Atlanta VA Health Care System

Local Brief

Using Telehealth to Care for our Veterans during COVID-19

Check out the video below demonstrating how we are using VA Video Connect to expand access to health care for our Veterans during COVID-19 and leading the way with the most VVC appointments of any VA facility.

Community Care Centralized Notification Center

Effective June 8, 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is establishing a national emergency care contact center to simplify the emergency care notification process.

The Community Care Centralized Notification Center is the mechanism by which community providers must now notify VA of a Veteran presenting at an emergency facility. It offers simplified access to VA for care coordination, eligibility determination and payment authorization information.

Community providers should always promptly notify VA of a Veteran presenting for emergent care at their facility using one of the following options:

1. Email: VHAEmergencyNotification@va.gov
2. Phone: 1-(844)72HRVHA or (844-724-7842)

Case-specific details will be requested during notification for care coordination and eligibility determinations. Providers are encouraged to utilize VA Form 10-10143g for reporting case-specific information.  VA Form 10-10143g can be found at https://www.va.gov/vaforms.

For more information please visit https://ww.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/providers/info_EmergencyCare.asp

VA’s partnerships with community providers is key to making sure Veterans have access to timely, high-quality health care. We thank you for helping make that possible.

Changes in our Community Based Outpatient Clinics(CBOCs) Operations

In this time of crisis, the safety of our Veterans and staff is our number one priority. In order to minimize exposure to COVID-19,  outpatient clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) will be open for telehealth appointments only. No face to face visits will be conducted. Veterans are encouraged to schedule a virtual appointment by using My HealtheVet.  In case of an emergency, Veterans should call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Please contact our Telephone Advice Program (TAP) at 404-329-2222 if you need medical advice or have a question.

My HealtheVet is more important than ever

During COVID 19, using My HealtheVet, the VA's Personal Health Record, is more important than ever!

My HealtheVet was designed for Veterans, service-members, their dependents and caregivers.  When Veterans register on My HealtheVet, you gain access to tools that can help you track and monitor your health, reducing your need to visit an Atlanta VA clinic.

Stay connected and register today.  For technical support please contact Burl Whittaker at (404) 202-7005.

Medication Refills and Emergent Lab Needs

Most medications can be refilled using our automated prescription refill line. For medications that may require additional testing, please consult your provider via My HealtheVet. We have options in many cases for home tests or testing in the community. 

For urgent or emergent lab needs, the lab at the medical center will remain available. Additional information will be forthcoming in the next 24-48 hours. 

Employee Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

There have been a lot of questions recently about who should wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Here’s a quick and easy to read summary of the CDC guidance which allows  asymptomatic healthcare professionals who have had COVID 19 exposure to return to work under strict guidelines.  For more information click this link.

For more information click this link.

Cafeteria and Coffee Shop COVID-19 Changes

To increase social distancing, we are temporarily closing our cafeteria and coffee shop seating to help limit person-to-person contact, effective immediately. We will continue to offer services through grab-and-go and vending machines options.

 

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this challenging situation and make necessary adjustments