Understanding your options for emergency medical care is crucial for all Veterans. Whether you're near a VA facility or in a community setting, knowing when and how to access emergency services can make all the difference in a critical situation.
VA Emergency Department
Eligible Veterans concerned that they have a medical emergency are eligible for emergency care at their nearest VA Emergency Department. If you believe you're experiencing a medical emergency, your nearest VA facility should be your first choice when possible.
Community Emergency Department
Veterans may receive emergency care at a community emergency department, possibly at VA expense, when a VA facility (or other Federal health care facility with which VA has an agreement) cannot provide timely emergency care due to the distance from the facility or when VA is unable to furnish the needed emergency services.
⚠️ Time-Sensitive Action Required
Since payment may be limited to the point when the condition is stable enough for the Veteran to travel to a VA facility, the community provider, Veteran, or Veteran representative must contact the closest VA medical facility within 72 hours of the emergency.
How to Notify VA
You have two options to notify VA of your emergency care:
- 1.Call the Emergency Care Hotline:
- 2.Submit an Online Notification:
The emergency visit is deemed to have ended when a VA provider has determined that, based on sound medical judgment, the Veteran could be transferred from the community facility to a VA medical center that can accept the transfer at that time.
Important: This means VA coverage for community emergency care may end once you're medically stable enough to be transferred to a VA facility, even if you're still receiving treatment. Understanding this timeline is crucial for managing potential out-of-pocket costs.
For more detailed information on emergency care at non-VA facilities, visit the official VA resource page:
www.va.gov/resources/getting-emergency-care-at-non-va-facilitiesKey Takeaways
- Veterans can receive emergency care at VA or community emergency departments
- Community emergency care may be covered when VA facilities are too far or unable to provide timely care
- Critical: Notify VA within 72 hours by calling 844-724-7842 or submitting online notification
- VA coverage may end once you're stable enough to transfer to a VA facility
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