Virtual Town Hall set for June 23

VASNHS will host a virtual Veterans Town Hall via Webex from 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. Topics of discussion include a VASNHS COVID-19 update, information and status on reintroducing in-person services, and a discussion on the various options available for receiving VA care and services.

Following VA updates, there will be a moderated question and answer session and Veterans can submit their questions via email to vhalaspao@va.gov in advance or in the chat box during the event.  The event will be recorded and posted on social media for those who are unable to attend to view afterward.

Here is the information to join the Town Hall live. Please note that the event is limited to 1,000 total participants. Individuals who plan on connecting via a smart phone are encouraged to download the Webex application in advance.

Via the Web (Webex access will open 15 minutes prior to the meeting.)
1. CLICK HERE to go to the meeting website.
2. Meeting Number: 199 192 9471
3. Password: VALasVegas2020!

Via the Phone (Note: this is not a toll free number)
1. Call 1-404-397-1596
2. Access Code: 199 192 9471# 

Moving Forward Video
The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is expanding in-person care and services to Southern Nevada's Veterans. CLICK HERE  or on the picture to see a short video on some of the changes being implemented to ensure your safety when visiting one of our facilities.

Reintroducing in-person services

To Our Southern Nevada Veterans, Families, Caregivers and Stakeholders:

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) is one of the first VA sites nationally to expand care following COVID-19 precautions. As such, the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center and VASNHS' community clinics are reintroducing in-person health care services and procedures via a phased approach.

We want to ensure you that the safety of Veterans and staff is our highest priority as we continue to expand in-person health care and services for the foreseeable future. VASNHS is taking into account guidance from various agencies including federal, state and local officials, and, as a high reliability organization, safety is always paramount and will continue to guide our decision making.

While we are offering more face-to-face appointments, VASNHS will continue to maximize personalized virtual care options like telehealth, phone consults and wellness checks, as we know these services have been a valuable link to our Veterans during this challenging time.

As such, Veterans coming to a VASNHS facility for an appointment should be aware of the following changes:

- Veterans should arrive at facility screening areas no earlier than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time. If Veterans arrive sooner, they will be asked to wait in their vehicle.

- A no visitor policy is still in effect, meaning the additional visitors will not be permitted to accompany a Veteran to an outpatient appointment unless they are directly assisting or caring for the Veteran during his or her time in the clinic. Additionally, no children under 18 are currently allowed in VASNHS facilities.

- Anyone entering VASNHS facilities will be screened. Screening includes answering some health-related questions and taking each person’s temperature. If it is determined an individual is experiencing a health issue that needs to be addressed immediately, they will be escorted to another location for further evaluation.

- Veterans, staff and any approved visitors are required to wear a mask or other face covering while in our facilities.

- Veterans and approved visitors are asked to practice social distancing in all interactions within our facilities. Waiting areas have been reconfigured with fewer chairs spaced further apart to support social distancing practices in compliance with CDC guidelines.

Additionally, to manage the number of individuals within VASNHS’ facilities at any given time, walk-in services (other than lab draws at the medical center), in-person administrative business services, and direct scheduling will continue to be discontinued for the foreseeable future.

Veterans who have questions about the expansion of services or have an urgent need for primary care or mental health services, should call 702-791-9024 (for primary care) or 702-791-9062 (for mental health) between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For a medical emergency, Veterans should always call 911 or report to the closest emergency room. Additionally, if a Veteran is in crisis outside regular business hours, he or she should visit the nearest emergency room or contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (Option 1) OR Text 838255; OR confidential chat: www.veteranscrisisline.net.

We realize many of you count on the VA as a lifeline, particularly when dealing with stressful events such as this. As such, we wanted to remind you that the following resources are available:

VA Mental Health COVID-19 Web Page

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus/

Chaplaincy Support

The VASNHS chaplaincy support number for Veterans is: 702-275-3011. This number can be contacted at any time.

Veterans who have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath should contact us immediately before you visit one of our VA facilities. Call us at 702-791-9000 (option 3) or 877-252-4866.

