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Health services

Minneapolis VA Health Care System offers a wide range of health, support, and facility services for Veterans in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Click on a service below for more details like which clinic or medical center offers that service.

Primary care

Complementary and integrative health

Complementary and integrative approaches like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation can improve mental health, help you manage pain, and promote wellness.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We use complementary medicine along with standard medical treatments to help lessen the side effects of chemotherapy. We also provide alternative medicine instead of traditional medical treatments, like using herbs rather than prescription drugs to treat cancer. We offer treatments, like:

  • Integrative nutrition, deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, and art therapy  (offered virtually, Veterans can get access to these services by contacting the Center for Integrative Health and Healing at 612-467-3745)
  • Battlefield acupuncture (available at Albert Lea VA Clinic, Hibbing VA Clinic, Lyle C. Pearson Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Maplewood VA Clinic, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Northwest Metro VA Clinic, Rochester VA Clinic, Shakopee VA Clinic, St. James VA Clinic, Twin Ports VA Clinic)

Emergency care

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest VA or non-VA emergency department. We provide immediate treatment for serious, life-threatening health emergencies such as severe chest pain, seizures, heavy uncontrollable bleeding or moderate to severe burns.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest VA or non-VA emergency room. We provide immediate treatment for serious, life-threatening health emergencies such as severe chest pain, seizures, heavy uncontrollable bleeding or moderate to severe burns.

The Minneapolis VA Medical Center emergency department is open 24/7 including holidays.

Emergency room, 911, or urgent care?

Geriatrics

Common conditions: memory problems, sleep problems, falls, bone loss, weight loss
As you age, we offer a range of medical and support services to help you stay as healthy, active and independent as possible. We also offer help to family members and caregivers who may support you.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

As you age, we offer a range of medical and support services to help you stay as healthy, active and independent as possible. We also offer help to family members and caregivers who may support you.

Learn more about our Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)

Gynecology

Our specialists offer reproductive health care services for women Veterans, including contraception, pregnancy care and fertility treatment.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Care we provide at Minneapolis VA health care

We provide evaluation and treatment for:

  • Abnormal Pap test
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Infertility
  • Pelvic pain
  • Gynecologic cancers

Internal medicine

Your internal medicine physician (internist) guides your care and connects you with the treatments and services you need.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our internists are primary-care doctors who treat adults for a wide range of health issues. Our internists can:

  • Perform checkups for annual, employee, and sports physical exams
  • Order blood work and lab services
  • Prescribe and manage your medicine
  • Provide preventative care, like tips on diet, exercise, and healthy living
  • Treat you when you’re sick or follow up with you after your hospital stay
  • Refer you to specialists

Pharmacy

Our specialists provide 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.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our pharmacy staff work with your health care team to provide medication management along with your overall care. Pharmacy also provides you and other Veterans with convenient, efficient service to make it easy to get your medications and medical supplies. 

  • Refill prescriptions online and by phone or mail

Learn more about our pharmacy

Primary care

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.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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

Women Veteran care

Common conditions: women's primary care, mental health, obstetrics and gynecology, pap smear, mammogram

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.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our women's health program offers complete health care for Women Veterans of all ages. Our services for Women Veterans include:

  • Breast imaging
  • Cervical cancer screening
  • Mental health care and counseling
  • Lifestyle wellness services
  • Menopause treatment, including hormonal therapy
  • Family planning, contraceptive care, and infertility evaluation

Learn more and connect with a Women Veterans Program Manager

Mental health care

Addiction and substance use care

We can help you overcome substance use problems from unhealthy alcohol use to life-threatening addiction. We match our services—like counseling, group therapy or medication—to your specific needs.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We help Veterans on their recovery journey through outpatient and inpatient services. Our residential facility helps Veterans deal with substance abuse, homelessness, mental health, and unemployment through its 24-hour therapeutic and educational programs like:

  • Rehabilitation
  • Health maintenance
  • Community support

Learn more about our VA treatment programs

Mental health care

Common conditions: addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD
If you’re struggling with issues like PTSD, depression, grief, anger or trauma, we offer counseling and other support. All VA health care facilities offer same-day help. You may qualify even without enrolling in VA health care.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our medical center and clinics provide consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a range of issues that may impact your mental health or emotional well-being. Our confidential outpatient services include individual and group therapy for:

  • Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression
  • Marriage and relationship problems
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety, addictive behaviors and personality disorders
  • Aggressive or self-harming behaviors

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

Military sexual trauma care

Military sexual trauma can happen to both genders. If you experienced sexual assault or harassment during military service—no matter when you served—we provide counseling and treatment.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We offer care for military sexual trauma in our mental (behavioral) health clinics. 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

Psychology

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.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our psychology teams offer consultation, evaluation, and treatment to help with a range of mental and behavioral health problems like:

  • Depression (including sadness and grief), anxiety (including worry and nervousness)
  • Interpersonal difficulties (couples and family difficulties, struggles building close relationships)
  • Addictive behaviors and substance use issues
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat-related stress disorder challenges
  • Emotional issues like anger management, mood swings, and relationship challenges
  • Confused thinking, memory problems, and invasive thoughts or ideas
  • Aggressive or self-harming behaviors
  • Personal recovery during any life stage in the face of mental health challenges

Suicide prevention

Call our Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1 for free, private help anytime 24/7. Our local suicide prevention coordinators can also connect you with ongoing counseling and services.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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

  • Evidence based suicide prevention therapy
  • Grief and loss specialists
  • Lethal means safety (gun locks, medication disposal options, firearm safety)
  • Post-vention services
  • Suicide prevention case manager

Learn more and connect with a suicide prevention coordinator

Specialty care

Allergy, asthma and immunology

We offer services and treatment for Veterans with allergies, asthma and other immune system conditions.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We diagnose, evaluate and treat your asthma, allergies and non-HIV immune deficiencies. Our services include:

  • Skin tests, blood tests and other exams to identify food, drug, insect, pollen, animal, dust and other allergies
  • Prescribing and managing allergy medications that can ease your symptoms by reducing your immune system response to the things that cause your allergic reaction
  • Performing asthma tests to measure lung function and see how much air moves in and out as you breathe
  • Prescribing long-term and quick-relief asthma medications to reduce inflammation and open your swollen airways
  • Specialized treatments for your immune deficiency disorders

Amputation care

If you face or have had an amputation, our team will support you with thoughtful, compassionate care.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

If you’ve had a major limb removed, our specialists can create a health care plan to help you to live independently. Our support services include:

  • Physical, occupational and recreational therapy
  • Nutrition, wellness and mental health counseling
  • Prosthetic support to help you choose your artificial limb and use it effectively
  • Limb loss education and training to help you with daily living, like coping techniques, mobility tips, driving skills and scar care
  • Medical and surgical consultations with other specialties
  • PAVE care to help prevent or delay limb loss (available at Albert Lea, Chippewa Valley, Ely, Hayward, Hibbing, Lyle C. Pearson/Mankato, Maplewood, Northwest Metro, Rice Lake, Rochester, Shakopee, St. James, and Twin Ports VA Clinics, and the Minneapolis VA medical center)

Learn more about the VA amputation system of care

Audiology and speech

Common conditions: tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, vestibular conditions, swallowing conditions
We diagnose and treat conditions affecting your hearing, speech or balance. These include hearing loss, tinnitus (noise or ringing the ears) & dizziness—also speech, language, voice or swallowing disorders.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We offer a full range of audiology and speech pathology services, including:

  • Selection, management and repair of hearing aids and assistive listening device assessments (available at Maplewood, Northwest Metro, Shakopee, and Twin Ports VA Clinics, and the Minneapolis VA medical center)
  • Diagnosing and treating hearing loss, tinnitus (noise or ringing the ears) and dizziness (available at the Minneapolis VA medical center)
  • Hearing and balance evaluations (available at the Minneapolis VA medical center)
  • Evaluation, programming and management of cochlear implants and bone-anchored implants (available at the Minneapolis VA medical center)
  • Evaluation and treatment for auditory processing disorder (available at the Minneapolis VA medical center)
  • Services that help with speech, language, fluency, voice, cognitive communication, swallowing and stuttering (available at the Minneapolis VA medical center)

Learn more about VA hearing aids

Blind and low vision rehabilitation

Common conditions: macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, corneal diseases, retinitis pigmentosa, uveitis, stroke and injury-related vision loss
We offer advanced vision care and blind rehabilitation services to help you live independently. These may include vision-enhancing devices and technology as well as visual skills and related training.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our low vision outpatient clinic can assess your needs and provide a rehab plan tailored to your personal goals. Our team of specialists and social workers will work with you to find the right aids and services. Our clinic services include:

