VA announced that it plans to ask for an additional $16.6 billion to respond to the health care needs of veterans with the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The response to COVID-19 is a rapidly unfolding situation. Contact your local VA for up to date information as this continues to evolve.
Things to expect from VA Medical Centers:
Every person entering a VA hospital will undergo a daily screening for the corona virus.
The spinal cord injury (SCI) population is one of VA’s most susceptible populations to the novel corona virus. All VA SCI/D Centers will adopt a “no visitor” stance, meaning no outside visitors will be permitted to see inpatients. Exceptions will be when veterans are in their last stages of life or any other extenuating circumstance.
Routine SCI/D admissions including annual examinations and respite will be rescheduled.
Outpatient clinics are only accepting urgent appointments. Non-urgent, routine appointments are being rescheduled to a later date or scheduled as a telehealth appointment when feasible. The VA has increased telehealth appointments to continue meeting veterans’ health care needs.
Recreational therapy outings are canceled.
Physical therapy is performed at bedside.
Dayrooms and common areas are closed.
Food delivery from outside restaurants is prohibited.
If you have symptoms, or think you may have come in contact with the coronavirus, contact your provider before visiting your local VA medical center or doctor’s office.
Information on the novel coronavirus can be found here: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/. Information on the visitor policy for SCI can be found here: https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5400.
