Question for the RallyPoint Veteran community: Has anyone utilized the new urgent care benefit?

LTC Jason Strickland — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 11:32:37 -0400

If so, I'd like to get your feedback. Just reply to this thread with the city/state and a brief description of your experience. Thanks!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jul 16 at 2019 11:35 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 11:35:33 -0400

Hi LTC Jason Strickland, I haven't used this, but I'm curious how it works. Do you have a brief description of the benefit?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 16 at 2019 11:57 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 11:57:45 -0400

I too would like to see some information on this also. Thank you in advance brother.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2019 3:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 15:09:23 -0400

NOVA, I used the CVS Urgent Care (considered "retail") for an ear infection. Was examined and written a prescription that the CVS pharmacy filled at no cost using the letter the provider gave me with the prescription.
I would use it again, and advise Veterans to learn:
1. If they're eligible.
2. If they'll have a copayment (based on priority group).
3. The difference between urgent care and emergency care.
4. Types of urgent care AND qualifying conditions for each (Retail versus Urgent).
5. How to use the urgent care locator.
6. Precriptions for up to 14 days may be filled by a contracted VA pharmacy (e.g., CVS) using the letter the provider should give you with the prescription, or non-contracted and claim for reimbursement filed; and, prescriptions in excess of 14 days must be filled by a VA pharmacy.
It's not difficult, but there are some key things to know to avoid surprises.

Response by MSG Darren Sherrard made Aug 7 at 2019 9:11 PM

MSG Darren Sherrard — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:11:24 -0400

I used an urgent care in Mandeville, La. Walked in, no wait, saw a nurse practitioner for sinusitis. Got a prescription sent to Walgreens. Walgreens has my Tricare info, so they billed that instead. Be sure to have the physician and pharmacy letters printed or saved to your phone to make it smooth.

Response by SPC Sean Neeld made Aug 7 at 2019 9:20 PM

SPC Sean Neeld — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:20:48 -0400

I used it last week. Called one provider, listed on VA site, and tney said they aren't participating yet. The second place listed had absolutely no idea, so I showed them one of the flyers that had a phone number to call to verify I had benefits and a number to verify they were actually participating in the program. After 30 minutes, the clerk figured it out. Other than that, it was OK. My suggestion? Do way more provider education for those that are supposed to be participants.

Response by SGT Clare Corcoran made Aug 7 at 2019 9:21 PM

SGT Clare Corcoran — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:21:45 -0400

I was seen on 8/5/19 in Lansing, MI. It was a 20-minute wait at the clinic, with most of it spent doing the paperwork for first-time patients. After I went to Rite Aid and my RX was ready to go. The only thing I needed was the codes for electronic billing that was on the FAQ/important information sheets. I saved these to my smartphone, and she had my RX in 10 minutes. No copays and my poison ivy is mostly cleared up.

Response by SGT Dale Lindberg made Aug 7 at 2019 9:43 PM

SGT Dale Lindberg — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:43:15 -0400

I used one days after the mission act was enacted, but later learned that the VA denied payment because the location facility was considered out of network. I had a severe laceration and later learned that the closest in network facility is a 20 minute drive away. I was told that if I had used an emergency room, instead it would have been paid by the VA. I’m not a happy camper at this time.

Response by LTC Mary Steinman made Aug 7 at 2019 9:49 PM

LTC Mary Steinman — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:49:46 -0400

I use the local urgent care about 5 miles from the house instead of driving to the VA 70 miles. It was great seen within 39 minutes and meds filled by CVS. The only problem I had was at the Pharmacy. You have to call the VA and tell them which Pharmacy you are going to use. Once I did that CVS was able to get the code that they needed. The VA is has some issues. It took about 30 minutes to get my meds.

