A VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic brings VA care closer to where you live

A VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) is a smaller VA facility located in towns and neighborhoods away from major VA medical centers. Instead of traveling to a large hospital, you can receive primary care, mental health services, specialty appointments, and lab work at a clinic much nearer to your home. CBOCs are staffed by VA doctors, nurses, and other providers who work under the same VA system as the main medical center they're connected to.

The main purpose of a CBOC is to reduce travel time for veterans and make routine care more accessible. If you're enrolled in VA health care, you can often schedule appointments at a CBOC instead of driving an hour or more to a VA hospital. Not every service is available at every clinic — some offer only primary care and basic services, while others provide mental health, specialty care, or lab services depending on the location and staffing.

Key Takeaways

  • CBOCs are VA clinics in smaller towns and neighborhoods, connected to a larger VA medical center but located much closer to where many veterans live.
  • You can receive primary care, mental health services, lab work, and some specialty care at a CBOC without traveling to a full VA hospital.
  • To use a CBOC, you must already be enrolled in VA health care through the VA medical center that operates it.
  • You can find the CBOC nearest you by searching the VA facility locator on VA.gov or calling your VA medical center's main line.
  • Some services and specialists may only be available at the main VA medical center, so your provider may refer you there for certain appointments.

What services are typically available at a CBOC

Most CBOCs offer primary care — routine checkups, blood pressure checks, medication refills, and management of chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. You'll see a VA doctor or nurse practitioner for these visits, and they have access to your full VA medical record.

Many CBOCs also provide mental health services, including counseling and therapy for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Some have psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners on staff who can prescribe medication. The availability of mental health services varies by location.

Lab work and basic imaging are available at most CBOCs. You can have blood drawn, urinalysis performed, and X-rays taken at the clinic. More complex imaging like MRI or CT scans usually requires a trip to the main VA medical center.

Some CBOCs offer specialty care — dermatology, orthopedics, or cardiology appointments — depending on the clinic's size and resources. If a specialist you need isn't available at your CBOC, your primary care provider will refer you to the main VA medical center or arrange a telehealth visit.

How to find and register at a CBOC near you

The fastest way to find a CBOC is to use the VA facility locator at VA.gov. Enter your city or zip code, select "Community Based Outpatient Clinic" from the facility type dropdown, and the tool will show you all CBOCs within a certain distance. Each listing includes the address, phone number, hours, and a list of services offered at that location.

You can also call your VA medical center's main line and ask which CBOC is closest to you and which services it offers. The staff can tell you whether that clinic is currently taking new patients and help you understand which services are available there versus at the main hospital.

To use a CBOC, you must already be enrolled in VA health care. If you're not yet enrolled, you'll need to complete the VA enrollment process through your VA medical center first. Once you're enrolled, you can request appointments at a CBOC by calling the clinic directly or asking your VA provider to schedule you there.

Some CBOCs allow you to schedule appointments online through the VA's patient portal, VA.gov, if you have an account set up. Others require a phone call. When you call, have your VA medical record number ready — it's on your VA health care ID card.

When you might be referred back to the main VA medical center

Not every service is available at every CBOC. If you need a service that isn't offered at your local clinic, your provider will refer you to the main VA medical center. This might happen for specialized surgery, complex imaging, inpatient hospital care, or a specialist who only works at the larger facility.

Some CBOCs are equipped to handle routine surgeries and procedures, but major surgery typically requires the main medical center. Your primary care provider will explain why you need to go to the main facility and help arrange the appointment or procedure.

Emergency situations always go to the nearest emergency room, whether it's a VA facility or a civilian hospital. If you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. The VA will coordinate your care afterward.

How CBOC records connect to your main VA medical center

Your medical record is shared across all VA facilities in the system. When you see a provider at a CBOC, they can see your full history — previous appointments, medications, lab results, and notes from specialists. This means you don't have to repeat information or worry about records being lost between locations.

If your CBOC provider refers you to the main VA medical center for a specialist visit or procedure, that specialist will already have access to everything documented at the CBOC. The same applies in reverse: if you see a specialist at the main hospital, your CBOC provider will see those notes and recommendations.

This integrated record system is one of the main advantages of using VA care. You're part of one coordinated system rather than juggling separate records at different clinics.

Telehealth appointments at CBOCs

Many CBOCs offer telehealth — video or phone appointments with VA providers. You might have a telehealth visit with your primary care provider at the CBOC, or with a specialist at the main medical center. Some CBOCs have private rooms set up specifically for telehealth visits, so you can have a video appointment with a provider in another location.

Telehealth is useful when the specialist you need isn't available at your CBOC or when travel is difficult. Your provider will let you know whether a telehealth visit is an option for your appointment. You'll need a phone or device with internet access, and the VA will send you instructions on how to join the visit.

What to bring to your first CBOC appointment

Bring your VA health care ID card — this has your VA medical record number on it. If you don't have a physical card, you can show the VA staff your ID number from your VA.gov account or bring a photo ID and your Social Security number.

Bring a list of all medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you have a list from a previous provider, bring that too. Bring any recent medical records from outside doctors if you've seen anyone outside the VA system since your last VA visit.

If you're seeing a provider for the first time at the CBOC, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in. If you're running late or need to cancel, call the clinic as soon as you can — missed appointments can affect your ability to schedule future visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a CBOC if there's one near me?

No. You can choose to receive care at the main VA medical center instead if you prefer. However, using a CBOC closer to home can save you travel time and make it easier to keep appointments. Talk to your VA provider about what makes sense for your situation.

Can I switch between a CBOC and the main VA medical center?

Yes. You're not locked into one location. You can have some appointments at a CBOC and others at the main medical center depending on what services you need and what's convenient for you. Your medical record follows you between locations.

What if the CBOC near me doesn't have the specialist I need?

Your primary care provider can refer you to a specialist at the main VA medical center, or arrange a telehealth appointment with a specialist in another location. Some CBOCs also have visiting specialists who come in on certain days of the week.

How do I schedule an appointment at a CBOC?

Call the CBOC directly using the phone number from the VA facility locator, or ask your current VA provider to schedule you there. Some CBOCs allow scheduling through VA.gov if you have an online account. Have your VA medical record number ready when you call.

Is there a cost to use a CBOC?

If you're enrolled in VA health care, CBOC visits are covered the same way as visits to the main VA medical center. Your copay, if you have one, depends on your VA health care priority group and the type of visit. Ask the clinic staff about any costs when you call to schedule.