How to Schedule an Appointment With the VA

How to book a VA appointment

You can schedule a VA appointment through three main routes: online using VA.gov, by phone through the VA's scheduling line, or in person at your local VA facility. The fastest method depends on whether you're a new patient to that facility, what type of care you need, and whether you already have a patient account set up.

If you're established in the VA system and have online access, the VA's patient portal (called My HealtheVet) is usually quickest — you can see available slots and book same-day or future appointments without waiting on hold. If you're new to the VA or prefer speaking to someone, calling your facility's main line or the Veterans Health Information Service (1-877-222-VETS) connects you to a scheduler who can walk you through the process and answer questions about what to bring.

Key Takeaways

• My HealtheVet, the VA's online portal, shows real-time appointment availability and lets you book without calling if you already have an account.
• New VA patients should call their local facility or 1-877-222-VETS to schedule their first appointment, as some require phone intake before booking.
• Same-day and urgent appointments are often available by phone if you call early in the morning, even if the online portal shows no openings.
• You will need your VA health identification number or Social Security number, insurance information if you have it, and a list of current medications when you call or book online.
• Telehealth appointments (video or phone visits) are available for many types of care and often have shorter wait times than in-person visits.

Setting up My HealtheVet to book online

My HealtheVet is the VA's patient portal, and it's the easiest way to schedule if you're already registered. To use it, you need to create an account at myhealth.va.gov and verify your identity — you can do this online using a photo ID, or by visiting a VA facility in person with your ID and Social Security card.

Once your account is active, you can log in, click "Schedule an Appointment," and see open slots at your preferred facility. You choose the type of care (primary care, mental health, specialty care, etc.), the date and time that works for you, and confirm. The system sends you a confirmation email and text reminder before your appointment. If you run into trouble creating an account or logging in, call the My HealtheVet help desk at 1-877-327-0022.

Calling to schedule by phone

If you don't have online access or prefer to book by phone, call your local VA medical center's main number and ask for scheduling, or call the Veterans Health Information Service at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387). Have your Social Security number or VA health ID number ready, along with your insurance information if you have coverage outside the VA.

The scheduler will ask what type of care you need, whether you've been seen at that facility before, and your preferred dates and times. They can often book you the same day if you call in the morning, especially for urgent concerns. If the facility is fully booked for the next few weeks, ask about telehealth options — many VA facilities offer phone or video visits with shorter wait times. The scheduler will also tell you what to bring and whether you need to arrive early for paperwork.

What to have ready before you call or book online

Gather these items before you schedule, whether you're calling or using the portal:

• Your Social Security number or VA health identification number
• Your current insurance information (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or VA disability rating if applicable)
• A list of all medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Your preferred dates and times, and whether you can do telehealth or need an in-person visit
• The name of your current primary care provider at the VA, if you have one

If you're scheduling your first appointment at a new VA facility, the scheduler may ask additional questions about your military service dates, discharge status, and any service-connected disabilities. Having this information ready speeds up the process.

Telehealth appointments versus in-person visits

The VA offers telehealth (video or phone) appointments for many types of care, including primary care visits, mental health counseling, specialty consultations, and medication management. Telehealth appointments often have shorter wait times and don't require you to travel to the facility.

When you schedule, you can usually choose whether you want an in-person or telehealth visit. If you choose telehealth, the scheduler will send you a link or call-in number before your appointment. You'll need a quiet space and, for video visits, a device with a camera and internet connection. If you're not sure whether your appointment type is available by telehealth, ask the scheduler — they can tell you what options exist for your specific care need.

What happens after you book

After you schedule, you'll receive a confirmation with your appointment date, time, location (or telehealth instructions), and what to bring. If you're a new patient, you may be asked to arrive 15 minutes early to complete intake paperwork. Bring your photo ID, insurance card if you have one, and a list of medications.

If you need to reschedule or cancel, do it through My HealtheVet if you booked online, or call the facility as soon as you know you can't make it. The VA asks for at least 24 hours' notice so the slot can be offered to another veteran. If you miss an appointment without canceling, the facility may flag your account, and you may have to call to reschedule rather than booking online.

If you're having trouble scheduling

If you can't find available appointments, the facility may have a long wait list for that type of care. Ask the scheduler about telehealth options, which often have shorter waits. You can also ask to be placed on a cancellation list — when another veteran cancels, the facility may call you to offer that slot.

If you're a new VA patient and the facility says they're not taking new patients, ask whether they have a satellite clinic or another nearby facility that can see you. Some VA medical centers refer new patients to community care providers through the VA's MISSION Act program, which means the VA pays for you to see a private doctor instead. The scheduler can tell you whether that's an option in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment if I'm not yet registered with the VA?

You can call your local VA facility or 1-877-222-VETS to start the registration process, and the scheduler will book your first appointment as part of that call. You don't need to register online first. Bring your discharge papers (DD Form 214) and photo ID to your first visit to complete registration in person.

What if I don't have internet access to use My HealtheVet?

Call your local VA facility or 1-877-222-VETS to schedule by phone. You can also visit the facility in person and ask staff to help you book an appointment. Some VA facilities offer computer access in the waiting area if you want help setting up an online account.

How far in advance should I schedule?

For routine primary care or specialty appointments, schedule as soon as you know you need care — wait times vary by facility and type of care, from a few days to several weeks. For urgent concerns, call early in the morning to ask about same-day or next-day appointments. For non-urgent issues, you can usually schedule 2 to 4 weeks out.

What if I miss my appointment?

Call the facility as soon as you realize you missed it and ask to reschedule. If you miss appointments without canceling, the VA may require you to call to book future appointments instead of using the online portal. Multiple no-shows can result in being discharged from the facility's care.

Can I schedule an appointment at a different VA facility than my home facility?

Yes, you can schedule at any VA facility where you're registered. Call that facility's scheduling line or use My HealtheVet to book. Some facilities require you to be established as a patient first, so if you've never been seen there, call and ask whether you need to schedule an initial visit before booking specialty care.