New appointment check-in process
Check into your next VA appointment with just a tap on your phone screen!
Starting July 18, Veterans can check-in for their health care appointments using their smartphone.
VA found many Veterans wanted a better and faster check-in process. Below, we'll discuss how and when you can check-in from your smartphone.
Of course, patients can continue to check-in with the receptionists if they prefer.
How to check-in with your smartphone
Pre-Check In
About 7 days before your appointment at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), you'll get a text message from us to complete your pre-check-in. The text message will ask you to confirm if you're attending your appointment and to verify your contact and address information.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment or update your information, you'll need to visit or call the receptionist.
Note: You must receive VEText appointment reminders to use pre-check-in. If you’ve opted out of VEText reminders, you can restart these reminders by texting START to 53079 or by replying START to any previous VEText message.
Day-of Check In
On the day of your appointment, you'll need to complete a mobile check-in. You can do this by:
- Scanning our check-in QR code or texting "check in" to 53079
- The QR code and number can be found on our check-in posters and are located in each TVHS clinic area.
- To scan the QR code, you need to open your camera on your smartphone. This will then start the check-in process.
- Once you scan the QR code or text the number, you'll get a text message from us. It will ask you to click the link and check-in with your last name and last four.
- Note: You can check in up to 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after your appointment time. If you need to check in earlier or later, you’ll need to check in with a staff member. If you have more than one appointment in a day, you'll need to check in for each appointment separately.
- You'll be provided your appointment time and appointment location (including the building and room number). Make sure to click the blue "check in now" button to confirm you're attending.
- Make sure you're at the clinic waiting room, and a team member will escort you to your appointment.
Commonly asked questions
Do I have to check-in with my smartphone?
Answer: No, you are not required to check-in with your phone. You can continue to check in with a receptionist.
What if I don't have a smartphone?
Answer: You can check-in for your appointment with the receptionist.
Why is VA using this new process?
Answer: Veterans from all over the country said they wanted a better and faster experience when checking in for their appointment. By using our pre-check-in and mobile check-in process, you're able to easily check-in without wasting your time or waiting in line. Once you check-in, we also provide you with your appointment time and location to ensure you know where you're heading and what to expect.
I have a scheduled appointment. I tried texting and scanning the code, but it says it couldn't find my appointment. What do I do?
Answer: First, make sure you're opted into VEText. To opt in, text "Start" to 53079. Once you're opted in, retry checking in. If that doesn't work, it's likely we don't have your most current phone number on file. You'll need to visit or call the receptionist so we can update your file with your correct phone number. Also, make sure you showed up on the right day for your appointment. Mistakes happen, and you may have shown up a day too early or late!
Why should I use this new check-in system?
Answer: By checking in from your smartphone, you are able to avoid any lines or delays. You're able to quickly and easily check-in 30 minutes before your appointment giving you more time to stop and grab a coffee or snack. When you use pre-check-in, you can see your contact information we have on file and easily make changes to it. When you confirm your appointment, we send you the appointment time and location to ensure you're able to easily locate the clinic.
When does TVHS start this new check-in process?
Answer: July 18, 2022 is our anticipated start date.
Can I use this for all my VA appointments at TVHS? Will this work at clinics like Chattanooga, Clarksville, Bowling Green, Charlotte's Avenue, etc.?
Answer: If your appointment is scheduled, then yes! You'll get a pre-check-in text message from us about 7 days before your scheduled appointment (you must be opted in for VEText). On the day of your appointment, you can text "check in" to 53079 or scan the QR code at any of our facilities, and follow the check-in instructions. You'll be able to check in 30 minutes before or 15 minutes after your appointment.