Response by SPC Rhonda Frank made Aug 7 at 2019 9:55 PM

SPC Rhonda Frank — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:55:11 -0400

I recently use the Urgent Care for an respiratory infection. The Urgent Care was very efficient it was clean and well-run I was very impressed. The doctor was great her bedside Manner and her knowledge was exemplary. I do agree with previous posters that you need to make sure that you verify your eligibility, and be prepared at the Pharmacy that you visit for quite a wait. The CVS that we used had never processed a prescription through this program before and I was there for an hour and a half until we all put our heads together and figured out what had to be done with the letters. It's always a first time for everything. Other than that it would seem to be a pretty decent process. I would much rather go to the Urgent Care that have to run all the way down to the emergency room 4 something such as an upper respiratory infection.

Response by Sgt Joseph Dougherty made Aug 7 at 2019 10:08 PM

Sgt Joseph Dougherty — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 22:08:51 -0400

Used Minute Clinic. That worked fine. This was on a Saturday. They wrote 3 prescriptions which I needed right away. Since Minute Clinic was in CVS, I tried to fill them at CVS. Through several efforts to get through this program in the VA I ended up having to use my Aetna Medicare, which resulted in having to pay $72 copay.

Response by SFC Leamon Stoudemire made Aug 7 at 2019 10:14 PM

SFC Leamon Stoudemire — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 22:14:10 -0400

Pike Road Alabama,

Response by PO2 Richard Gadd made Aug 7 at 2019 10:15 PM

PO2 Richard Gadd — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 22:15:17 -0400

I used it at a non-VA community clinic (more than 50 miles from a VA clinic). I spent several hours on the phone and online to report the visit and get approval. Still don't know if the information for my visit was received.

Response by Cpl Jerry Weatherbee made Aug 7 at 2019 10:26 PM

Cpl Jerry Weatherbee — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 22:26:51 -0400

I have used the Urgent Care Center Bentonville, AR and it worked out well for me except when I tried to fill a prescription at a pharmacy in the in the Express Scripts network (Walgreens). The software the pharmacy used kept saying I was not covered. Finally after many phone calls and online communications with folks in the in the Express Scripts network this problem was resolved. To avoid this situation be sure to call 1-833-4VETNOW ( [login to see] ) to verify you are eligible for urgent care services before you attempt to use them.

Response by PV2 Elaine King made Aug 7 at 2019 10:42 PM

PV2 Elaine King — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 22:42:22 -0400

I went to get treatment for Shingles. I went to an Urgent Care in Bixby, OK called Access Urgent Care. I had a short wait, excellent PA, who did a thorough examination and prescribed what I needed. There was no co-pay at the time of service.

Response by SP5 Joe Dale made Aug 7 at 2019 10:45 PM

SP5 Joe Dale — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 22:45:46 -0400

Hello my name is Joe and I received treatment at Hometown Urgent Care in Zanesville Ohio on August 5th 2019. I was treated lung and sinus infection. The staff was very careening and pleasant to work with. I am on the mend. I found out about this place on the mission act web site. Next I called them to see how the program worked. About 15 minutes later I was registered and treated. In my opinion the urgent care option is a God send. It saved me 2 hours of drive time or having to deal with our money grabbing local hospital.

Response by LCpl Richard Hart made Aug 7 at 2019 11:32 PM

LCpl Richard Hart — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 23:32:03 -0400

Went to Med Express....last month, was first to use by Veteran in this area , service was great and got script from walmart....it was nice to this ....!....never heard anything from va.

I also went to dental at centerville clinic for dental.....the local va clinic made appointment for me...
This can be a good thing for us veterans......can't drive to Pittsburgh va cause of different issues....

Oh well good luck all.......

Response by CPL Joseph Alexander made Aug 8 at 2019 12:10 AM

CPL Joseph Alexander — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 00:10:45 -0400

No, have not used it

Response by CPL Joseph Alexander made Aug 8 at 2019 12:11 AM

CPL Joseph Alexander — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 00:11:09 -0400

n/a

Response by Irene Beni-Terrill made Aug 8 at 2019 1:04 AM

Irene Beni-Terrill — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 01:04:02 -0400

In the middle of that right now. Unvaccinated dog bite. Went to community care doc, naturally the bite/dog had to be reported to the county.dog now quarantined. County health department does not carry the vaccine ONLY can be had at ER!.....called VA to info get permission however indefinite according to community care as to whom is responsible for payment since it should be a life threatening situation to use ER. We were told by the county health department that we must go to the ER....nearest VA hospital is 250+ miles away! Nearest VA is 120 miles away,
We’ll see. Feeling hopeful, no bad vibes at this point.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 8 at 2019 6:56 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 06:56:32 -0400

Not yet, though I've obv seen it, certainly....

Response by SPC Stanley Banks made Aug 8 at 2019 7:21 AM

SPC Stanley Banks — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 07:21:26 -0400

I have a question, are their any forms that you have to fill out to be in the program?

Response by SPC Pamela West made Aug 8 at 2019 7:46 AM

SPC Pamela West — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 07:46:16 -0400

I live in the mountains of upstate New York where we do not have a 24/7 urgent care. I had a terrible ear infection that came on suddenly on a Sunday. I was in so much pain that I asked my husband to take me to the emergency room at 1 am. The VA denied the bill.

Response by LT James Sanders made Aug 8 at 2019 7:52 AM

LT James Sanders — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 07:52:18 -0400

I had a problem on Saturday in (OMG) Muskogee, Ok. and tried to go to an urgent care. The two approved places were run down and dirty. I was told I had to have approval from the VA. Called local VA and was told to call back Monday and talk to Primary Care Team. Drove to the VA"s ER and was told to see Primary Care on Monday, they were the only ones who could approve community care. Typical VA response to everything. Disgusted.

Response by Margaret Eppling made Aug 8 at 2019 8:01 AM

Margaret Eppling — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 08:01:00 -0400

My husband is deceased but was 100% service connected disabled. Would I be eligible for these urgent care or retail clinics?

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2019 8:21 AM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 08:21:54 -0400

My immune system is weaker than most people do to a service connected condition so I need IV fluids when I come down with a fever or the flu. To be proactive I've contacted the three urgent care locations in my area and all of them stat they will not give IV fluids. Can you help me understand this?

Response by SSG Jd McNeely made Aug 8 at 2019 8:45 AM

SSG Jd McNeely — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 08:45:28 -0400

Never had to use the urgent care clinic, how does one go about using it?
Thank you

Response by Sgt Gary Gist made Aug 8 at 2019 9:13 AM

Sgt Gary Gist — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 09:13:31 -0400

I receive health care at the VA Hospital here in Tampa Florida. Since I have a service connected
disability. How do I qualify for urgent care?

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Aug 8 at 2019 10:53 AM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 10:53:04 -0400

As a former AF ER medic from 1969~1973, and now a clinical psychologist, here is what I am trained in regards to triage: Urgent= 12 hrs. or less; Emergent=24 hrs. or less; Non-emergent=72 hrs. or less. In an emergency room and combat area, there is no "routine". The underlying criteria of ths paradigm is that a serious deterioration in health will occur and or death w/o intervention.
Rich

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Aug 8 at 2019 10:54 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 10:54:00 -0400

If you are talking about "the benefit" whereby you can use Urgent Care without getting an authorization, YES. I use it virtually everyday as virtually everyday our provider is booked solid and unable to fit us in when we're sick. In fact, its gotten so bad that we see our Urgent Care doctor more than our regular one...

Melbourne, Florida - TriCare East

Response by Cpl Jerry Weatherbee made Aug 8 at 2019 11:47 AM

Cpl Jerry Weatherbee — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 11:47:19 -0400

Bella Vista, Arkansas:

I found it helpful to print 3 pages explaining VA Urgent Care Benefits ( One page for Veteran one for Provider and one for the For Pharmacy). This program is new and this information ids helpful for Providers and Pharmacies.

Also my Provider did not know what pharmacies were approved for this program.