  • Comprehensive eye exams
  • Visual skills assessments
  • Guidance on how to develop visual motor and perceptual skills
  • Training to help you manage daily activities with your vision loss

COVID-19 vaccines

Common conditions: coronavirus, COVID-19
We offer COVID-19 vaccines to all Veterans enrolled in VA health care. This includes Veterans who live or travel outside of the U.S. and are eligible for the VA Foreign Medical Program.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

  • COVID-19 vaccines for all Veterans

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at VA

Cancer care

VA provides expert cancer diagnosis and care. We offer services to support you through treatment and beyond.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

If you’re diagnosed with cancer, our team will work with you, your primary care doctor, and other health care providers to develop a specialized treatment plan. We offer personal, compassionate, and expert care, with services like:

  • Surgical removal of tumors and other cancerous tissue
  • Immunotherapy, which helps your body’s natural defenses destroy cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy, which uses powerful drugs to fight cancer
  • Radiotherapy, which uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
  • Palliative care, to reduce pain and control other symptoms and side effects, like nausea

Learn more about cancer care at Minneapolis VA

Cardiology

Common conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, angina, vascular diseases
Our cardiology specialists offer advanced treatment and care for conditions affecting your heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We perform noninvasive and minimally invasive tests and procedures that check, support, and improve your heart health. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and treat you with the most effective medications. Our services include:

  • Evaluating you for coronary heart disease, heart-valve disease, and heart defects
  • Determining how well blood flows through your heart vessels or find the cause of your heart failure
  • Treating your heart vessels with nonsurgical or minimally invasive operations that open and support them through balloon angioplasty or stent placement
  • Noninvasively monitoring you for changes in heart rhythm, using electrocardiograms (EKGs or ECGs), portable Holt monitors, or ultrasound
  • Performing surgical treatments like pacemaker implants or cardiac catheterization (inserting a long, thin tube into an artery or vein)

Learn more about the cardiology care we provide

Critical care

If you or a Veteran you care about has a life-threatening injury, infection, illness or breathing problem, we offer comprehensive care and constant monitoring in our intensive care units (ICUs).

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Doctors in our intensive care units (ICUs) treat patients with serious illnesses or injuries, such as life-threatening infections, severe burns, brain injuries and organ failure. Our critical care doctors (called intensivists) and nurses provide you with a full range of services, like:

  • Monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing with cardiac and oxygen telemetry
  • Help your lungs work using a mechanical ventilator
  • Provide nutrition through a feeding tube in your vein, nose or mouth
  • Drain urine from your bladder using a catheter
  • Give fluids and medicine through your vein using an IV pump
  • Help prevent blood clots in your legs by using inflatable compression wraps and boots

Dental/oral surgery

Common conditions: teeth cleaning, fillings, restorations, root canal, bridges, dental implants, dentures
If you’re eligible for VA dental care, we provide dental screenings, cleanings, X-rays and fillings. We also provide specialty dental procedures like root canal, restorations and dentures.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

If you’re eligible for VA dental care, we offer a full range of quality dental services to prevent and treat decay, gum disease and missing teeth, including:

  • Routine exams, x-rays, oral cancer screening and teeth cleaning
  • Restorative procedures, including fillings, crowns and bridges
  • Comprehensive surgical care, including extractions (pulling teeth), dental implants and biopsies
  • Routine and advanced prosthodontic care, including partial and complete dentures
  • Routine and advanced periodontal care, including deep cleaning, root canals, gum treatments, and supporting bone care
  • Dental appliances, including night-guards and sleep appliances

We use the latest digital dental technology, such as, 3D scanning, 3D x-rays, machine milling and 3D printing.

Diabetic care

Common conditions: Diabetes type 1 and type 2
We offer treatment for type 1 and 2 diabetes. We work with you, your family and caregivers to help you live a healthier life through treatment, monitoring, diet and education.

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We offer treatment for type 1 and 2 diabetes. We work with you, your family and caregivers to help you live a healthier life through treatment, monitoring, diet and education.

