How do I update my VAMC Facility's Basic Location Data?
In this guide
↓ Basic location data & the Facility API
↓ How to update Basic Location Data for VA Medical Centers and Clinics
The Veteran-centered purpose
“As a Veteran, family member, or caregiver, I want to know accurate key information about a specific facility, such as address, phone numbers, and other important information.”
Basic location data & the Facility API
The Facility API manages basic location data automatically
There are certain kinds of basic location information, such as the facility’s address and phone number, that is managed by the Veteran Administration Site Tracking system (VAST). This data is made available through an application programming interface called the Lighthouse Facility API, which automatically feeds into the CMS, which in turn feeds it to your VAMC site.
What this looks like in the CMS
When you go to edit a VAMC facility in the CMS, you’ll see basic location data from the Facility API, but you won’t be able to edit it.
Why can’t I manage my facility’s basic location data directly?
Having your facility’s location info in a centralized database of all VA facility locations means that Veterans anywhere can find your VAMC facility using VA’s facility locator tool and other applications that use the Lighthouse Facilities API.
How to update Basic Location Data for VA Medical Centers and Clinics
The table below can help you contact the right place to update the data in the Lighthouse Facility API. After submitting your request, the review process may take from 75 days to four months, according to VAST administrators. Your patience is appreciated.
Once updated in the Facility API, Drupal will update within 24 hours of receiving that information.
When a facility's name changes, it may take some additional time to process related changes, such as changes to the URLs.
| Facility Information | How to update |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Submit Request through VAST portal |
| Address | Submit Request through VAST portal |
| Main Phone Number | Submit Request through VAST portal |
| Fax Number | Submit Request through VAST portal |
| Mental Health Phone Number | