Columbus VA Urgent Care Center Open DAILY

The Columbus VA Urgent Care Center (UCC) is open daily (see hours below). No appointment is required. Urgent care is ideal for when you need immediate care, but your provider is not available. Our physicians are on site to address any urgent, but non-emergent needs. Services include lab and radiology, and social workers are available to address any behavioral health concerns.   HOURS: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Operation Bundle of Joy

On November 6 the Columbus VA Women's Health Program hosted a drive-thru baby shower.  Twenty expectant moms and dads were gifted baskets filled with diapers, blankets, bottles and clothes. All items were provided by generous donors.  Any expectant mom or dad who missed this event can reach out to the women's health program at 614-257-5930 for baby clothes or other necessary items or to find out when the next baby shower will take place.

FREE Admission to Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo

Veterans and family members will receive FREE admission to Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Saturday, December 11, from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Admission is courtesy of several community donors and local Veteran Service Organizations. Attractions at Wild Lights include:

• Animated light displays
• Photos with Santa
• Polar Express 4D Experience
• Gift bags and treats for Veterans' children

Veterans must show their DD214, military ID or VA patient ID card for FREE Admission. 

For more information call the Office of Voluntary Services Events Line at 614-388-7787.

Flu Vaccines Still Available

Columbus VA is still offering flu shots to Veteran patients Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Atrium on the first floor of the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center.  WALK IN. No appointments necessary. Flu shots also are available during routinely scheduled appointments. Just ask your provider.

For more information call 614-257-5200.

Five things Ohio area Veterans should know about VA's new Electronic Health Record System

VA’s new electronic health record (EHR) will soon be implemented across the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System. The new EHR will improve the way VA delivers health care to you and will simplify your patient experience. You will no longer need to manage your printed health records, endure repeat medical tests or relay your basic health information to different care providers. Here are the top five benefits the new EHR will offer:

1. Improved health information sharing: VA’s new EHR enables seamless information sharing with the Department of Defense (DOD). The system brings health records from VA, DOD, the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Coast Guard and participating health practitioners in the community together in a single, shared location that is easily accessible to all organizations.
2. Enhanced clinical decision-making: VA providers will be able to make faster, smarter care decisions by using data analytics that take a broad view of your medical history and service record.
3. A new scheduling tool: You will experience an improved and more consistent scheduling experience at facilities within the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System and with our community care partners nationwide.
4. Safe and secure data: VA’s new EHR uses advanced cybersecurity measures to ensure your private data remains safe and secure.
5. Veteran-centric innovation: VA’s new EHR is a cutting-edge system that will be continually improved with industry-leading technology so providers can best serve your needs.

Please watch this brief video, “Veteran Voices for Electronic Health Record,” and visit www.ehrm.va.gov for more information about the new system.

Covid Boosters Available 

The Columbus VA is offering Covid-19 booster shots for all Veterans, Veteran Spouses, and Veteran Caregivers. Booster shots are available at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You may also make an appointment by calling 614-257-5200. We also offer the Covid-19 booster shot at our Grove City, Marion, Newark and Zanesville Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). An appointment is needed at these facilities. For CBOC phone numbers, please visit our website at Locations | VA Central Ohio Health Care | Veterans Affairs.

VA Navigation Tips

Do you find VA difficult to navigate? We will give you tips every month to help you get the most out of VA healthcare.

Any Veteran who receives care from a community emergency department must inform VA within 72 hours to prevent billing errors related to the care.  The national VA notification number is 844-724-7842.  We encourage Veterans to save the notification number in case an emergency arises.