Patient and health services

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We treat patients daily for a broad spectrum of emergencies. These include:

• Life-threatening illnesses and injuries that require immediate attention
• Mental health conditions

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our Geriatric Evaluation and Management Clinic (GEM) offers outpatient-based comprehensive geriatric assessments and care coordination for you or a senior Veteran in your care. We accept referrals from any doctor. Our team of specialists provides geriatric-specific:

• Medicine and nursing
• Psychology, psychiatry, and social work
• Physical and occupational therapy

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We provide evaluation and treatment for:

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

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• New prescriptions available for in-person pick up
• Refills online and by phone or mail
• Safe disposal of medicines

Learn more about pharmacy services

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. They will also work with family members or caregivers who support you.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Primary care is offered at all VA Pittsburgh health care facilities. Your primary care team can help coordinate many other services as part of your care, including:

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

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our Center for Treatment of Addictive Disorders (CTAD) offers both residential and outpatient treatment for substance use problems. Some of our services include:

• Alcohol screening
• Abuse counseling
• Outpatient detox
• Opiate abuse counseling, suboxone therapy, and polysubstance abuse counseling
• Pre-operative evaluations
• Management of care for patients who require opiate therapy for pain control and who need close follow-up and monitoring

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

The Behavioral Health Department offers both inpatient and outpatient services, including telehealth appointments. We provide consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of issues impacting emotional well-being. Our services are confidential and include:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Homeless Veterans services
• Treatment for addictive disorders, including residential rehabilitation treatment programs
• Transition and care management for returning Veterans (OIF/OEF/OND)

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We provide care for military sexual trauma in our mental (behavioral) health clinics. Our services include: 

• Counseling
• Psychiatric care
• Walk-in care

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our psychology teams offer consultation, evaluation and treatment for Veterans dealing with:

• Depression (including sadness and grief) and/or anxiety (including worry and nervousness)
• Addictive behaviors
• Post-traumatic stress disorder and combat related stress disorder
• Emotional problems, such as managing anger, and relationship problems
• Confused thinking, memory problems, and troublesome thoughts or ideas
• Aggressive or self-harming behaviors

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our psychiatry teams offer consultation, evaluation and treatment for Veterans dealing with:

• Depression (including sadness and grief) and/or anxiety (including worry and nervousness)
• Addictive behaviors
• Post-traumatic stress disorder and combat related stress disorder
• Emotional problems, such as managing anger, and relationship problems
• Confused thinking, memory problems, and troublesome thoughts or ideas
• Aggressive or self-harming behaviors

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

You can access these treatment options in at least one of our two medical centers:

• Psychiatry (outpatient & inpatient) and psychology
• Homeless Veterans services
• Treatment for Addictive Disorders, including residential rehabilitation treatment program
• Psychiatric residential rehabilitation treatment program
• OIF/OEF/OND services

Call our Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 (select 1) for free, private help anytime 24/7. Our local suicide prevention coordinators can also connect you with ongoing counseling and services.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

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

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Whether your amputation was due to trauma or medical necessity, our specially trained physiatrists and nurse practitioners can help you maximize your independence, achieve your goals, and return to doing the things you enjoy. Our services include:

• Initial prosthesis selection and fitting
• Prosthesis adjustments
• Therapy aid training
• Prosthesis changes to achieve independence and activity goals

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Hearing and balance evaluations
• Hearing aid selection, management, and repair, and assistive listening device assessments
• Evaluation, programming, and management for cochlear implants and bone-anchored implants
• Auditory processing evaluations and treatment
• Speech pathology services that help with speech, language, fluency, voice, cognitive communication, swallowing, stuttering, and laryngectomy

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. 