Gastroenterology

Common conditions: acid reflux, fatty liver, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and cancer screening
Our gastrointestinal (GI) specialists offer treatment and procedures (endoscopy, colonoscopy) for conditions affecting your GI tract, gallbladder, liver and pancreas, including acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We diagnose and treat medical conditions in your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, and other parts of your digestive system. We can also test and treat other organs, like your liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Our gastroenterology department provides services like:

  • Colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which use an endoscope (a long, flexible tube with a small camera on the end) that lets us examine your digestive system
  • Endoscopic ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images that help us diagnose and evaluate digestive and lung diseases
  • Manometry study, which tests how well your esophagus is working
  • Small bowel capsule endoscopy, which uses a tiny wireless camera that takes pictures as it moves through your digestive system
  • 24-hour pH study, which measures how much stomach acid is flowing into your esophagus and helps us assess conditions like severe heartburn and acid reflux

HIV/hepatitis care

Common conditions: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis A/B/C
If you have a diagnosis of HIV or hepatitis A, B or C, we can provide you with the latest treatment methods and support. We also offer prevention education and testing for these infectious diseases.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

If you and your family are living with HIV or hepatitis, our dedicated professionals can provide compassionate care and counseling. Our confidential services include:

  • Hepatitis C screening
  • HIV testing and treatment
  • Medication (PEP) taken after potential exposure to HIV
  • Specialty care referrals
  • One-to-one patient education

Hematology/oncology

If you have a diagnosis of anemia, lymphoma, leukemia or another blood cancer or disorder, we support you with expert care and treatment.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We offer a range of hematology and oncology services. You can arrange appointments and consultation through your primary care provider. Our hematology and oncology services include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Blood and platelet transfusions
  • Mediport flushes to clean and maintain the small medical appliance inserted under your skin, making it easier to inject drugs and draw blood
  • Evaluation and treatment of blood disorders and cancer
  • Dedicated outpatient infusion center, working closely with radiation oncology, interventional radiology, general surgery, diagnostics, palliative care, and social services
  • Bone marrow biopsies, to see whether your bone tissue is healthy and making a normal number of blood cells

Hospital medicine

Our team of hospital physicians (hospitalists) oversees your care during your hospital stay.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our hospital medicine physicians are trained in internal medicine and treat adults for a wide range of acute illnesses. Our physicians:

  • Guide you through your hospital stay, from admission through discharge
  • Coordinate with the specialists involved in your care
  • Prescribe and manage your medications with dedicated pharmacists, both while you are in the hospital and on discharge
  • Work closely with the nurses caring for you while you are hospitalized
  • Order necessary blood work and lab services
  • Ensure your safe transition out of the hospital

Laboratory and pathology

We offer blood tests and other advanced testing services to help you and your VA health care team monitor your health, find and understand any health problems and make informed treatment decisions.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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! weight management

Common conditions: overweight, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure
We offer easy-to-follow weight management plans backed by the latest science. Our experts can help you reduce health risks, prevent or reverse some diseases and live a better—and even longer—life.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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:

  • Weight-loss support groups to help you lose weight and keep it off
  • Healthy eating tips and cooking classes
  • Behavioral change strategies to help you live a healthier lifestyle

Learn more about MOVE!

Nephrology

Common conditions: Dialysis, kidney disease, high blood pressure, hypertension
Our specialists offer you advanced care for kidney-related diseases like chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte problems. We also provide dialysis and related support.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our team actively manages all aspects of adult kidney disease, kidney and bladder stones, renal hypertension (high blood pressure caused by kidney disease) and mineral and bone disorders, and hemodialysis and home peritoneal dialysis.

Learn more about the kidney and renal care we provide

Neurology

Common conditions: cognitive disorders, epilepsy, headache motor neuron and movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, stroke
Our specialists evaluate and treat conditions and diseases of the brain, spine, and nervous system, including headache, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We provide inpatient and outpatient services for chronic diseases and disorders that affect your brain, spine and the nerves that connect them. We evaluate and treat many neurological illnesses and disorders such as:

  • Neuropathy (nerve damage), myelopathy and other spinal cord injuries and radiculopathy (pinched nerves)
  • Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
  • Stroke, dementia and degenerative diseases
  • Other neurological conditions

Learn more about the neurologic care we provide

Nutrition, food, and dietary care

Our nutrition experts work closely with you and your care team to help make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need to get and stay as healthy as possible.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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

