In an effort to improve the veteran experience and patient satisfaction, VA embarked on the largest access transformation to occur in VA history by establishing MyVA Access.
The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center is on a mission to improve access to care for our nation’s veterans. Central to this vision is the commitment to enhanced access and a consistent set of expectations regarding what veterans deserve when they enter the Dublin VA. These expectations are summarized in the MyVA Access Declaration and include timely care including same day services in primary care, as needed, and timely mental health care, including same day services, if they desire them.
Ultimately, when veterans require primary care assistance right away, during regular business hours, they are able to get services the same day or if after hours, by the next day from a VA medical center.
Additionally, if a veteran is in crisis or has another need for care right away in mental health, the veteran will receive immediate attention from a health care professional at a medical center and any veteran new to mental health with a non-urgent need will receive an initial screening evaluation by the next calendar day.
The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center will have achieved same-day access services by Nov. 30.
“Providing same day access for care that is needed right away shows our commitment to ensuring veterans get the care they need, when they need it. The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center is fully committed to improving the care and services provided to its community of veterans. We are on track to achieve same day access in the areas of primary care and mental health by November 30th,” Morro said.
Morro noted that veterans’ access to care would be achieved through a variety of methods.
“If veterans need care right away during regular business hours, they will be able to get services the same-day, or if after hours, by the next day from a health care professional. Options for how that care might be provided include in person, via telephone, smart phone, through video care, secure messaging or other options. This care may be delivered by their provider or another appropriate clinical staff member based on availability and care needs. For a medical emergencies veterans should always call 911 or report to the emergency room closest to where they are located,” Morro said.
Morro said that same-day access also applies to mental health services.
“If veterans are in crisis or have another need for care right away in mental health, they will receive immediate attention from a health care professional at a medical center.”
By embarking on the largest transformation to occur in VA history, Dublin VA leadership, physicians, and clinical staff worked on a number of strategies that included making clinic operations more efficient and veteran-centric, increasing the use of breakthrough strategies in telehealth, and addressing critical components necessary for the delivery of a seamless community care experiences.
Through MyVA Access, the Dublin VA coordinates and implements a set of comprehensive best practice solutions to enhance veterans’ access to care, while modernizing VA’s culture, processes, and capabilities to prioritize the veterans’ needs, expectations, and interests.
For more information about the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center’s same-day services or a tour of our facility, including the same-day access, contact Dr. Frank Jordan at Frank.Jordan@va.gov or 478-274-5440.