Overton Brooks Veterans' Administration Medical Center

May 11, 2023 marks the end of the COVID-19 national public health emergency.  The VA is now only vaccinating Veterans, spouses, and caregivers who are eligible for VA health care.  If interested in receiving COVID-19 vaccines or boosters, please contact your Primary Care Team.  

Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. It describes conditions ranging from peripheral artery disease and high blood pressure to heart attacks and strokes. It is the number-one killer of Americans, and the leading cause of hospitalization in the VA health care system. It is also a major cause of disability.

Another reason why cardiovascular disease is particularly important to Veterans is that it is associated with a number of other diseases that often affect them. These include diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and posttraumatic stress disorder. VA’s

Learn more about cardiovascular disease.

If you’re a caregiver for a Veteran, you can get support by contacting one of our caregiver support coordinators. If the Veteran you care for was injured post-9/11, 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 a support coordinator

For more information call 318-221-8411 ext. 15366

Diabetes and Endocrinology Service

Oversees the care of patients with diabetes, disorders of the thyroid, male and female reproductive systems and calcium and skeletal health. This Program Office develops and implements clinical guidelines for prevention and treatment of diabetes and endocrine disorders, and tracks the use of these guidelines through assessments of medical outcomes. 

Blood disorders and medical oncology.  For more information or to make an appoint call 318-990-5000.

We help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail. 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

Care we provide at the Shreveport VA

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

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 STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
• Mental health care
• Psychosocial assessments for gender-confirming surgeries and hormone therapy

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

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. For more information contact:  318-990-5023.  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
• Contact 318-990-5023

Learn more about MOVE!

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
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety, addictive behaviors, and personality disorders
• Aggressive or self-harming behaviors

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

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

My HealtheVet is a web-based tool you can use to manage your care and improve your health from your computer or mobile device. You can access your personal health records and use tools to manage your care through our My HealtheVet online system. You can also use My HealtheVet to refill your prescriptions, track appointments, and read informative health articles. If you need help using My HealtheVet, you can contact our coordinator by phone or in person at 318-990-5029.   With My HealtheVet, you can:

• Ask questions and exchange secure online messages with your VA health care team
• Check your lab and test results
• Refill your prescriptions, track delivery, and view a list of your medications
• Keep track of your VA medical appointments and get email reminders
• View, download, or print a copy of your VA medical records
• Enter or update your personal information

Learn more and register for My HealtheVet

Nephrology, or kidney medicine, is a specialty care service provided by the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center which includes the care and treatment of patients with acute or chronic kidney disease including dialysis.

Our services are all provided under the expert knowledge of Nephrologists (kidney doctors), who have had extensive training and education in the care of people with kidney disease and in the management of dialysis.  Contact Nephrology by: 318-221-8411 ext. 15366.

Provides research, clinical care, and patient and family education on neurological disorders. Specialty care networks have been established for patients with degenerative neurological diseases (more than 200,000 Veterans) which include Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence (MSCOEs), Parkinson’s Associated Disorders, Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs), and Epilepsy Centers of Excellence (ECoEs). VHA is developing and implementing guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Neurology Services collaborates with Emergency Medicine and Rehabilitative Services on stroke treatment and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  To contact Neurology call: 318-221-8411 ext.15366.

Nutrition & Food / 318-990-5030

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:

• Weight management
• Diabetes (including gestational diabetes)
• Cardiovascular and heart health
• Chronic kidney disease
• Eating disorders and digestive health
• Pregnancy and postpartum nutrition
• Contact 318-990-5030 for more information

We offer comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for eye-related illnesses, injuries, and other issues. For more information call 318-990-6572 or 318-990-5412.  Our ophthalmology services include:

• Medical care for glaucoma, eye infections, and other conditions
• Surgery for cataracts, traumatic eye injuries, and other problems
• Treatment for eye conditions related to illnesses like diabetes or arthritis
• Plastic surgery to repair droopy eyelids, clear blocked tear ducts, and perform eyelid and facial reconstruction (oculoplastics)

For more information call 318-990-6572 or 318-990-5412.  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

Palliative Care uses comfort care with a focus on relieving suffering and controlling symptoms so that you can carry out day-to-day activities and continue to do what is most important to you. Palliative care aims to improve your quality of life – in your mind, body and spirit.

Palliative Care can be combined with treatment that is aimed at curing or controlling your illness. It can be started at the time of your diagnosis and may be provided throughout the course of the illness.  For more information call: 318-221-8411 ext.14972.

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

Our pharmacy provides you and other Veterans with convenient, efficient service to make it easy to get your medications and medical supplies. You can:

• Pick up new prescriptions in person
• Refill prescriptions online and by phone or mail
• Safely dispose of medicines

Learn more about our pharmacy

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.

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.  Contact Primary Care by:  318-221-8411 ext. 15000 or 800-644-8370.  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

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.

Prosthetics and Sensory Aids

Prosthetic Service main numbers:  318-990-5424 and 318-990-5386

Look for your last two numbers of your SSN and you will find your agent and the number.