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We perform non-invasive tests and minimally invasive cardiac catheterizations in state of the art lab facilities, and we treat you with the most effective medications. Our doctors can provide:

• Evaluation for coronary heart disease, heart valve disease, and heart defects
• Determining how well blood flows through heart vessels or the cause of heart failure
• Non-surgical or minimally invasive operations to open and support heart vessels, such as balloon angioplasty or stents
• Non-invasive monitoring to look for changes in heart rhythm

Learn more about cardiology at VA Pittsburgh

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).

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Treatment for complications from surgery
• Treatment related to accidents or infections
• Care for severe breathing problems
• A Step Down Unit for patients recently discharged from critical care or who need greater care than a standard medical unit.

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We offer comprehensive routine and specialized dental care from a wide range of outstanding general dentists and specialists in endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. Our services include:

• Routine exams and dental cleaning
• Comprehensive surgical care including, extractions, implant placement and oral cancer screening
• Routine and advanced prosthodontic care, including fixed bridges, dentures and dental implants 
• Routine and advanced periodontal care, including root canals, gum and supporting bone care

Our dermatologists offer expert treatment for a range of conditions that affect your skin, hair and nails—from acne to psoriasis to skin cancer. We also offer skin cancer screening and education.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We offer regular clinic visits and dermatologic surgery for Veterans. Our three full-time and six part-time board-certified dermatologists provide:

• Treatment of medically necessary skin conditions, including skin cancer and rashes
• Referrals for complex conditions
• Teledermatology, which provides patients with quick access to expert opinions

Our gastrointestinal (GI) specialists offer screening and treatment for conditions affecting your GI tract, gallbladder, liver and pancreas—like reflux, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis and pancreatitis.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Staff in our gastroenterology department can provide the following treatments:

• Colonoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Manometry studies
• Endoscopic ultrasound and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Small bowel capsule endoscopy
• 24-hour pH studies

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We offer compassionate care to patients living with HIV or hepatitis. Services we offer include: 

• Hepatitis C screenings
• HIV testing
• HIV counseling
• HIV treatment and prevention care, including PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our comprehensive laboratories provide a full range of clinical and diagnostic testing services. We offer:

• Analysis of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids for disease management
• Testing for infectious diseases

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our low vision outpatient clinic can help assess your needs and provide a rehab plan tailored to your personal goals. You will work with a team of specialists and social workers to determine what aids and services are right for you. Clinic services include:

• Comprehensive eye examinations
• Visual skills assessments
• Guidance on developing visual motor and visual perceptual skills
• Training with activities of daily living with vision loss

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

The MOVE! Program offers comprehensive support, including:

• Weight loss support groups
• Cooking classes

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.  

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Pre End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) education
• Onsite dialysis (inpatient and outpatient) and home dialysis and training (Peritoneal and Hemodialysis)
• Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
• Home patient monitoring
• Kidney transplant evaluation and post-transplant 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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We offer information, resources, and counseling on:

• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Heart disease
• Weight gain or loss
• High or low blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal surgery

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We offer comprehensive evaluation of ocular diseases, including subspecialty services, such as the evaluation and treatment for issues related to:

• Retina
• Cornea
• Glaucoma
• Oculoplastics

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Comprehensive evaluation of ocular diseases
• Subspecialty services such as retina, cornea, and glaucoma evaluation and treatment
• Low vision services
• Diabetic eye exams

Our orthopedists offer advanced care and treatment for issues related to muscles, bones and joints, including arthritis, disorders of the muscles and bones, tendon and ligament repair and joint replacement.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our orthopedics specialists use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Conditions they address include:

• Musculoskeletal trauma
• Degenerative diseases
• Sports 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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Outpatient physical and occupational therapy
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Blind and low vision services
• Traumatic brain injury/polytrauma services
• Geriatric evaluation & management
• Wheelchair and power mobility 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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Arthritis care; foot and ankle fracture care
• Repair of cartilage and torn tendons and ligaments
• Injections to reduce pain and swelling
• Joint arthroplasty and replacement
• Minimally invasive surgery; rehabilitation
• Foot health maintenance, including bunion removal, resurfacing, and nail trimming