For more information on what Veterans need to know about COVID-19, please visit the VA's Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Community Updates

Pecos Road closure at CC 215 Beltway continues

The eastbound and westbound ramps at Pecos Road on the CC-215 Beltway remain closed for construction. Travelers to and from the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center on the CC-215 Beltway will need to use either Losee Road or Lamb Boulevard. Visitors should plan extra time in their commute for any scheduled appointments. However, please keep in mind that visitors should not enter the facility no earlier than 15 minutes prior to their appointments.

Local VA Impacts

Out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19 and to limit the risk of exposure to patients and staff, VASNHS has implemented the following actions to ensure safety, while providing care and services to our Veterans:

Virtual same-day primary care, mental health services for urgent needs

While VASNHS phases in elective surgeries and non-urgent procedures, and moves appointments to virtual care when possible, Veterans oftentimes still have questions, issues or medical concerns that cannot wait. As such, VASNHS is delivering same-day services virtually to enrolled Veterans who have urgent primary care or mental health needs.

“We want to be able to continue providing Veterans with same-day access to primary care but want to ensure we are doing it in a safe manner,” said Dr. Maia D. Carter, VASNHS’ chief of Primary Care. “As such, we ask that patients reach out to our call center at 702-791-9024 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday to request a same-day appointment to discuss their urgent need. They will be referred to a nurse to assess their medical concerns, then, if a patient needs to be seen, we will offer them virtual care through VA Video Connect or by telephone as appropriate.”

For mental health, if a Veteran has an urgent need, he or she can access virtual same-day services from a health care professional by calling the medical center’s Behavioral Health Clinic at 702-791-9062 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

“If a patient calls and expresses a need that we would typically handle as a walk-in visit for same-day services, we will offer them a virtual care or phone appointment with a registered nurse,” said Tim Jobin, VASNHS’ associate chief of staff of Behavioral Health. “The nurse will assess the Veteran’s needs and assist with medication refills, scheduling any necessary video or phone appointments and completing any consults for immediate care or follow-on services.”

Access to same-day services doesn’t replace emergency care and Veterans should always call 911 or report to the closest emergency room during a medical emergency. Additionally, if a Veteran is in crisis outside regular business hours, he or she should visit the nearest emergency room or contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (Option 1) OR Text 838255; OR confidential chat: www.veteranscrisisline.net.

CLICK HERE for more information on virtual same-day primary care and mental health services.

Screenings at VASNHS entrances 

Everyone who enters a VASNHS facility is screened and will have their temperature checked. . 

To minimize traffic and ensure physical distancing within our waiting areas, patients are advised to arrive at screening areas no earlier than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointments.

Individuals found to be at potential risk for a COVID-19 infection at a screening area will be immediately isolated to prevent potential spread to others and cared for using established CDC and VA protocols.

Virtual Primary Care & Behavioral Health appointments

In addition to in-person care, VASNHS is using virtual care to provide primary care and behavioral health appointments whenever possible. Veterans can access options such as Telehealth, MyHealtheVet Secure Messaging or VA Video Connect for their appointments. To request a virtual care appointment or to convert an in-person appointment to virtual care, call 702-791-9024. CLICK HERE for more information local virtual care.

Lab & Imaging at VA community clinics closed in Las Vegas valley

In an effort to support social distancing protocols and reduce traffic at VA community clinics, VASNHS has discontinued lab and imaging services at all VA community clinics in the Las Vegas valley. Necessary (non-routine) lab work will continue in Pahrump and Laughlin by appointment only.

Necessary imaging and lab work for Veteran patients within the Las Vegas valley will be conducted at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center. The lab is currently running extended walk-in hours at the medical center from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

VA Release of Information Office closed to walk-ins

Veterans who want to obtain copies of their own VA medical records, should download and complete a consent form.  They should provide specific information regarding the records they want copies of including dates and documents being requested, and need to sign and date the request. To minimize in-person visits, Veterans may mail the completed request to us at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center, Attention: Release of Information, 6900 North Pecos Road, North Las Vegas, NV, 89086 or fax it to 702-224-6065.  Requested documents will be mailed to the address listed on the consent form.

