Internal medicine doctors (internists) prevent, diagnose, and treat adult diseases. Doctors who specialize in family medicine provide primary health care to the entire family. Your primary care team can coordinate the many services you receive such as:

• Labs and blood work
• Mental health care
• Women's health care
• Radiology
• Social services
• Telehealth

Learn more about getting flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines at our facility.

If you’re struggling with a mental health problem—or just need to talk with someone—we can help. We offer treatment and support such as therapy, alternative treatments  and medications when needed.

Good mental health is a vital part of your overall wellness. Our psychiatry teams offer consultation, evaluation, and treatment to help you with a range of mental and behavioral health problems, including:

• Depression (including sadness and grief), anxiety (including worry and nervousness), and personality disorders
• Addictive behaviors and substance abuse
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat-related stress disorder
• Emotional issues like anger management and relationship challenges, confused thinking, memory problems, and invasive thoughts or ideas
• Aggressive or self-harming behaviors

Our pulmonary medicine team treats diseases and conditions that affect the lungs and breathing, including asthma, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome and sleep apnea.

The Pulmonology Section provides a complete range of consultative, diagnostic and treatment services for patients with lung and breathing problems.  Disease conditions treated include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis.  Procedures performed include bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, biopsy, chest tube placement and sleep studies.

Performs outpatient and inpatient studies in the following modalities:

• General Radiology
• CT
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine
• Mammography
• Bone Density (Dexascan)

Lung Cancer Screening Program
If you are a 50-80 year old veteran, current smoker or have quit in the past 15 years, a low dose CT scan could save your life.
Talk to your primary care provider today about whether you qualify for a consult. You can be screened with a consult at Lovell FHCC or in the community.

If you’re returning from military service, we can help you readjust to civilian life and get started with VA health care. We can also help connect you with programs like mental health services and education and career counseling.

We can help you readjust to civilian life if you’re returning from military service, on active duty, or an activated National Guard or Reserve member. Talk to one of our case managers about how to best use your health care benefits.

• Polytrauma care (if you have multiple traumatic injuries)
• Counseling and rehabilitation
• Mental and behavioral health services
• Family benefits counseling and assistance
• Referral assistance

Learn more and connect with a case manager.

The rheumatology department provides diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases with the use of immunosuppressive treatments and joint injection procedures.

Common conditions include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Fibromyalgia
• Vasculitis
• Crystal arthropathies
• Spondyloarthropathies
• Inflammatory myopathy
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Scleroderma

The sleep medicine service diagnoses and treats your sleep problems, including trouble sleeping, breathing difficulties while sleeping, snoring, teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

At various points in our lives, all of us suffer from a lack of sleep. But, if you are spending enough time in bed and still wake up tired or feel very sleepy during the day, you may have a sleep disorder. We can help. Our sleep specialists can:

• Diagnose and treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
• Monitor your blood oxygen levels and heart rate
• Study your brain waves during sleep
• Evaluate possible causes for your excessive sleepiness
• Conduct sleep tests performed at home or in the lab
• Work with your doctors if you need surgery or dental appliances to help you get a good night’s sleep

Social work is integral to health care. We can help you and your family manage stress-related problems due to injury or illness, and find VA community resources to meet your needs like:

• Home health services
• Legal services
• Transportation
• Community living

We work with behavioral health providers and community organizations to help you and your family during times of crisis. We offer:

• Suicide prevention care coordinators
• Suicide prevention case managers
• Gun safety locks

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

If you are having surgery, we make sure that your procedure and follow-up care are safe and high-quality.

We provide a wide range of surgical services, like:

• Abdominal wall and inguinal hernias
• Diseases of the gallbladder
• Gastric cancers
• Paraesophageal hernia
• Pancreas neoplasms and cancers
• Operative management of splenic diseases
• Appendicitis
• Diverticular disease/diverticulitis
• Colon cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Hemorrhoids and other benign anorectal issues
• Pilonidal disease
• Venous access device placement
• Skin cancers
  • Melanoma
• Soft tissue masses
• Soft tissue infections
• Benign breast disease management
• Breast cancer management

We have full capabilities of laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery and open surgery.

Our innovative telehealth technologies provide mobility and enhanced access to care. Telehealth connects you with your VA care teams and specialists, no matter the distance.

Telehealth services can reduce travel and bring care closer to you through:

• Bridging the digital divide
• Clinical video telehealth (CVT)
• Connected Care programs
• My VA Health
• Remote Patient Monitoring – Home Telehealth (RPM-HT)
• TeleAudiology program
• TeleDermatology program
• TeleEye Screening program
• VA Mobile
• VA Video Connect (VVC)

Learn more about our telehealth services.

All Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive a toxic exposure screening at an upcoming appointment with their provider. All enrolled Veterans should receive the screening at least once every five years.

Learn more about toxic exposure screening.

VA travel pay reimbursement pays eligible Veterans and caregivers back for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments. Find out if you’re eligible and how to file a claim.

Learn more about our beneficiary travel services.

We evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of urology diseases and conditions that include kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, prostate cancer, and more. We provide you with medical care, surgery, and minimally invasive procedures for health issues that affect:

• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Ureter and urethra
• Male reproductive organs

Our expert team diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions that affect arteries, veins and blood circulation.

Vascular surgery provides operative care for dialysis vascular access and nonoperative management of peripheral vascular disease.

Integrated Wellness is a cutting-edge approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Integrated Wellness centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.

Learn more about our Integrated Wellness services.

We offer women’s health services to meet your specific needs such as disease screenings, mental health treatment, recovery from military sexual trauma, maternity care and female-specific medical equipment.

Our women’s health program offers comprehensive health care for women Veterans. Our primary care providers specialize in women’s health and can provide care for acute and chronic conditions. Women’s health primary care providers work closely with specialists in gynecology, female urology, endocrinology, radiology, cardiology, pulmonary and breast health. Our services for women Veterans include: 

• Preventative cancer screenings 
• Reproductive health and maternity care
• Sexual health and pelvic floor therapy
• Menopause management
• Integrated mental health care
• Clinical pharmacy consultation

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator.