Columbus VA physicians will be able to use blood testing to prescribe the most effective medications for Veterans.
Beginning February 1, 2022 Columbus VA will offer Pharmacogenomic Testing for Veterans, also known as PHASER. This one-time blood test will help providers determine which medications may be the most effective for their patients and the least likely to cause adverse reactions - all based on each individual Veteran's genes.
PHASER test results can be particularly useful for Veterans on any medications related to mental health, cardiovascular diseases and pain management.
Learn more about PHASER
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Since 1978 VA has been recognizing Veterans during February's National Salute to Veteran Patient's Week. The celebration began to honor Veterans, increase awareness of VA's mission and encourage individuals to become more engaged in volunteerism.
This year Columbus VA will host a series of events throughout the week to express appreciate for all Veteran patients. Events will include an aerial flyover message, daily giveaways to Veteran patients, a live-streamed concert and a visit from OSU's Brutus Buckeye.
Endocrinology at Columbus VA plays a critical role in wellness by meeting unique health needs of the diverse and expanding Veteran population in central Ohio.
Focusing on the endocrine system, which controls hormones in the body, Columbus VA endocrinologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including disorders of the adrenal, pituitary, para-thyroid and thyroid glands, diabetes, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis among others.
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The endocrinology department complemented its traditional services with two new clinics: weight management and PRIDE clinic
Read more
The best way to reduce your risk of heart disease is through lifestyle changes. Focusing on these protective factors can improve your heart health. If you can’t focus on all of them, choosing a few of them to focus on is still helpful to your heart:
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Not smoking
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Getting regular exercise (such as going on walks)
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Eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients (such as green leafy vegetables)
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Getting good sleep
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Spending time with loved ones
- Reducing stress in your life and practicing self-care
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Trying some Whole Health approaches like yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, or meditation
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Visiting your VA health care provider to get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked.
- Taking your prescribed medications
It doesn’t take much time to incorporate self-care into your routine. With the #LiveWholeHealth blog, you have access to a variety of self-care resources you can access from the comfort of your home. Just five minutes a day can help you lead a healthier, happier life. |
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The VA Central Ohio Healthcare System is transitioning to a new electronic health record (EHR) platform on April 30, 2022. This is exciting news for Veterans because it will improve delivery of care and simplify the patient experience.
After April 30, you will use My VA Health (https://patientportal.myheath.va.gov) as your main patient portal for making appointments, refilling prescriptions and managing all other aspects of health care received at facilities within the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System. Taking the following steps now will make your transition to the new patient portal as seamless as possible:
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Double-check your account type: To access My VA Health, you can use any of these three accounts: Premium Department of Defense Self-Service (DS) Logon account, Premium My HealtheVet account or a verified ID.me account. If you have a Basic My HealtheVet account, you should upgrade your account now by going to https://www.myhealth.va.gov/premium. At that link, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your account to Premium at no cost.
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Confirm your contact information is accurate: Make sure your contact information and addresses are up to date in your VA profile. To update this information, log in to VA.gov using your Premium DS Logon account, Premium My HealtheVet account or a verified ID.me account. Lastly, you should verify and/or update your legal name in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), if needed. To make a name change in your DEERS record, call the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) support office at 800-538-9552. If you have hearing loss, please call 866-363-2883.
Moderna and Janssen (J&J) Covid-19 booster shots are available at all Columbus VA facilities.
Availability by location:
| Chalmers P. Wylie VA ACC |
Moderna only |
Mon., - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| Grove City VA Clinic |
J&J and Moderna |
Wed., 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| Marion VA Clinic |
J&J and Moderna |
Thu., 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| Newark VA Clinic |
J&J and Moderna |
Tue., 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| Zanesville VA Clinic |
J&J and Moderna |
Wed., 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
For more information visit our website and Click "Covid-19 vaccines" under specialty services
In an ongoing effort to maintain the health, welfare and safety at the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System, starting January 5, 2022 all Veterans, patients, caregivers, visitors and employees entering one of our facilities will be required to wear a MEDICAL / SURGICAL MASK. Cloth masks are no longer authorized for wear while inside one of our facilities. This includes our Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Grove City, Marion, Newark and Zanesville and our Behavioral Health facility and administrative offices near the Columbus Airport.
If you do not have a MEDICAL / SURGICAL MASK, screeners at the entrances are happy to provide you with one as you enter any of our facilities.
Remember, we all are in this together. Thank you for your continued support and thank you for your service.
Do you find VA difficult to navigate? Every month we will provide tips to help you get the most out of your VA healthcare.
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Did you know you can request prescription refills over the phone? Call the pharmacy contact center at (614) 257-5230. |
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