As our communities begin the transition to relax limitations that helped slow the spread of COVID-19, the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System is continuing to increase services at our medical center and clinics.  

On May 18, 2020, we resumed certain elective surgeries, procedures, specialty care, and diagnostic testing appointments. Based on the success of our approach, starting June 1, 2020, we will be moving into Phase Two of our plan. This includes increasing the capacity (up to 25%) for routine face-to-face appointments. Routine Primary Care, Mental Health and Specialty Care outpatient appointments will continue to be provided via virtual/connected care as much as possible. 

Elective endoscopy procedures will increase to 50% capacity starting June 3, 2020. All other approved elective procedure capacity levels will remain the same as determined in Phase One. (Patients will be contacted directly by their provider about their personalized plan and scheduling options. )

In addition to the increased capacity, several services will provide drive-thru/curbside pick-up options. Current services are listed below by location: 

Malcom Randall VAMC

• Prosthetics Pick-up
• Pharmacy Pick-up
• Mental Health Injection (scheduled service)
• Women’s Health Injection (scheduled service)
• Sleep study equipment pick-up and drop-off (scheduled service)
• Cardiology Device Clinic (scheduled service)

Lake City VAMC

• Prosthetics Pick-up
• Pharmacy Pick-up
• Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Service Mobility Clinic (scheduled service)
• Mental Health Injection (scheduled service)
• Women’s Health Injection (scheduled service)

Outpatient Clinics (Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and The Villages)

• Prosthetics Pick-up
• Pharmacy Pick-up
• Women’s Health Injection (scheduled service)

As we welcome patients back into the facility, the current layers of protection we are taking include:

• All individuals must wear appropriate face masks (cloth, surgical/generic) while on our campuses and in our facilities; health care providers will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• No Visitations; virtual visits are encouraged
• Entry point screenings
• Expanded testing
• Cleaning of high-touch surfaces in our facilities
• Increased physical distancing in common areas like waiting rooms, Canteen and retail stores

Shuttle Service

On June 1, 2020, the Lake City VAMC shuttle service will resume at 50% ridership; all passengers will be screened and required to wear a mask at all times.

The Gainesville off site shuttle to Optometry, Dermatology, Pain Clinic, and Compensation & Pension will resume June 1, 2020.

       -Departing GV VAMC: 0730; 0840; 0955; 1100; 1200; 1310; 1500 

To view full listing of shuttle times go to https://www.northflorida.va.gov/NORTHFLORIDA/visitors/shuttles.asp

VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center

If you are sick or have symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath), the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center (1-877-741-3400) is still the best, first contact before visiting our facilities.  Staff are available 24/7 for nurse advice and triage, health chat and more.  

Outpatient Clinical Appointments: We continue to offer virtual access to care options for outpatient appointments. You will be contacted a few days before your scheduled appointment.  Learn more www.connectedcare.va.gov/   Prescription Refills:

We strongly encourage Veterans to use the mail options below for all non-urgent medication refill requests:

          -Automated Phone System (follow prompts for pharmacy)

                                  1-800-349-9457 or 1-800-308-8387

          -Electronically with MyHealtheVet

          -Mail (sending refill slip to pharmacy via mail)

          -Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400

If your medication refill is urgent, the outpatient pharmacies at the medical centers remain open for same day service. Please call ahead. Patient Advocate Office Available to Answer COVID-19 Questions:

The Patient Advocacy Office will answer Veteran’s general questions relating to COVID-19. Please call 352-548-6019, if you reach our voicemail, please leave a message with the following information:

- First & Last Name
- Last Four Social Security Number
- Contact Number
- Brief Description of your question or request