It's always fun to travel to see new places or visit old friends, but when you're far from home
It's important that there's little or no interruption in your healthcare
It's also important to know that you have access to reliable healthcare within the VA. No matter where you are in the world
If you're planning a change in scenery soon
Take steps now to ensure your care is coordinated and available when and where you need it
The VA wants to make sure your quality of healthcare remains consistent, no matter where you go
Whether it's taking your dream European vacation traveling to see your family for a few weeks or going to your summer home across country
Your VA Patient Aligned Care Team
Commonly referred to as PACT is a team of health care
Professionals from your home facility who work closely with you to manage your care if you're planning a trip
It's important to discuss your travel plans with your PACT in advance
Let your PACT or specialty provider know about your upcoming trip about four to six weeks before you leave
That way they can communicate with the traveling Veteran coordinator will arrange for you to receive medical care at the nearest
VA facility to where you are staying this coordination helps prevent any disruption in your care
Contact your PACT provider by phone or through secure messaging on My HealtheVet if you haven't registered for HealtheVet
Now's the time go online to
www.myhealth.va.gov and click register in the right hand corner
If you see a VA provider while traveling care received at that VA facility will be documented in your electronic medical record
The information will be available to your local PACT to review so they can follow up with any treatment you may need
When you contact your PACT make sure you provide them with some specific information about your extended travel this includes
where you are traveling to and what your temporary address will be
A good telephone number where you can be reached if needed
when you plan to arrive your desk nation and when you plan to return home
And lastly any specific care concerns you may have such as how you'll get your prescription medicine refilled or what provider
You'll see if you need care
including blood work
Even if you don't receive regular care through a VA Medical Center
It's still a good idea to contact the VA about any travel plans you may have
They can help you prepare for your trip by locating the nearest VA hospitals and community clinics and
reviewing what to do if you get sick well away from home
If you do become ill or injured and need urgent care or
after-hours care call the TEL care after-hours telephone advice care line at
One eight seven seven seven four one three four zero zero
You can speak with a registered nurse who will discuss your medical concerns and help you determine what type of care you may need
If you need to be hospitalized along your trip your VA provider can help you get admitted to the nearest, VA
Facility that can meet your needs
In some cases you may be directed to go to a non VA hospital for your care
If you are in an emergency dial nine-one-one or go to the nearest emergency room. You don't need to contact the VA first
Do you have more questions about your VA health care while traveling
If so contact your PACT or the traveling Veteran coordinator at your home VA facility
You can also call toll free at
1-877-222-VETS
Monday-Friday between 8AM and 8PM
Eastern Standard time
Whether near or far no matter where you go
The VA wants to make sure that great health care is always there
When you need it