VA Health Chat
VA Health Chat accesses your VA Electronic Health Record and, for your security, requires you to enter My HealtheVet (premium), DS Logon (premium), ID.me, or account credentials. Learn more
Introduction
VA Health Chat allows Veterans to immediately connect with VA health care clinicians over text-messaging. No need to travel to a VA facility. Just tap the app and start receiving telehealth services from our care team.
The VA Health Chat App provides easy, online access to chat with VA staff when you have minor health questions, want to schedule an appointment, have a non-life threatening health concern, and more.
My first time using VA Health Chat and it was impressive! I'm sure I will use it again. Thank you for this service."
This is much easier than doing a walk in at the clinic and I will definitely use this again if necessary."
Use VA Health Chat for immediate answers when:
- You feel ill and unsure about going to an emergency room or clinic
- You have a reaction to a medication
- You have questions about your prescriptions
- You need medical advice for a minor injury or illness, such as:
- Allergies
- Congestion/cough/cold
- Ear ache
- Fever
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Stomachache
It's perfect for those who:
- Have mobility issues or health care conditions that make it difficult to visit a VA facility.
- Live in rural areas and may not have convenient access to a VA facility, nor adequate broadband bandwidth to conduct a video conferencing telemedicine session.
- May not have access to a quiet, private space to conduct a telemedicine consultation.
- Want access to primary care, telemental health, and a whole range of other telehealth services from a single source.
Features
The VA Health Chat team can help you:
- Find your closest VA facility
- Schedule an appointment*
- Refill a VA prescription
- Send a non-urgent message to your health care team
Downloadable Materials
Training Materials
FAQs
What is VA Health Chat?
The VA Health Chat app allows Veterans to connect with VA health care professionals through text-based chat messaging or online messaging within minutes. You can use the app to chat about non-life-threatening health issues, request VA prescription refills, schedule VA appointments, and more.
Who can use VA Health Chat?
Any Veteran who is actively enrolled in VA health care in a location that supports VA Health Chat and has Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon Level 2 (Premium), or My HealtheVet Premium account credentials can use VA Health Chat.
If you do not have secure login credentials, or you are not sure, visit va.gov/resources/signing-in-to-vagov/ for more information.
Do I need internet to access VA Health Chat?
Yes, to use VA Health Chat your device must be connected to the internet.
How do I access VA Health Chat?
You can access VA Health Chat in the following ways:
- Launch the app in a web browser.
- Download the app on the Apple App Store.
- Download the app on the Google Play Store.
You will arrive at the VA sign in page. Log in to the app using your Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon Level 2 (Premium), or My HealtheVet Premium account credentials to start using the app. Select Accept on the Secure Login Redirect page to proceed to the app.
If you are accessing the mobile app, complete the multifactor authentication. For questions about multifactor authentication, visit va.gov/resources/signing-in-to-vagov.
If it is your first time using the mobile app, you will be asked to create a passcode. To make logging in easier, you will use your passcode each time you log in to VA Health Chat.
If you have questions about signing in to VA apps, visit va.gov/resources/signing-in-to-vagov.
What are the app’s main features?
With VA Health Chat, you can:
- Address non-life-threatening health issues with a VA health care professional.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Refill a VA prescription or ask prescription-related questions.
- Send a non-urgent message to your health care team.
- Find your closest VA facility.
Whom can I chat with on the app?
After logging in to VA Health Chat, a list of options for which VA health care service you would like to chat with will appear (e.g., Scheduling, Nursing, Pharmacy). Select an option based on what you need assistance with. Options will vary based on your location.
If your needs may be better addressed by a different health care service, the VA health care professional you are assigned to can transfer you to the appropriate service. You can also select a different VA health care service to chat with from the list of options in the left navigation bar.
NOTE: VA Health Chat does not connect you directly to your VA care team. To contact your VA provider, use the Secure Messaging feature on My HealtheVet.
How do I start a chat?
To start a chat, select which service you would like to chat with from the options provided. Chat options will vary based on your location.
You may need to complete a brief questionnaire before starting your chat. If a questionnaire is required, select Continue and answer the questions. Then, select Submit Responses to start your chat. Questionnaires may vary depending on your location and the health care service you are connecting with.
After submitting any required questionnaires, a VA health care professional will be assigned to you. To start your chat, type your message in the text box at the bottom of the screen, then select Send.
If your needs may be better addressed by a different health care service, you can request a transfer to the appropriate service.
If you need additional assistance after you have completed your chat, you can select a different VA health service to chat with from the list of options in the left navigation bar.
How is VA Health Chat different from other messaging platforms such as My HealtheVet and the Annie for Veterans?
VA Health Chat connects you via online messaging or text messaging with a VA health care professional who can assist you in minutes. If a provider from your assigned care team needs to be contacted, the health care professional can send a message to your care team.
My HealtheVet allows you to send messages directly to your assigned care team through Secure Messaging. It may take up to three business days to receive a response.
The Annie for Veterans sends automated text messages, such as medication reminders and tips for reducing stress. It does not connect you directly with a VA health care professional.
What do I do if I need additional help or information?
If you need assistance with the VA Health Chat app, dial 1-877-470-5947 to speak with a representative from the VA Mobile Solutions Help Desk.
Release Notes
Beginning May 8, 2024, the following channel name changes will go into effect:
- Nursing will be known as Clinical Triage.
- Pharmacy will be known as Pharmacy Support.
- Admin/Scheduling will be known as Scheduling and Administration.
- Urgent Care will be known as Virtual Clinic Visit (Urgent Care).
The following channel names will remain the same:
- Community Care
- Whole Health
- Women’s Health
Not all channel types are available in all locations.
Help
For help with this app, contact the Health Resource Center at:
Call: 877-470-5947
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8AM - 8PM EST