New appointment check-in process

Starting June 6, VA Northern California patients can now pre-check in and/or check in to their medical appointments by using a smartphone.

Pre-check-in enables patients to review their demographic information (contact, next of kin, emergency contact) on a mobile device up to seven days before an appointment.

Mobile check-in allows patients to check in for their appointments on a  smartphone and skip the line at the check-in desk on the day of their appointments.

If patients do not have a smartphone or prefer to check in with a staff member, no problem. They’ll have the option to check in at their clinics with a staff member.

Pre-check-in and mobile check-in are easy to use. To use pre-check-in, patients will access a link through a text message appointment reminder after confirming an appointment. If a patient opted out of text appointment reminders, they can restart them by texting “START” to 53079 or by replying “START” to any previous text message from VA.

For your next appointment, give these options a try, or ask our staff about how they work. Some of the benefits include:

• Greater flexibility: Start your pre-check-in process from anywhere up to seven days before an appointment using your mobile device (smartphone, tablet, or computer).
• Faster day-of check-in: Avoid the lines at the check-in desk on the day of a scheduled appointment.
• Convenience: Easily verify your demographic information to keep your records current.
• Accessibility: Enjoy an improved digital experience if you use assistive technologies.

VA’s Office of Information and Technology worked with the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans directly to create the application. For more information about pre-check-in or mobile check-in, visit How To Check In With Your Smartphone For Some VA Appointments | Veterans Affairs.