Learn more and connect with a VA dietitian

Ophthalmology

Common conditions: cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease
Our ophthalmology specialists diagnose and provide medical and surgical care for conditions that affect your eyes—like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Ophthalmologists, along with an eye care team of optometrists, nurses and specialized eye technicians, manage eye conditions that are the leading causes of vision loss in Veterans, including cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Learn more about VA Ophthalmology Services

Optometry

Common conditions: vision exams, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses
Our optometrists offer you routine eye exams, preventive vision testing and treatment for conditions like glaucoma. We also provide prescriptions for eyeglasses and other assistive devices.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our optometrists provide many eye-related services and treatments like:

  • Vision services and eye exams
  • Treatment for diseases and injuries of the retina, cornea, and other parts of your eye
  • Low-vision services for conditions like macular degeneration that can’t be corrected by glasses, surgery or medication
  • Special eye exams for diabetic patients
  • Technology based eye care services (available at Rochester and Twin Ports VA Clinics)

Otolaryngology

Common conditions: balance issues, sinusitis, difficulty swallowing, obstructive sleep apnea, head and neck tumors
We provide a full range of care for Veterans who have problems that affect their ears, sinuses, adenoids, tonsils and thyroid.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We offer a wide range of medical and surgical care for Veterans with diseases of the ear, nose and throat (ENT), also known as, otolaryngology.

Our otolaryngologists provide many ENT services and treatments like:

  • State of the art care for Veterans with cancer of the head and neck, including mouth, larynx, tonsil, base of tongue and thyroid
  • Otology care, including cochlear implants
  • Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
  • Specialized vestibular testing

Contact the ENT clinic by calling 

Pain management

If you are in pain, we work with you and your health care team to find the best way to treat and manage it.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) pain can make it hard to enjoy life, but effective pain management can help. Our experts work with you, your primary care physician, and other specialists to create a plan to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Our services include:

  • Creating treatment plans with board certified pain physicians
  • Chiropractic care to relieve pain without medication
  • Prescribing and supervising your use of medications
  • Teaching you skills that include meditation, mindfulness training and relaxation to help you manage your pain
  • Providing physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreation therapy and other compatible therapies
  • Telemedicine and other virtual treatment options

Learn more about pain treatments offered at the Minneapolis VA Comprehensive Pain Center

Palliative and hospice care

Palliative care focuses on comfort, quality of life and reducing suffering. Hospice care is a type of palliative care offered to patients with life-threatening illness under certain conditions.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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

Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Common conditions: pain, stroke, brain injury, neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal problems, sports injuries, spinal cord injuries
If you’re living with a traumatic brain injury, amputation or other disability, our specialists offer support to help you improve your independence and quality of life, manage pain and stay healthy.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors and therapists focus on whole-body health. They can help you manage your pain, increase your independence and improve your quality of life with services like:

  • Personalized therapy for your rehabilitation
  • Medication and stretching for short-term pain relief
  • Strengthening exercises and movement therapy to increase fitness and prevent future pain
  • Recreation therapy to create coping and social skills
  • Occupational therapy to improve coordination and balance, and help you manage life skills and everyday activities
  • Assessment and treatment of speech, language and swallowing disorders

Learn more about physical medicine and rehabilitation

Physical therapy, occupational therapy and kinesiotherapy

Physical therapy, occupational therapy and kinesiotherapy can help restore movement and function if you have been disabled by injury or disease.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

If you’re living with or recovering from an injury, illness or chronic condition that limits your mobility and independence, we can help. Our physical, occupational and movement therapists combine therapeutic exercise, counseling, education and training to help you improve your health and quality of life. Our services include:

  • Pain relief and joint mobilization
  • Movement and exercise therapies to improve your strength, endurance, balance and coordination
  • Mobility assessment and training with wheelchairs, scooters and walking devices
  • Life skills training and activities to help you maintain the highest level of independence and functionality
  • Aquatic therapy to manage chronic pain
  • Evaluation and treatment for a wide range of medical, orthopedic, psychosocial and neurological conditions

Polytrauma and traumatic brain injury

We provide a thoughtful, wide-ranging approach to treating Veterans who have injuries to multiple body systems caused by a single event.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our specialized rehabilitation program network serves severely injured Veterans and service members who have multiple combat- or civilian-related traumatic injuries. We offer:

