Urgent Care Options Guide
Understanding when and where to get urgent care for non-emergency medical needs
What is Urgent Care?
Urgent care is for medical conditions that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening emergencies. These services bridge the gap between your primary care provider and the emergency room, offering convenient care for conditions that can't wait for a regular appointment.
When to Use Urgent Care
Use urgent care for conditions that need same-day treatment but aren't severe enough for the emergency room.
Conditions Suitable for Urgent Care
Common Urgent Care Conditions:
- Sore throats and cold symptoms
- Minor cuts and wounds
- Sprains and minor injuries
- Minor broken bones
- Mild burns
Additional Conditions:
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin rashes and allergic reactions
- Minor eye injuries
- Fever and flu symptoms
VA Urgent Care Options
VA Facility Urgent Care
Many VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics offer urgent care services. These services are available to enrolled Veterans and are typically covered under your VA benefits without additional copayments.
Community Urgent Care (MISSION Act)
Under the MISSION Act, eligible Veterans can receive urgent care at in-network community urgent care providers. This supplemental benefit allows you to get care closer to home when VA facilities aren't available or convenient.
Eligibility Requirements
To use community urgent care, you must:
- • Be enrolled in VA healthcare
- • Have received care at a VA facility or VA-authorized provider in the past 24 months
- • Use an in-network urgent care provider
How to Access Urgent Care
Check Your Eligibility
Call 800-698-2411 (MyVA411) and select option 1, then option 3 to verify your eligibility for urgent care services.
Find a Provider
Use the VA facility locator at VA.gov/find-locations to find in-network urgent care locations near you.
Bring Required Items
Bring your VA ID card or other identification, and any relevant medical information or current medications list.
Follow Up with VA
Inform your VA primary care team about your urgent care visit and any treatment you received for continuity of care.
Cost Information
Urgent care costs vary depending on where you receive care and your VA benefit status:
VA Facility Urgent Care
Typically covered under your VA benefits with no additional copayment for most enrolled Veterans.
Community Urgent Care
May require a copayment (typically around $30) which will be billed to you later. Do not pay at the time of your visit.
Important Payment Information
Never pay for urgent care services at the time of your visit when using community providers. VA will handle billing directly with the provider.
After-Hours Options
When urgent care facilities are closed, you have several options for after-hours medical support:
- VA Health Connect: Call 1-877-469-5300 to speak with a nurse 24/7/365 for clinical triage and virtual clinic visits.
- Local Nurse Hotline: Many VA facilities have local after-hours nurse hotlines for urgent medical questions.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1 for immediate mental health crisis support, available 24/7.
Need Urgent Care Guidance?
Get help finding the right urgent care option for your medical needs