After-Hours Care Guide
Access VA healthcare support and guidance when regular clinics are closed
When You Need After-Hours Care
After-hours care services are available when your regular VA healthcare providers aren't available, typically during evenings, weekends, and holidays. These services help you get medical guidance and support when you can't wait for regular clinic hours.
Available 24/7
VA after-hours services are available around the clock, every day of the year, to provide medical support when you need it most.
VA Health Connect
VA Health Connect is your primary resource for after-hours healthcare support. This 24/7 service connects you with VA healthcare professionals who can provide clinical triage, virtual clinic visits, and pharmacy services.
VA Health Connect
1-877-469-5300
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for enrolled Veterans
Services Available Through VA Health Connect:
- Clinical Triage: Speak with a registered nurse who can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate care options.
- Virtual Clinic Visits: Connect with VA providers for non-emergency medical consultations via phone or video.
- Pharmacy Services: Get help with prescription refills, medication questions, and pharmacy-related concerns.
- Appointment Scheduling: Schedule or reschedule non-urgent medical appointments.
Local After-Hours Nurse Hotlines
Many VA medical centers and healthcare systems operate local after-hours nurse hotlines. These services provide direct access to nurses familiar with your local VA facility and can offer personalized guidance based on your medical history.
Finding Your Local Hotline
Contact your VA medical center or check your patient portal for your local after-hours nurse hotline number. Examples include:
- • VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System: (615) 225-3700
- • VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System: (303) 399-8020
- • Check with your local VA facility for their specific hotline
Mental Health Crisis Support
For mental health emergencies and crisis situations, specialized after-hours support is available through the Veterans Crisis Line, staffed by qualified mental health professionals.
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988, Press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Available 24/7 for Veterans in crisis and their families
When to Use After-Hours Services
Appropriate for After-Hours Care:
- Questions about medication side effects or interactions
- Mild symptoms that concern you but aren't emergencies
- Need guidance on whether to seek immediate care
- Prescription refill issues or pharmacy questions
- Mental health concerns or emotional distress
Still Call 911 for Emergencies
After-hours services are not for life-threatening emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for serious medical emergencies.
How After-Hours Services Work
Call the Appropriate Number
Call VA Health Connect (1-877-469-5300) for general medical concerns or your local after-hours nurse hotline if available.
Provide Your Information
Be ready to provide your name, date of birth, and VA identification information. Have your current medications list available.
Describe Your Concerns
Clearly explain your symptoms, concerns, or questions. The nurse will assess your situation and provide appropriate guidance.
Follow the Recommendations
The healthcare professional will provide recommendations, which may include self-care instructions, scheduling an appointment, or seeking immediate care.
Additional Resources
VA Health Chat
Online chat support for healthcare questions and appointment scheduling.
MyVA411
General VA information and assistance hotline available 24/7.
800-698-2411
Preparing for After-Hours Calls
To make the most of your after-hours healthcare call, have the following information ready:
- Your full name and date of birth
- VA identification number or Social Security number
- Current medications and dosages
- Description of symptoms and when they started
- Any recent changes to your health or medications
- Contact information where you can be reached
Need After-Hours Healthcare Support?
Get immediate access to VA healthcare professionals when regular clinics are closed