Earlier appointments now offered thru text tool

For many years, we've used a product called VEText, to remind Veterans of upcoming appointments via text messaging. We have been using this tool to offer Veterans a quick and easy way to confirm and/or cancel appointments--this helps us know if a Veteran isn't going to make their appointment ahead of time.

We're excited to share a great addition to make those cancelled appointments available to other Veterans. It's called Open Slot Management, and it now has been added to VEText.

How does this help me get earlier appointments?

All of our face-to-face primary care clinics and some specialty clinics now have Open Slot Management built into our scheduling software.  This doesn't change the process for you--it's still just a text message--but it does give you an additional option. 

Basically, if you have an appointment that meets certain criteria (like an appointment greater than 30 days out), you will be offered appointments that open up earlier than yours via text.  

Since this new tool is already live, some of you may have already received a text message on your phone giving you the option to reschedule an appointment to an earlier date.

If you choose to reschedule your appointment, Open Slot Management will schedule you into the earlier slot and cancel your previous appointment. Any associated appointments, such as laboratory and nursing, may also be rescheduled.

If the appointment is available when you respond “RESCHEDULE”, you will receive a follow-up text message confirming  the date and time of your new appointment.

Below is one examples of the text message you may receive:

TEXT EXAMPLE

FIRST NAME, your VA can see you sooner!

You are scheduled for an appointment with CLINIC at LOCATION on DATE at TIME.

AN EARLIER APPOINTMENT IS AVAILABLE ON DATE at TIME.

Reply:

R1 to RESCHEDULE with the earlier appointment

K1 to KEEP your original appointment

Want to take advantage of this new scheduling tool?

Veterans automatically receive these text messages as long as we have your current cell phone number and you have not opted out of the VEText Program. 

Not getting the messages? If you need to re-join VEText, text START to 53079.