New Patients

Welcome Video

Apply for Health Care

There are three ways to apply for VA Health Care:

1. Apply in person at the Enrollment & Eligibility Department at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Located in Building 590 (ground floor/basement). Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 4 PM. Closed on Federal Holidays.
2. Apply online by creating an account using id.me or login.gov. Once you create an account, you can start your online application.
3. Call the Health Eligibility Center (HEC): 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

If you have any questions during this process, you can contact a member of our Enrollment & Eligibility specialists at 801-584-2585, Mon-Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m or email: vhaslcenrollment@va.gov . Please note we are closed on federal holidays.

Enrollment Status & First Appointment

1. If you applied online, call the Health Eligibility Center (HEC) and ask about your enrollment status.

• Health Eligibility Center: 1-877-222-VETS (8387). Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
  Or
• Contact a VA Salt Lake City Enrollment Specialist at 801-584-2585 or email: vhaslcenrollment@va.gov .

You can also check the status of your application by signing into your VA.gov account. Most applications are processed in a week, and a decision letter is mailed to you.

2. If you applied through the VA Salt Lake City Enrollment and Eligibility team, once your application has been fully processed, you will receive a courtesy call to inform you of your eligibility status. Additionally, a formal letter will be sent to you in the mail to let you know about your eligibility status.

Once you are enrolled, our staff will connect you with one of our schedulers to arrange your first primary care appointment. If you have enrolled online through the HEC and need to schedule your primary care appointment, please contact us at 801-582-1565, option 2.

Note: This same number is used to schedule all future appointments.

Healthcare Locations

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System has 11 locations where you may receive care. Our main campus is located in Salt Lake City, and our VA Clinics are located throughout Utah, Southeastern Idaho, and Nevada. When scheduling your first appointment, let the scheduler know your preferred location for care.

*Note: VA Clinic availability can be limited due to availability.  Some care may get referred to our main Salt Lake City campus or out into Care in the Community (CITC).

Review our VA Clinic locations

Preparing for Your First Appointment

As our staff awaits the opportunity to care for you, we suggest you prepare for your initial appointment by bringing:

• A list of concerns you wish to discuss with your Provider.
• A list of your medications, including over-the-counter supplements, their doses, and any allergies you have.
• You are welcome to bring your spouse or caregiver.
• Make sure to ask your provider questions and clarify what the next steps are with your care.

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is here to support your journey in reaching your health and wellness goals. Explore other Health Services and Programs prior to your appointment and let your provider know if any interest you. 

Helping you Navigate as a New Patient

If your first appointment is at our Salt Lake City Campus, here is a video to help you navigate to the Primary Care Clinic from our Parking Garage with ease. Of course, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask our staff or the Red Coat Volunteers in the lobby. Additionally, a map is linked below the video for your convenience.

George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center campus map

Veteran Health Identification Card

Once you are enrolled, you may need to obtain your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). You can request a VHIC online or through our Enrollment and Eligibility Department.

To apply Online: AccessVA

How is Your Journey so Far?

Share your experience with us as you start your care at VA Salt Lake City: vhaslcenrollment@va.gov.

If you require follow-up, be sure to leave your name and contact information.

For emergencies dial 911 or visit your local ER. The Veterans Crisis Line is always available by
Texting: 838255
Call: 988, then press 1
Chat: Veterans Crisis Line