  • Physical, visual, and cognitive rehabilitation
  • State-of-the-art prosthetics
  • Psychological and psychosocial services
  • Ongoing case management services

Learn more about the VA Polytrauma/TBI System of Care

Prosthetics and rehabilitation

We provide and help you use medical aids, hearing aids, state-of-the-art adaptive home equipment and other equipment to help you preserve and increase your mobility and independence.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Services (PSAS) provides prosthetics, orthotics, and durable medical equipment. Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system and referred by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician can receive a full range of services and equipment like:

  • Artificial limbs and surgical implants, including artificial joints and pacemakers
  • Wheelchairs and other medical devices
  • Aids for Veterans who are blind, have low vision, or are hearing impaired
  • Adaptive equipment and modifications to make your vehicle or home more accessible
  • Other devices and services to help increase your mobility, dignity, and independence
  • Clothing allowance for Veterans with devices that damage their clothing

Contact PSAS at 

Pulmonary medicine

Common conditions: tuberculosis, respiratory conditions, sleep apnea, sleep problems

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.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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.

Radiation oncology

The radiation oncology service works with your health care team to target cancer safely and precisely using radiation therapy.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Radiation oncologists specialize in using high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells and either destroy tumors or control their growth. Our doctors sometimes use radiation therapy in combination with surgery, chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. The radiation therapy you receive will depend on cancer type, tumor size and location, and your general health. Our services include:

  • Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which uses computers to deliver precise radiation doses that match the 3D shape of your tumor
  • Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), which is an advanced form of IMRT that delivers radiotherapy with beams that continuously rotate around the patient
  • Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which uses precisely focused radiation to treat tumors in your lungs, spine, liver, lymph nodes or other soft tissues
  • Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), which uses detailed images to help focus radiation on affected areas, improve outcomes and shorten treatment

Learn more about radiation oncology care at Minneapolis VA

Radiology

We use imaging to help screen for, diagnose, and treat illness and injury. We provide X-rays and other imaging technologies.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We offer radiology and imaging services to diagnose and treat many medical conditions. Our services include:

  • X-ray - available at the Minneapolis VA medical center, and the Albert Lea, Chippewa Falls, Hibbing, Lyle C. Pearson/Mankato, Maplewood, Northwest Metro, Rice Lake, Rochester, Shakopee, and St. James VA community clinics.
  • Ultrasound - available at the Minneapolis VA medical center, and the Chippewa Falls, Maplewood, Rice Lake, and Rochester VA community clinics.
  • Mammography (mammograms) - available at the Minneapolis VA medical center.
  • Computer tomography (CT) - available at the Minneapolis VA medical center.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) - available at the Minneapolis VA medical center.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - available at the Minneapolis VA medical center.

Rehabilitation and extended care

We provide medical care and rehabilitation services to Veterans in our Community Living Center and in their homes. Services include home-based primary care, medical foster home support, and hospice and palliative care.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We provide long-term care to help you and your family when you’re dealing with a disability, chronic (long-lasting) illness, terminal illness, or serious health issues related to aging. Our long-term health care services include:

  • 24/7 nursing and medical care
  • Physical therapy
  • Help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, making meals, and taking medicine
  • Pain management and palliative care to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses
  • Hospice care to provide comfort and compassionate care for people in the last phases of an incurable illness
  • To learn more about the different types of extended care that VA provides, see our guide to long-term services and support.

Learn more about VA rehabilitation and extended care

Rheumatology

Common conditions: arthritis, Crohn's disease, gout, lupus
Our team cares for and treats Veterans with joint and autoimmune conditions.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our team cares for and treats Veterans with joint and autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis, Crohn's disease, gout, and lupus.

Sleep medicine

Common conditions: insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, sleepwalking

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

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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

Contact the sleep medicine clinic at

Smoking and tobacco cessation

If you are trying to quit smoking or want to stop using tobacco, we can help you with support, resources and programs.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

You can quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Our goal is to provide support and strategies to add to optional nicotine replacement therapy prescribed by your primary care doctor. These include:

  • FDA-approved medications to manage nicotine withdrawal and the urge to smoke.
  • Counseling in person or by phone
  • Tobacco Cessation Quitline for individual counseling and strategies
  • SmokefreeVET text message program for daily advice and interactive support
  • Stay Quit Coach mobile app to help you quit smoking and stay smoke-free

Learn more about how to quit

Spinal cord injuries and disorders

If you have a spinal cord injury or disorder, our specialists provide coordinated care throughout your life. We work to help you achieve your goals for independence, productivity and quality of life.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our SCI/D Center contains a full array of resources to provide comprehensive SCI/D care, management, treatment and rehabilitation.

