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VA Health Chat is now available in all 18 VISNs

A Veteran sends a message on their smartphone while sitting in their car.
A Veteran sends a message on their smartphone while sitting in their car.

VA Health Chat is now available to Veterans in all 18 Veteran Integrated Service Networks. Veterans can use the app to easily connect with VA staff to ask questions about their health.

Army Veteran Letitia Dupree says VA Health Chat is a game-changer when it comes to her health care. She first used the app to schedule a nutrition appointment and was amazed by how quick and easy the process was. 

“It took maybe less than 10 minutes to get everything done,” Dupree said. “At the time, I didn’t want to call and go through the phone loop of trying to get ahold of someone. VA Health Chat will definitely be my go-to for scheduling appointments.” 

Receive VA care without going to a VA facility

Through VA Health Chat, Veterans can send messages to VA staff from anywhere with a smartphone, tablet or computer. They can use the app to receive medical advice for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses, schedule VA appointments, refill VA prescriptions and more. 

Dupree said she has used VA Health Chat while at work and even in the car. 

“The biggest benefit of VA Health Chat is managing your care wherever you are,” she said. “Sometimes you’re just not feeling well enough to go to the clinic, or you may not have transportation. With this, you can connect with VA staff from home or anywhere.” 

Army Veteran Josef Mendez Lopez loves the privacy that VA Health Chat provides. 

“VA Health Chat allows me to chat with VA staff privately without having to talk on the phone,” said Lopez. “Even if I’m in a public setting, I’m not afraid of anyone listening to my conversation. Besides it being convenient, it offers more privacy.”

VA Health Chat is convenient and easy to use. When a Veteran signs in to the app, they will be asked to choose a channel based on their health care need. Veterans can message a VA staff member trained in that area of health care. 

Channels that may be available are:

  • Clinical Triage: Talk to a nurse about health care concerns.
  • Pharmacy Support: Refill, renew, or ask questions about VA prescriptions.
  • Scheduling and Administration: Schedule VA appointments or ask other administrative questions.
  • Virtual Clinic Visit (Urgent Care): Receive medical advice for injuries or illnesses that need immediate care but aren’t serious enough for an emergency room visit.
  • Whole Health: Ask questions about your whole health and well-being.
  • Women’s Health: Receive care tailored to women’s health needs.

Not all channels are available in all VISNs. However, new channels are being added regularly, so Veterans should check back periodically to see what’s available.

Veterans can chat with VA staff in most locations Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. local time, excluding federal holidays. In some locations, staff are available 24/7. The app can be launched through the VA App Store and is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

For more information on VA Health Chat, talk to your VA care team or visit the app’s webpage.

Article by The VA Office of Connected Care