Our radiology service uses imaging to help screen for, diagnose and treat disease. We provide X-rays, ultrasound, mammography, MRI, CT and PET scans and other imaging procedures.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Xrays
• Ultrasounds
• Computer Tomography (CT)
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

 Our prosthetics and sensory aids services include the following: 

• Artificial limbs
• Wheelchairs
• Aids for the blind and hearing impaired
• Adaptive equipment for vehicles; modifications to make the home handicapped accessible
• Surgical implants
• Other devices and services for mobility, dignity, and independence

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Primary care for spinal-cord-injured patients
• Additional support for spinal-cord-injured patients

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh

• General surgery services
• Anesthesia
• Cardiac surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Transplantation

We are experts in life-saving transplants, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, small bowel, bone marrow and stem cell.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

• Liver transplants
• Kidney (renal) transplants
• Referrals to other transplant centers

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. 

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We offer various urology procedures, including minimally invasive and robotic procedures for diseases affecting:

• The kidneys
• The bladder
• The urethra 
• The male reproductive organs

We provide support and assistive devices, including wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and canes, to help you preserve and increase your mobility.

You can visit our wheelchair and mobility clinic to be evaluated for mobility devices that meet your needs. If you’re already a patient at VA Pittsburgh, you don’t need a primary care referral.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care 

Comprehensive adaptive mobility devices products inservices including:

• Wheelchair training for functional and efficient mobility
• Environmental control
• Specialty Control Devices
• Pressure mapping to identify areas of the body at highest risk of skin breakdown
• Custom molded systems for fixed postural deformities

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

If you are a caregiver for a Veteran, you can get support by contacting a VA Pittsburgh caregiver support coordinator. We can help with:

• Progressive needs planning for degenerative conditions
• Matching you with services and benefits 
• Connecting you with local resources and programs

Learn more and connect with a support coordinator

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail. Contact a VA Pittsburgh homeless services care coordinator to get help with: 

• Immediate food and shelter, including both transitional and permanent housing
• Job training, life skills development, and education
• Support with justice system navigation and community re-entry from jail
• Financial support to prevent homelessness
• Treatment for addiction and depression
• Health and dental care

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

If you feel that you or a loved one are in or may be in a potentially abusive or violent relationship, we can help.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

The Veteran population is at greater risk for experiencing and/or using violence in their intimate relationships than the civilian population. Contact us for help with:

• Emotional intimate partner violence (IPV), which commonly begins before other types of IPV
• Physical IPV
• Sexual IPV, whether by physical force or by trying to convince a partner 
• Stalking, which includes continuous unwanted contact, following, talking, or sending things
• Threats of violence

Intimate Partner Violence can affect both men and women.  VAPHS has an IPVAP coordinator that can assist Veterans, significant others, and employees who use violence or who experience violence in their relationships connect with VA and community resources.  To connect with the IPVAP Coordinator, please call 412-822-2359

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our LGBT Veteran care coordinators can answer your questions, advocate for your right to quality care, handle complaints or concerns you have about your care, and help you get started with any of our services for LGBT Veterans. These include:

• Mental health services, including psychosocial assessments for hormone therapy and gender confirming surgeries
• Creative arts therapies
• Hormone therapy
• Gender-affirming prosthetics
• HIV and STI testing, counseling, and care, including PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for Veterans at risk for HIV
• Other prevention, screening, wellness, and testing services

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our Minority Veterans Program serves all Veterans, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans, including American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Island Americans. We focus on: 

• Management of the medical center in their efforts to address the needs of minority Veterans
• The needs of minority Veterans in the local community
• Identifying barriers and creating a more accessible environment for minority Veterans
• Informing Veterans of VA benefits, services, and programs

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator 

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our patient advocates work hard to make sure you receive the best possible care. They offer help with:

• Patient concerns with the care team
• Advocating for patient and family rights
• Specialist advocacy for Former Prisoners of War, Minority Veterans, and OEF/OIF/OND transitioning Veterans

