West Texas VA Health Care System Reopens In-Person Appointments

BIG SPRING, TX — The West Texas VA Health Care System announced they will begin scheduling face-to-face health care appointments starting next Monday, June 8.

The re-opening of services will be completed in phases of the Moving Forward plan. The first phase begins with primary care teams and specialty services booking up to 25 percent of a clinic’s capacity. The following departments will observe the restrictions includes primary care, mental health, dental, ophthalmology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, prosthetics, dietary, audiology, radiology, lab, cardiopulmonary, whole health, and several others.

“WTVAHCS’s first priority is the safety and well-being of Veterans and staff. During reopening, VA clinics will prioritize in-person appointments of a procedural nature and associated outpatient services, when those services cannot be conducted through tele-health options.”

The Moving Forward plan will continue in two-week increments, increasing the number of in-person appointments by 25 percent for each two-week period, until full capacity is achieved. WTVAHCS will closely monitor all aspects of the delivery of care to ensure a safe environment is maintained for Veterans, staff, and visitors.

Reduced entry points remain in place so that screenings may be conducted in a safe, orderly, and respectful manner. Other precautions instituted include staggering of appointment times to reduce the number of Veterans in waiting areas, physical distancing, the wearing of masks, and frequent disinfecting. In addition, Veterans may be asked to wait in their vehicles until called by clinic staff. 

“Moving forward together, we will continue to provide exceptional care to our Veterans,” said Jason Cave, West Texas VA Health Care System director. “Your trust in us is paramount. Safe care is our mission and our continuing commitment to you.”