VA Health Chat App Connects Veterans With Non-Emergency Medical Help
The VA Health Chat app provides veterans with a fast, convenient way to connect with VA staff. Through this app, you can message VA staff for help with non-urgent health concerns, schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and more.
This service is available to veterans in all 18 VISNs, including U.S. territories, except for specific locations within VISN 16. What’s a VISN?
According to VA.gov, the Veterans Integrated Services Network or VISN divides the United States into 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks. These are defined as “regional systems of care working together to better meet local health care needs and provides greater access to care.”
Veterans who receive care at the following VA Medical Centers and clinics in VISN 16 may not have full access:
- Little Rock & North Little Rock, AR
- New Orleans & Shreveport, LA
- Biloxi & Jackson, MS
The VA has announced it is expanding access to VA Health Chat in these areas. Availability of specific chat services may vary by VISN. Check the app to see what options are offered in your region.
Downloading and Signing in to Access VA Health Chat
You can use VA Health Chat through the following options:
- Open the app in a web browser via the VA App Store.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Get it from Google Play.
- Sign in to My HealtheVet, where a blue message box will appear in the lower right corner.
For security, sign in using VA-approved credentials such as Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon Level 2 (Premium), or My HealtheVet Premium. The VA announced the removal the HealtheVet option after March 4, 2025, and the DS Logon option after September 30, 2025.
If you need help with signing in or multifactor authentication, visit the Signing into VA.gov webpage.
Read next: Veteran Benefits Guide
Using VA Health Chat
To use the app, sign in and select the channel that fits your healthcare needs. Available channels include Clinical Triage, Pharmacy Support, Scheduling and Administration, and Virtual Clinic Visit (Urgent Care).
VA Health Chat provides servicemembers quick answers when:
- You’re feeling unwell and unsure whether to visit an emergency room or clinic.
- You experience a reaction to a medication.
- You have questions about your VA prescriptions.
- You need guidance for a minor illness or injury, such as:
- Allergies
- Cold, congestion, or cough
- Earache
- Fever
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Stomach ache
This service benefits veterans with mobility challenges or medical conditions that make in-person visits difficult.
It’s also convenient for those who live in rural areas without easy access to a VA facility, lack sufficient internet speed for a video telehealth appointment, don’t have a quiet or private space for a video consultation, or want a single platform for primary care and other telehealth services.
The VA Health Chat team can assist you with getting medical guidance for minor injuries or illnesses, booking a VA appointment, and requesting a VA prescription refill.
Read next: Veteran Benefits Guide
Starting a Chat
Choose a channel from the available options to begin your chat. Available channels may vary by location.
Before connecting with VA staff, you may need to complete a short questionnaire. If prompted, select Continue, answer the questions, and then click Submit Responses to proceed. The questionnaire content may differ based on your location and selected channel.
Select a channel to chat with VA staff—available options may vary by location. Channels include:
- Clinical Triage (formerly Nursing) – Get medical advice for minor injuries or illnesses.
- Pharmacy Support (formerly Pharmacy) – Refill prescriptions or ask about VA medications.
- Scheduling and Administration (formerly Admin/Scheduling) – Schedule VA appointments or ask administrative questions.
- Virtual Clinic Visit (Urgent Care) (formerly Urgent Care) – Get immediate care for non-emergency conditions.
- Whole Health – Discuss overall well-being and holistic health.
- Women’s Health – Access care tailored to women’s health needs.
Once submitted, a VA staff member will be assigned to assist you. To begin chatting, type your message in the text box at the bottom of the screen and press Send.
If another healthcare service is better suited to your needs, you can request to be transferred. For further assistance after your chat, select a different channel from the options in the left navigation menu.
For more help with this app, call the VA Health Resource Center at 877-470-5947.
Read next: Veteran Benefits Guide