00-15   Greg   318-210-3718

16-32   Stephanie   318-553-0193

33-49   Twan   318-317-6840

50-66   TBD   318-210-3526

67-83   Deidre   318-207-4443

84-99  Anita   318-218-3592

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.

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center provides comprehensive pulmonary and critical care services to eligible Veterans. In addition to administering care in and supervising the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), we provide inpatient critical care and pulmonary consultative services and outpatient pulmonary consultations with ongoing care to those with chronic lung disease. Our services also include routine pulmonary procedures including pulmonary function testing, flexible bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis and thoracostomy tube placement.  For more information call 318-221-8411 ext. 15366.

Shreveport VA | Pulmonary | Veterans Affairs

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

To contact Radiation Oncology: 318-990-4837.  The use of radiation to safely and effectively treat cancer and other diseases is called radiation therapy. The doctor who specializes in treating cancer patients with radiation therapy is called a Radiation Oncologist. If you have cancer that can be treated with radiation therapy, you will have a consultation with a Radiation Oncologist in the Radiation Therapy Department here at the Shreveport VA.

In the Radiation Oncology Department, you will receive care and services from a well-trained Radiation Oncology team consisting of the Radiation Oncologists, nurses, therapists and medical physics staff. The Radiation Oncologist will work with your primary care provider and other doctors to oversee your medical treatment for cancer.

The type of radiation therapy given at the Shreveport VA is called ‘external beam radiation therapy.’ With external beam radiation therapy, the Radiation Oncology team uses a machine to direct high-energy X-rays at the cancer. The treatments are usually given five days a week, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and may continue for up to ten weeks. To call: 318-990-4837.

The Radiation Oncologist and nurse will see you regularly during your treatments to follow your progress and monitor you for any side effects of the treatment. Side effects will depend on the location of the radiation treatment, and most side effects go away after radiation treatments are completed.

After your course of radiation therapy treatment is completed, you will have follow-up appointments scheduled so that your Radiation Oncologists can make sure your recovery is proceeding in the expected way. As time goes on, you will need fewer follow-up appointments. You should know that the Radiation Oncology Team will always be available if you need to speak to someone about your radiation therapy treatments.  To contact Radiation Oncology: 318-990-4837.

We offer radiology and imaging services to diagnose and treat many medical conditions. Contact our front desk at 318-990-7005. Some of our services include:

• Nuclear Medicine
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Mammography (mammograms)
• Computer tomography (CT)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Contact Radiology Front Desk at: 318-990-7005.  Administrative Officer at: 318-990-5354.

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.

At VA 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

Rheumatology

Rheumatology provides diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the joints, soft tissues, and connective tissues. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, timely and state-of-the-art rheumatology care to the Veteran population. Some of these rheumatic conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Lupus
• Vasculitis
• Myositis

We also treat regional musculoskeletal problems. Patient cases are managed by a multidisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care.

Services: Appointments with the department of Rheumatology require a referral by your primary care provider.

Social work is integral to health care.  Contact us at: 318-990-5188.  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
• Transportation
• Community living
• Caregiver Support

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

• Suicide prevention care coordinators
• Suicide prevention case managers
• Gun safety locks
• Learn more and connect with a care coordinator. (Link to Suicide Prevention page)

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

To contact Telehealth: 318-990-5007.  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. Telehealth: 318-990-5007.  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

Learn more about telehealth

Every Veteran enrolled in VA health care will receive an initial screening and a follow-up screening at least once every 5 years. Veterans who are not enrolled and who meet eligibility requirements will have an opportunity to enroll and receive the screening. For more information call 318-990-5012.  

The screening will ask you if you think you were exposed to any of these hazards while serving:

• Open burn pits and other airborne hazards
• Gulf War-related exposures
• Agent Orange
• Radiation
• Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure
• Other exposures

We’ll then give you information about any benefits, registry exams, and clinical resources you may need.

Learn about the PACT Act: The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs.

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. For more information call 318-990-4442 or 4441.  We offer 4 services:

• Transitional Work Program matches Veteran’s skills with a specific job and provides supervision to help them gain work experience
• Supported Employment provides long-term support for Veterans with serious mental illnesses or physical disabilities to help them compete for jobs in their communities
• Community Based Employment Services for Veterans with a history of sporadic employment
• Vocational Assistance trains Veterans living at our residential facility to improve their job-search and career development skills

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. Contact us at 318-990-5801.  Our Whole Health program includes:

• Acupuncture to help you manage pain without drugs
• Meditation and mindfulness training
• Whole Health education class: Taking Charge of My Life and Health
• Whole Health maternity care
• MOVE! weight management
• Yoga and Tai Chi for wellness (starting mid-November!)
• Trauma-informed Yoga therapy

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.

Our women's health program offers complete health care for women Veterans of all ages. Our primary care providers specialize in women’s health. They work closely with specialists in gynecology, obstetrics, female urology, oncology, medicine, radiology, surgery, and breast illness. For more information call 318-990-4155.  Our services for women Veterans include:

• Ultrasounds, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests
• 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 Woman Veterans Program Manager