VA Northern California
Health Care System Update

News & Announcements

Good afternoon, Northern California Veterans. Below are several steps we've taken to ensure your access to VA health care is as smooth as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VEText

Beginning this Friday, June 26, VA NorCal will implement a new check-in procedure using VEText. This new feature allows Veterans with scheduled appointments to notify their care team when they arrive at the facility for further instruction (to use this feature, Veterans must have a text-capable cell phone number on file with us; contact your care team if you're unsure).

The process is simple!

• Once you arrive on campus, text “HERE” to 53079 to alert your care team you're at the facility and waiting to be called to your appointment.
• You will receive a text acknowledging your check-in status.
• When your care team is ready for you, you will receive a text instructing you to proceed to your appointment.

Drive-up Testing

The Sacramento VA Medical Center in Mather now offers drive-up, elective COVID-19 testing to Veterans registered as VA patients from 9 a.m. - noon each Tuesday and Thursday. Other VA NorCal sites also offer COVID-19 tests to Veterans inside their clinics, with plans to establish drive-up testing in the near future. Learn more here.

Fast-Track Screening

To speed up the COVID-19 screening process for VA NorCal Veteran patients and staff, we have created a QR code to help you fast-track your way through our screening stations. Just scan the QR code with a smartphone before leaving home, answer several questions about possible COVID-19 symptoms, and show your phone’s green screen to our screeners when you arrive. No more waiting as you answer same questions at each and every appointment - show the green screen, get your wristband, and move on with your VA day!

Appointment Arrival and Departure

To discourage foot traffic and reduce risk of COVID-19 exposure at our sites, VA NorCal is asking all patients to arrive no earlier than 30 min. prior to your appointment and to leave as soon as possible after your appointment is complete. We appreciate your cooperation.