Florida veterans now able to receive immediate care from anywhere via 24/7 hotline, video chat
Catie WegmanFlorida veterans with immediate medical questions or concerns can now reach a professional for free, 24/7, through the Clinical Contact Center, a telephone hotline or video chat.
The service is funded by the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network, or VISN 8, and available to all veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs' website.
Those who are not enrolled for veteran healthcare benefits are still encouraged to contact the center, and physicians will work with patients to determine the best course of action.
Veterans can call 877-741-3400 to be connected with medical support assistants, nurses, licensed independent practitioners or pharmacists to get answers on general health questions, advice and triage, or virtual visits with a doctor.
Patients can also download its app VA Video Connect on Android, iOS and Windows mobile and web-based devices to enter into a private video session with practitioners. This is especially convenient for those who live in more rural areas with limited access to clinics, the website said.
The center has already serviced well over 100,000 calls since it launched in July, spokesperson Kenita Tills wrote in an email.
Although the Clinical Contact Center should not replace veterans' needs for a primary care physician, providers can prescribe medicine when needed to those who call, which will be mailed to the patient. All interactions with the center are included in medical records, the website said.
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The VISN 8 is comprised of veteran clinics around the state including the Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach and Stuart VA Clinics. Others include:
- Bay Pines VA Healthcare System
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital
- Miami VA Healthcare System
- North FL/South Georgia Veterans Health System
- Orlando VA Healthcare System
- VA Caribbean Healthcare System
- West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
It is also available to veterans in South Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Catie Wegman is a TCPalm community reporter. Have a question you want answered? She can be reached by email at catie.wegman@tcpalm.com, or you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Catie_Wegman and Facebook @catiewegman1.