VA Bedford Healthcare System

Situation Update

As of Friday, October 9, 2020 3:44 PM EDT

STATUS
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital and the community-based outpatient clinics in Lynn, Haverhill, and Gloucester (collectively known as VA Bedford Healthcare System) are fully open with COVID safety precautions in place.

COVID SYMPTOMS
If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath, call Patient Care at 800-VETMED1 (800-838-6331), option 2, or log in to MyHealtheVet to send a secure message to your primary care provider before visiting our facilities.

CARE FROM HOME
Meet with your provider in the comfort of your home through VA telehealth visits, where providers interact with patients over the phone or onscreen using a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Ask your provider about telehealth options for your next visit.

APPOINTMENTS
Call 800-VETMED1 (800-838-6331), option 2, to make, change, or cancel an appointment. Virtual appointments currently scheduled will remain virtual unless you are notified otherwise by your provider. You may also request an appointment through MyHealtheVet. We ask that you wait outside the facility until five minutes prior to your appointment time. If your mobile number is on file, you can notify the clinic of your arrival by texting here to 53079. For continued safety, please exit the facility as soon as your appointment is over. Provider approval prior to your appointment is required to have caregivers, friends, or escorts accompany you.

SCREENING
Every person who enters our facilities will be asked certain questions to screen for COVID-19 symptoms. Be prepared for delays at facility entrances. To reduce wait times, ease stress, and lower exposure risk, text the word screen518 to 53079 to take advantage of our digital screening tool.

UNIVERSAL MASKING
Surgical masks or multi-layer masks that cover the nose and mouth are required in all our facilities. Bandannas, gaiters, and masks with valves will not be permitted for use within VA Bedford facilities. Veterans who refuse to wear a mask or face covering will need to leave the facility and contact their provider to schedule a virtual visit. Veterans with extenuating medical circumstances should discuss their situation with their provider before arrival.

PHARMACY
To reduce potential exposure to COVID-19, all standard prescriptions have been converted to mail service. For safety and infection prevention purposes, Veterans should refrain from face-to-face visits to the Pharmacy to refill prescriptions. If you need a refill, or have an urgent request, please call Patient Care at 800-VETMED1 (800-838-6331) or contact your provider through MyHealtheVet.

COVID TESTING
Your provider may require COVID testing prior to certain procedures, or the results of your screening may indicate testing is needed. Or perhaps you need a COVID test to travel. Make your appointment by calling the Patient Care Line at 800-VETMED1 (800-838-6331), option 2. If you are tested for COVID-19 at a community healthcare facility or contacted by local healthcare officials, please let them know you receive care through VA Bedford.

VISITATION
Visitors to Veterans in palliative care are allowed on a case-by-case basis. Outdoor visitation opportunities are available for families and Veterans in the Community Living Centers, weather and health-permitting. Contact the unit social worker or nurse manager for details.

URGENT CARE CLINIC
Our Urgent Care Clinic provides medical care for patients who need immediate attention for medical or mental health illness and/or minor injuries. Urgent Care accepts walk-ins, but we encourage Veterans to call Patient Care at 800-VETMED1 (800-838-6331) to make a same-day appointment or receive an evaluation over the phone. Urgent Care is open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on federal holidays and weekends.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this time. The latest information on VA’s response to COVID-19 is available at https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/.