FYI:

Retail Pharmacies
The below chart gives you information that you can use to get help finding local pharmacies near you for filling your specialty prescriptions:

Name Pharmacy Phone Number Pharmacy Locator
Walmart Walmart 1-800-Wal-Mart http://www.walmart.com/store/finder

Sam's http://www.samsclub.com/clublocator

Walgreens Walgreens 1-800-Walgreens https://www.walgreens.com/storelocator/find.jsp

Rite Aid Rite Aid [login to see] http://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy

Store Finder - Walmart.com

Here at Walmart.com, we are committed to protecting your privacy. Your email address will never be sold or distributed to a third party for any reason. Please take a minute to review ourPrivacy Policy

Response by SGT Scott Cowden made Aug 8 at 2019 3:13 PM

SGT Scott Cowden — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 15:13:26 -0400

I tried to, but even though the facility was listed with the VA as a provider, the staff at the place had no idea about any of it. It was a complete mess.

Response by SPC Anna Larson made Aug 8 at 2019 6:29 PM

SPC Anna Larson — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 18:29:11 -0400

No, not yet. But the last time I went in for a cold as a walk-in at the clinic, it took them a week to respond to my call since they had no front desk staff. And when I did go in, they said "well we can give you a Z-pack, But since you had such a bad reaction to the last one, we won't. Hope you feel better in a couple weeks." then they sent me on my way without anything. Took almost a month to get over that cold and cough on my own.

Response by SSG Valerie McKenzie made Aug 8 at 2019 10:23 PM

SSG Valerie McKenzie — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 22:23:42 -0400

Killeen, TX here:
I used it after a nasty bite by a venomous spider became seriously infected. Went to the local urgent care on a Sunday afternoon near closing time. Had to get IV antibiotics which caused the staff to work almost 2 hours over. They were very professional and sympathetic. Wrote prescriptions for more antibiotics and scheduled follow up appointment for the next day.
The pharmacy I used did not know how to bill for the meds until I gave them the instruction sheet provided by the VA. During the followup visit, I received 2 more doses of antibiotics IM (shots).
Glad to report that all is well. I will certainly use this service again and highly recommend it. Be sure to printout the paperwork and take it with you.

Response by MSgt Rob Johnson made Aug 9 at 2019 9:51 AM

MSgt Rob Johnson — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 09:51:58 -0400

Unfortunately, I live in Green Bay which only has 100,000 people and we do not have any facilities yet. Thanks

Response by Sgt Chuck Barrett made Aug 9 at 2019 12:18 PM

Sgt Chuck Barrett — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 12:18:07 -0400

Daphne, Al..... I'm extremely disappointed to see that the only u, to their approved urgent care center approved by the VA is also the worst. American Family has a very different opinion of the word urgent, Add to that the fact that we are treated more as a bother than a patient, it makes for a poorly productive visit when going there. We have several more, and I hope at some point VA will add another, ANY other to their list!

Response by LT James Sanders made Aug 9 at 2019 5:45 PM

LT James Sanders — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 17:45:33 -0400

Thanks for your reply to my post, LTC Jason Strickland, but you are clearly uninformed. The pamphlet I was given at the VA has a full page of eligibility and prior approval rules. The person that the phone operator gave us asked how far away I lived, and since it was less than 40 miles, I was not eligible. Note that it also states that full payment would be required unless written prior approval from your medical provider was given.

Response by Sgt Joe Bell made Aug 10 at 2019 12:42 AM

Sgt Joe Bell — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 00:42:18 -0400

Had a cough, saw a nurse practitioner, picked up prescription, all in an hour

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Aug 10 at 2019 1:00 AM

SPC Nancy Greene — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 01:00:06 -0400

No, because the VA is at least a year behind in payment for non-VA providers. I am Leary of this new Urgent Care ‘option’. Ultimately, the facility can bill you for non-payment by the VA. I am not willing to ruin my credit because the VA owes the Urgent Care facilities and other related doctors in Moore County, NC over four MILLION dollars. Hope you have better resources in your area. I travel 78 miles one way to the VA in Durham,NC. They are the BEST VA to n NC because of hey are a teaching hospital and Duke physicians are Chief’s of numerous clinics.

