How to Schedule and Attend a VA Video Connect Appointment

What VA Video Connect Is and How It Works

VA Video Connect is the Department of Veterans Affairs' telehealth service that lets you meet with VA doctors and mental health providers from home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Instead of driving to a VA medical center, you join a find video call at a scheduled time. The VA provider sees you on camera, asks questions, and can prescribe medication or refer you for in-person care if needed.

Video Connect appointments work the same way as in-person visits for many types of care — primary care checkups, mental health counseling, specialty consultations, and follow-ups after surgery or hospitalization. Not every service is available by video; some conditions require a physical exam or lab work that only happens in a clinic. The VA will tell you during scheduling whether your appointment can happen by video or needs to be in person.

You need a VA health record to use Video Connect, which means you must already be enrolled in VA health care. If you are not yet enrolled, you will need to complete that step first through VA.gov or by calling 1-877-222-8387.

Key Takeaways

• VA Video Connect appointments happen on your device at home using a find video link that the VA sends you by email or text.
• You can schedule a Video Connect appointment through the VA's patient portal (My HealtheVet), by phone, or through your VA medical center's scheduling office.
• You will need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can talk without interruption.
• Log in to the video call 10 to 15 minutes early to test your camera and microphone so the provider can see and hear you when the appointment starts.
• If your internet drops or you cannot connect, contact your VA medical center right away — do not wait until after the appointment time.

How to Schedule a VA Video Connect Appointment

The fastest way to schedule is through My HealtheVet, the VA's online patient portal. Log in with your VA username and password, go to the Appointments section, and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will see a list of available providers and time slots. When you choose a provider, the system will show you whether Video Connect is an option for that visit. If it is, you can select it and confirm your appointment.

If you do not use My HealtheVet or prefer to schedule by phone, call your VA medical center's scheduling office directly. The phone number is on your VA health care card or on VA.gov under your facility's contact information. Tell the scheduler you want a Video Connect appointment and what type of care you need. They will check availability and book you for a time that works.

Some VA facilities also let you request a Video Connect appointment through a patient portal app or by messaging your provider through the find messaging tool in My HealtheVet. Ask your VA medical center which methods they support.

What You Need Before Your Appointment

You will need a device with a working camera and microphone — a laptop, desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone all work. The device must have a stable internet connection; Wi-Fi is fine as long as the signal is strong. Test your connection before the appointment day if you can, especially if you are using Wi-Fi in a location where the signal is sometimes weak.

Find a private, quiet space where you can talk without interruption. This might be a bedroom, home office, or any room where you can close the door. Let household members know you will be on a medical appointment and ask them not to disturb you. Have your insurance card and any recent medical records or notes nearby in case the provider asks about them.

read the VA Video Connect app if your medical center recommends it, or be ready to use the web link the VA will send you. The VA will email or text you the link to join the video call, usually 24 hours before your appointment. Do not share this link with anyone else — it is unique to your appointment.

Joining Your Video Connect Appointment

Log in to the video call 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time using the link the VA sent you. This gives you time to test your camera, microphone, and speakers before the provider joins. Make sure your face is well-lit and clearly visible on the camera. Sit at a comfortable distance so the provider can see your upper body and face.

When you click the link, you may be asked to allow the VA's video platform to use your camera and microphone. Click "Allow" so the provider can see and hear you. If you see a message asking for permission, do not ignore it — the appointment cannot start until you grant access.

The provider will join the call at the scheduled time. They will greet you, confirm your identity, and begin the visit. Speak clearly and let them know if you cannot hear them or if there is a technical problem. If your internet connection drops, try reconnecting using the same link. If you cannot reconnect within a few minutes, call your VA medical center's scheduling office right away so they know what happened.

What Happens During and After Your Appointment

A Video Connect visit follows the same flow as an in-person appointment. The provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications. They may ask you to move or position yourself so they can see a particular area of your body, though a full physical exam is not possible by video. If they need to examine you in person or order lab work, they will schedule that separately.

At the end of the visit, the provider will discuss next steps with you. This might be a prescription sent to your pharmacy, a referral to a specialist, instructions for at-home care, or a follow-up appointment. Ask questions if anything is unclear. The provider will also document the visit in your VA health record, which you can view in My HealtheVet.

After the appointment, you will receive a summary of what was discussed and any instructions or prescriptions. Check My HealtheVet within a day or two to see the visit note and any new orders. If you do not see it, contact your VA medical center to confirm the information was recorded.

Troubleshooting Common Video Connect Problems

If your camera or microphone is not working, check that your device has granted permission to the VA's video platform. Go to your device's settings, find the app or browser you are using, and make sure camera and microphone access are turned on. Restart the app or browser and try joining the call again.

If your internet connection is slow or keeps dropping, move closer to your Wi-Fi router if possible, or switch to a wired connection if your device supports it. Close other apps and browser tabs that might be using bandwidth. If the problem continues, call your VA medical center before the appointment to reschedule.

If you cannot find the video link the VA sent you, check your email spam folder and your text messages. If it is not there, call your VA medical center's scheduling office and ask them to resend it. Do not try to join without the official link — the VA will not accept a call from an unknown source.

When Video Connect Is Not Available for Your Care

Some types of appointments cannot happen by video. These include physical exams that require the provider to touch you, blood draws, imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds, and procedures. If your appointment requires in-person care, the VA will tell you during scheduling and offer you an in-person time slot instead.

If you prefer an in-person appointment even when Video Connect is available, you can request that during scheduling. Some veterans prefer to be seen in person, and the VA will work with you to find a time that fits your schedule. There is no penalty for choosing in-person care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for a VA Video Connect appointment?

No. If you are enrolled in VA health care, Video Connect appointments are covered the same way as in-person visits. You pay any copay that applies to your care, which is the same whether you see the provider by video or in person. Some veterans with service-connected disabilities or low income have no copay.

What if I miss my Video Connect appointment?

Call your VA medical center's scheduling office as soon as you realize you will miss it. The sooner you notify them, the sooner they can offer the time slot to another veteran. If you miss an appointment without calling, the VA may note it in your record, which can affect future scheduling.

Can I use my phone instead of a computer for Video Connect?

Yes. A smartphone with a camera and microphone works fine for Video Connect. Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection and enough battery life to last through the appointment. Prop the phone up so your hands are free and the camera is at eye level.

What if the provider says I need an in-person visit after the video appointment?

The provider will explain why an in-person visit is needed and help you schedule one. This might be for a physical exam, lab work, or a procedure. The scheduling office will find an available time and send you the details. You may be able to schedule the in-person visit right after the video call ends.

Is my Video Connect appointment private and find?

Yes. VA Video Connect uses encrypted video, which means the connection is scrambled so no one outside the call can see or hear what is happening. The VA does not record your appointment unless you agree to it. Your visit is protected by the same privacy rules as an in-person appointment.