Special to the
Opelika Observer
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) is committed to providing high-quality care while keeping Veterans safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures and out of concern for our Veterans, we are honoring current social isolation and distancing guidelines,” said Amir Farooqi, interim director at CAVHCS. “Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible during this time.”
To help us address our Veterans’ most-urgent needs first, CAVHCS asks that Veterans use our online tools for routine or non-urgent questions. Here are some examples:
Telephone or Video Appointments
Veterans can receive care at home – either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. Veterans may also call; however, VA is requesting that Veterans only call with urgent needs at this time. To learn more about VA Video Connect, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
Prescription Refills
Veterans can request prescription refills and order and ship medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app. Download the app at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill.
Text Message Reminders
Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to send automated text messages with information about COVID-19. This application helps Veterans monitor for symptoms and can assist if they need to contact their VA facility for care. Enroll at mobile.va.gov/annie.
Secure Messaging – With My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal, Veterans can send online secure messages to your VA health care team to ask them nonurgent health questions. Register at www.myhealth.va.gov.
To protect our patients and caregivers, the Columbus, Dothan, Monroeville, Fort Rucker, Tuskegee and Montgomery campuses have limited public entrances. If you still need to visit our facilities for urgent medical issues and are visiting the Perry Hill campus in Montgomery, you may enter through the Canteen entrance on the west side of the building from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or the Emergency Department. If you are visiting the Tuskegee campus, you may enter through Building 83 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Building 2 after business hours. All other campuses will continue to use their main entrance for access.
If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, call the CAVHCS Care Center at 866-601-1079 or the appointment line at 800-214-8387 before visiting the medical center or clinic.
For more information about VA’s Connected Care technologies, visit connectedcare.va.gov.
About Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System exists to provide excellent services to Veterans across the continuum of healthcare. We take pride in providing delivery of timely quality care by staff members who demonstrate outstanding customer service; the advancement of health care through research; and the education of tomorrow’s health care providers. Achieving the best possible outcomes for Veterans is our top priority. Stay connected with us on Facebook.