Response by AB Joseph Agnello made Aug 12 at 2019 5:11 PM

AB Joseph Agnello — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 17:11:47 -0400

I live in Elgin Illinois. On 13 Dec 18 I had surgery at Hines ILL. I got sepsis but Hines was too crowded to admit me. I went to Sherman Hospital in Elgin. It cost me 25% of my savings using my Medicare benefits. I was hospitalized 2 times and discharged in mid January 2019. I was dying but Hines gave me a 2-month wait.

Response by SP5 Ron Granzella made Aug 15 at 2019 12:29 PM

SP5 Ron Granzella — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 12:29:17 -0400

Goodyear Arizona. I had an outer ear infection and the clinic was not allowed to prescribe the correct medication. The only issue I have had is with the VA call lines and the VA administration in Phoenix.

Response by Sgt Walter Bradford made Aug 16 at 2019 7:07 PM

Sgt Walter Bradford — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 19:07:01 -0400

I HAVN'T USED IT, WOULDN'T KNOW HOW........I HAVE TRY'D TO USE COMMUNITY CARE, I PUT IN TO SEE 3 SPECIALIST OVER 2 MONTHS AGO, MY PRIMARY CARE DR IN LAKECITY FLA, SO FAR, NOT SUCH LUCK.......WENT TO THE ADMIN.OFFICE AND TOLD THEM, SO FAR, NO SUCH LUCK......WHAT A JOKE THIS HAS BECOME.....I LIVE IN GA. I THOUGHT VA CHOICE WAS BAD, COMMUNITY CARE IS 3 TIMES AS BAD......I AM A VIETNAM WAR VETERAN...USMC.....

Response by MAJ Mary Brownlee made Sep 24 at 2019 10:52 PM

MAJ Mary Brownlee — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 22:52:22 -0400

I used an urgent care that I found through the VA website as a VA-approved clinic. I printed the letters from the Mission Act website as recommended on the site. Urgent care called a Mission Act phone umber to verify that I was eligible for urgent care. I should be eligible as I am 100%PT service connected, but that phone number from the website said no, that I was not. Maybe it's something to do with also being a drilling reservist AND that my spouse is also a service connected disabled vet. I don't know and nobody has been able to magically flip any switch to get me approved.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Oct 11 at 2019 1:11 PM

SGT Ronald Audas — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 13:11:30 -0400

A little left of the question,but may be helpful. I have been outside for serious issues.I'm on Medicare and private insurance.Any medications I have needed have been graciously picked up by the VA.

Response by CPL Linda B. made Oct 22 at 2019 9:09 PM

CPL Linda B. — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 21:09:26 -0400

I did use an urgent care next to me it was in the Walgreens it was a minute clinic.
I called the VA before I went and then when I did go l showed my vA card and I was able to get the care I needed.

Response by Sgt Charlie Fields, Jr made Oct 26 at 2019 9:36 AM

Sgt Charlie Fields, Jr — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 09:36:28 -0400

I used the Duke Urgent Care here in Raleigh NC yesterday. Everything went well with the doctor and the facility. However, I could not get the prescription filled that was written by the urgent care doctor. I went to CVS, Walgreen and Walmart, neither would fill the prescription. After calling the VA, I was told I needed to go to the Durham NC VA and have the prescription rewritten to get the medicine (about 24 miles away), or I could pay out of packet. It makes no sense to me that I can not get a prescription written by the Duke Urgent Care doctor filled here in Raleigh. Thanks if you can help me with what to do if I every need to get a prescription through Urgent Care in the future.

Response by Sgt Gregory Annas made Nov 25 at 2019 5:40 PM

Sgt Gregory Annas — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:40:24 -0500

Went to local urgent care...wrote me a prescription...took to local Walmart Pharmacy...had letter...told me I needed a VA Cash Card...Granite Falls, North Carolina

Response by SPC Stanley Banks made Apr 23 at 2020 8:37 AM

SPC Stanley Banks — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 08:37:37 -0400

Yes I have used it but you must call VA to make sure that your local urgent care is on the list.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2020 10:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 22:11:34 -0400

Reno, Nv.
Was so sick( think it was covid) in Feb. My primary Dr. couldnt see me sent me to CVS. Showed my ID got checked out 3 prescriptions and on my way.
Give it 5 out of 5