Learn more and connect with a patient advocate

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

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Recreation and Creative Arts Therapists (Art, Dance Movement, Drama, Music) conduct consult-driven assessments and provide inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth therapeutic interventions with Veterans. Therapist and Veterans collaborate on therapeutic goals to maintain/improve quality of life by identifying core problems, managing symptoms, and rehabilitating to the greatest extent possible. Our services include: 

• Dance Movement Therapy for eating disorders, trauma including military sexual trauma, moral injury, pain & mood management
• Drama Therapy for memory care, gender transition, behavioral challenges, pain & mood management
• Music Therapy for hospice/palliative care, memory care, substance abuse, aphasia, sleep disorders, pain & mood management, adaptive music instruction
• Recreation Therapy including adaptive sports, leisure education counseling, life skills management, social skills counseling, community integration/reintegration
• Meaning recreation activities including cognitive skills maintenance, creative arts expression, physical exercise, and social activities

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Registry exams, services, and care coordination for Veterans exposed to environmental hazards such as:

• Ionizing radiation
• Agent Orange
• Gulf War hazards
• Depleted Uranium (DU)
• Toxic Embedded Fragment (shrapnel)

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh

We can help you access service and benefit programs tailored to the needs of returning service members, including:

• Polytrauma care
• Rehabilitation
• Mental health care
• Counseling
• Family benefits counseling
• Referral assistance

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our women's health program offers women Veterans comprehensive care, including: 

• Primary care
• Gynecology
• Maternity care, childbirth education classes, and postpartum support
• Ultrasounds and mammograms
• Mental health care and counseling
• Lifestyle wellness services

Learn more and connect with a care 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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

My HealtheVet coordinators provide assistance with My HealtheVet by phone or in person. They can give you:

• Answers to your questions about My HealtheVet
• Help with in-person authentication (IPA), which is required for some features of My HealtheVet (also available in person)
• Help resolving issues with your account

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.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

We use the latest in secure digital technology to provide remote visits with health care providers. Our telehealth technologies include video conferencing, home telehealth (which lets you send us vital health information, like blood pressure readings, over the phone or internet), and store-and-forward telehealth (which helps you send your health information to experts at VA facilities using secure technology). We offer telehealth visits with providers in these fields:

• Mental health 
• Retinal care 
• Dermatology 
• Rehabilitation 
• Primary care

If you have to travel far for care, we may be able to reimburse (repay) you for travel expenses. We can also help arrange transportation for getting to and from your VA appointment.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

You can sign up for a travel reimbursement service by visiting the agent cashier at the University Drive or Heinz campus, or at the check-in desk at our outpatient clinics. Our travel reimbursement services include:

• Round-trip transportation services from your home to our facility (beneficiary travel)
• Mileage reimbursement debit card

Learn more about whether you qualify for the VA Beneficiary Travel program

We can help you reach your job and career goals with one-on-one support, counseling and training. Many graduates of our programs go on to work here at VA.

Care we provide at VA Pittsburgh health care

Our Compensated Work Therapy programs help you throughout the employment process, from identifying your skills and abilities to finding and keeping a job. We coach and assist you with employment applications, resumes, interviewing and workplace skills. All Veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for vocational services. What are vocational services? Programs tailored to your skills, experience, abilities and interests, career counseling, workshops and training, including:

• Skills and abilities testing
• Real-world placements to assess skills, abilities and interests
• Workplace survival skills
• One-on-one counseling
• Strategies to find and keep a job
• Call-in Vocational Services Open Briefing:
  • Every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
  • Call 412-822-1277 or 412-822-1286 to participate
  • Open to all Veterans
  • Flyer for Vocational Services Open Briefing

Contact us for specific information on Compensated Work Therapy and Transitional Housing programs offered at VA Pittsburgh.

Learn more about VA VR&E programs