Care we provide at Minneapolis VA health care

  • Primary care and additional support for spinal-cord-injured patients

Learn more about spinal cord injury and disorder care at Minneapolis VA

Learn more about our ALS clinic

Surgery

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

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We provide a wide range of surgical services, like:

  • Anesthesia
  • Specialty surgery, including cardiac (heart and major blood vessels), neurosurgery (brain, spinal column and nerves) and orthopedic (bones, muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons)
  • General surgery, including gallbladder, bariatric (weight reduction), hernia repair and surgical correction of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Organ and tissue transplants
  • Multidisciplinary treatment of breast disease, complex cancers and sarcomas, and liver conditions requiring surgical treatment
  • Minor procedures, such as, removal of skin lesions

Urology

Common conditions: prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, urinary disorders
We offer understanding and advanced care and treatment to Veterans with conditions that affect the male urinary and reproductive systems and the female urinary system.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Care we provide at Minneapolis VA health care

We offer various urology procedures, such as incontinence treatment, including minimally invasive and robotic procedures for diseases affecting:

  • The kidneys
  • The bladder
  • The urethra 
  • Reproductive organs

Social programs and services

Adaptive sports

Our adaptive sports program helps disabled Veterans live active and healthy lives through recreation and athletics.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

If you’re a Veteran with a disability or a senior Veteran (age 55 or older), our adaptive sports program can help you improve your independence, well-being, and quality of life. We work with national, regional, and community-based organizations to provide opportunities through our support of:

  • Inpatient and outpatient sports activities, and community partners specializing in adapted sports
  • National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which serves Veterans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, amputations, stroke, and other neurological disorders
  • National Veterans Golden Age Games, which offers sports and health education to help senior Veterans live an active and healthy lifestyle
  • National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, which uses skiing and snowboarding to help Veterans with profound disabilities overcome challenges
  • The National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, which offers Veterans with life-changing disabilities golf instruction and a range of adaptive sports opportunities
  • National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, which promotes the value of rehabilitation through summer sports, like surfing, sailing, kayaking, and cycling

Learn more about adaptive sports

Caregiver support

If you are caring for a Veteran with serious illness or disabilities, we can help you support them—and take care of yourself. You may qualify for services like training, counseling or respite care when you need a break.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

If you’re a caregiver for a Veteran, you can get support by contacting our Caregiver Support Program at . If the Veteran you care for was injured, or aggravated a serious injury, in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975, or on or after September 11, 2001, 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 our Caregiver Support Program

Homeless Veteran care

If you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, we can help. We offer many programs and services, including free health care. And we can help you connect with resources in your community.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We help Veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness or serious mental illness by promoting physical and mental health, assisting in securing and maintaining housing, and working with Veterans to achieve increased community integration. 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

LGBTQ+ Veteran care

If you're a Veteran who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, or a related identity, we’re committed to serving your needs. The LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinator at your VA health care facility can help you get the care you need in a safe, sensitive environment.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We promote the health, welfare, and dignity of Veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) or a related identity. 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

Minority Veteran care

We offer resources and support for minority Veterans to help address your specific needs with benefits and services at VA.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

If you’re a minority Veteran, we can help you get the services and benefits you need. Our Minority Veterans Program serves all Veterans who are Black American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American (including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Island Americans). We work to:

  • Help the medical center address minority Veterans’ needs
  • Meet minority Veterans’ needs in the local community
  • Identify barriers and create a more accessible environment for minority Veterans
  • Inform minority Veterans of VA benefits, services, and programs

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

Patient advocates

VA wants to make sure that you get the best possible care. If you need help finding care or getting problems resolved, please contact a patient advocate.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our patient advocates work hard to make sure you receive the best possible care at our health care facilities. They can:

  • Help you get answers or address concerns with your care team
  • Advocate for patient and family rights
  • Serve as advocates for minority Veterans, women Veterans, and Veterans with disabilities
  • Offer specialized help to former prisoners of war and Veterans transitioning from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND)

Learn more and connect with a patient advocate

Recreation and creative arts therapy

We offer a wide range of activities (arts and crafts, games, sports, exercise) that we can adapt to your needs.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our therapies promote your independence and enhance your health and well-being if you’re a Veteran with an injury, chronic (long-lasting) illness, or disabling condition. After your primary health care provider gives you a referral, a recreation therapist will develop treatment goals with you.