Beneficiary Travel procedures during COVID-19

If you want to file a claim for travel reimbursement, you may use one of our kiosks if you are filing a claim for a scheduled appointment.  If you need to file a claim for an appointment that was not scheduled such as laboratory, click on this link, https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/.  Go down to the section titled How do I file a claim for reimbursement and download VA Form 10-3542.  The completed form can be mailed to us at VA Medical Center, Attention: Beneficiary Travel, 6900 North Pecos Road, North Las Vegas, NV, 89086 or fax it to 702-224-6918.  Please remember the claim needs to be submitted within 30 days of your appointment.

Nevada VBA offices begin virtual services June 15

Due to the Pandemic (COVID-19), face to face services are temporarily unavailable; however, beginning June 15, 2020, the Veteran Benefits Administration's Reno Regional Office will be providing virtual services. If you would like assistance with your claim, have questions about benefits, or are seeking other services, please leave a message at (702) 224-6840 or email PCTC.VBAREN@va.gov. Provide your name, contact information and a brief description of what you need, and a VA representative will contact you within 1 business day.

DAV transportation 

The Disabled American Veterans Transportation System has temporarily ceased operations. All other volunteer programs have already been suspended. The Voluntary Service office remains open and can be reached at (702) 791-9134.

Veterans Experience discontinues in-person services

All patient advocates and MyHealtheVet coordinators have stopped providing face-to-face services, but are available virtually. Veterans are welcome to call the Veterans Experience Call Center at 702-791-9000 ext. 15436 to obtain assistance, or contact patient advocates or coordinators via MyHealtheVet secure messaging.

Facility Revenue closed for in-person visits

Due to COVID-19, the VA Facility Revenue Office located at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center is closed to face-to-face visits, but available by phone. To make a payment, Veterans should call 1-888-827-4817 or visit www.pay.gov. For questions about a bill or to set up a payment plan, Veterans should call 1-866-347-2353 or 808-538-2530.

Virtual enrollment options

Due to COVID-19, face-to-face services at the VASNHS Enrollment Office have been suspended. VASNHS is encouraging Veterans who have not accessed care with the VA to enroll virtually at www.va.gov, or call the Health Eligibility Center at 877-222-8387. If a Veteran is currently enrolled at another VA location and would like to transfer to the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, they can call the enrollment office at 702-791-9071 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Appointment reminders temporarily discontinued

To avoid confusion regarding cancelations of upcoming face-to-face appointments, VASNHS is temporarily discontinuing automated appointment reminder telephone calls and postcards.

VASNHS staff are currently reaching out to Veterans to talk to them about available options for their scheduled appointments. To check on future scheduled appointments or to cancel an appointment, Veterans can call VASNHS’ automated telephone system at 702-791-9000, press 2, then press 1.

No-visitor policy

VASNHS has implemented a “No Visitor” policy, meaning the public and outside visitors will not be permitted to see inpatients at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center or accompany Veterans to outpatient appointments at any of VASNHS' clinics, unless they are directly assisting or caring for a Veteran.

• The only exceptions will be in compassionate cases, when Veterans are in their last stages of life and receiving palliative or hospice care.
• In those cases, visitors will be limited to a specific Veteran’s room only.

Elective Surgeries and Non-Urgent Procedures

VASNHS has started phasing in elective surgeries and other non-urgent procedures. Patients affected by cancellations are being contacted by the facility to reschedule. If you have any questions, please call 702-791-9024.  

Cancellation of in-person group sessions, classes and courses

All in-person group sessions, classes and courses throughout the healthcare system remain canceled until further notice. Virtual options such as telehealth and conference calls are being offered as alternatives wherever possible for Veterans participating in these activities. 

Fisher House closure

The VA Southern Nevada Fisher House will remain closed until further notice.

Valet parking services suspended

Valet parking service at North Las Vegas VA Medical Center has been suspended until further notice.

Postponed VA events and public outreach

The Department of Veterans Affairs has postponed all VA events and ceased participation in all public outreach events. VASNHS will provide updates and more information on any postponed events as it becomes available. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Additional Resources

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the following sites: 

White House Coronavirus (COVID-19) web page
CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page
VA Public Health COVID-19 Public Health Page
Nevada Health Response
Southern Nevada Health District
Clark County COVID-19 Page
Nellis Air Force Base COVID-19 Page