Chat with a Nurse Practitioner via Video Connect
Using live video chat and VA Video Connect, you can meet with a nurse practitioner from wherever you are.
Veterans receiving health care at VA medical centers throughout VISN 4 have an opportunity to obtain some care with the ease of a video chat. VA Video Connect (VVC) is a web application that Veterans can use to connect with their health care team from anywhere with an internet connection and compatible device.
Requirements to use VA Video Connect
- A web-based device: computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone**
- A web camera, microphone and speaker
- Ability to navigate the device functions
- Internet access
- Email address that you can access from your web-based device
Call the VA Video Connect help desk to perform a live test to ensure your audio & video are working correctly.
866-651-3180 -or-
703-234-4483
Monday–Saturday
from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET
**If accessing VA Video Connect on your Apple mobile device, you will need to download the free VA Video Connect iOS app from the App Store.
The VISN 4 centralized registered nurse triage call center, located on the campus of VA Butler Healthcare, is where Veterans from VISN 4 can call to speak with a dedicated nurse practitioner about symptoms or other health care concerns. To reach the VISN 4 call center, simply call the main number of your local VA medical center during normal business hours and press the number 3.
VA Video Connect (VVC) is one option for care available through the call center. To access this option, Veterans first need to call in and talk to a nurse at the call center. If the nurse deems the question or concern is appropriate for video, and the Veteran is willing, he/she is offered an appointment. The Veteran is then screened for the right equipment such as web-based device, email, internet connection, etc. The Veteran is transferred to a technician to set up and test the equipment and is then scheduled into the next available slot with the nurse practitioner.
Video appointments are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. In VISN 4, appointments are currently only scheduled as same day appointments. Additionally, this program is not a replacement for emergency room treatment.
Visit the VA Mobile App Store to download VA Video Connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: For what types of ailments can I request a video appointment?
A: Generally speaking, you can request an appointment with the nurse practitioner for any routine, same-day health need including:
- Rashes and minor skin infections
- Tick, insect or spider bites
- Common cold, runny nose, sinusitis or nasal congestion
- Gout, joint or muscular pain
- Thrush
- Flu symptoms
- Conjunctivitis or pink eye
- Urinary tract infection
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Sore throat
Q: Who will I link to through the video?
A: This service is through the VISN 4 Registered Nurse Triage Call Center from VA Butler Healthcare. It is not linked to your own care team at your VA medical center. These video visits are handled by a dedicated nurse practitioner in the call center.
Q: How long is each video conference?
A: Video visits are approximately 20-30 minutes. The nurse practitioner currently has about 14 available time slots per day.
Q: What happens if there are no more video appointments available the day I call?
A: This VVC program can alleviate some same day care needs that are appropriate for video care. If the nurse practitioner is booked for the day, we will work with you to schedule an appointment through your local primary care team.
Through VA Video Connect, VA is bringing care closer to Veterans by:
- Improving health care access, especially for those who live in rural areas or have health conditions that make it difficult to travel.
- Reducing appointment wait times allowing Veterans to almost immediately connect to their VA care team in the location of their choosing.
- Making it easier to include Veterans' caregivers or support systems in their visits.
VA Video Connect is helping us continue to meet the needs of our Veterans while staying at the forefront of clinical innovation. For more information on VVC or to download the app, visit the VA mobile app store.