Recreation and creative arts therapy provides services and activities that include:

  • Animal-assisted therapy to help Veterans cope with and recover from some physical and mental health conditions
  • Music, art, and crafts
  • Community reintegration
  • Exercise, sports, and games
  • Gardening and leisure education

Learn more about recreation and creative arts therapy

Registry exams

If you were exposed to toxic chemicals or other hazards during your military service, we offer you a free exam. This exam helps you identify potential health risks and helps us monitor issues so we can better serve you.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

This free, voluntary, and comprehensive health exam involves an exposure and medical history, laboratory tests, and a physical exam. We will discuss your results in a face-to-face meeting and follow up with a letter. The registry evaluation, which does not verify exposure, is separate from VA’s disability compensation process. You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these health registries if you served during these time periods:

  • Ionizing radiation (1940s to 1960s)
  • Agent Orange (1960s and 1970s)
  • Airborne hazards and open burn pit (1990s to present)
  • Gulf War (1990s to present)
  • Depleted uranium (DU) (1990s to present)
  • Toxic embedded fragments/shrapnel (2000s to present)

Learn more about VA Health Registry

Returning service member care

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.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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 care coordinators 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 coordinator

Social work

Social workers are here to help Veterans, families and caregivers with almost any need, from help with finances or housing to questions about treatment to just feeling overwhelmed. We are here for you.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

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
  • Advanced care planning

Learn more about social work

Other services

My HealtheVet coordinator

Your My HealtheVet coordinator can help you start using the VA online portal to manage your appointments and records, refill prescriptions, view your lab and test results and communicate with your health care team.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

My HealtheVet helps you gain a better understanding of your health and explore different ways to monitor and improve your health. When you use the My HealtheVet tools, you become a more active partner with your health care team.

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

Telehealth

With VA telehealth, you can get care from your health providers without having to travel. Get checkups and treatment, talk about your care and more—from home or elsewhere.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We use the latest in secure digital technology to set up remote visits with our health care providers. We offer video conferencing, home telehealth services, and store-and-forward telehealth that lets you securely send your health information to experts at VA facilities. We offer telehealth visits with providers in:

  • Mental health
  • Retinal care (eye)
  • Bariatric surgery (visit remotely with your weight-loss surgery team before and after your operation)
  • Dermatology
  • Rehabilitation
  • Primary care

Some primary specialty medicine and surgery specialty care services are also available via telehealth if deemed appropriate by your provider.

Learn more about telehealth

Learn more about Accessing Telehealth Through Local Area Stations (ATLAS) 

Veteran readiness and employment programs

We can help you reach your job and career goals with one-on-one support, counseling, and training.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

We help Veterans with physical and mental health challenges find and keep jobs. We help you find jobs through our long-term partnerships with business, industry, and government agencies. We offer 3 services:

  • Our transitional work program matches Veteran’s skills with a specific job and provides supervision to help them gain work experience
  • Our supported employment program provides long-term support for Veterans with serious mental illnesses or physical disabilities to help them compete for jobs in their communities
  • Our vocational assistance program trains Veterans living at our residential facility to improve their job-search and career development skills

Learn more about VA vocational rehabilitation

Whole health

Whole health puts you at the center of care, rather than your illnesses or conditions. We work with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.

Available at these locations

Care we provide at VA Minneapolis health care

Our whole health approach empowers and equips you to take charge of your health, well-being, and quality of life. Whole health goes beyond your illnesses, injuries, or disabilities, and focuses instead on your values, goals, and overall health. It includes self-care and complementary therapies along with conventional medical care. Our whole health program includes:

  • Virtual coaching and group programs
    • Intro to Whole Health
    • Whole Health Coaching (1-to-1)
    • Taking Charge of My Life and Health (group coaching)
    • Mind Body Skills Group
  • In-person coaching and group programs
    • Intro to Whole Health 
    • Taking Charge of My Life and Health (group coaching)

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator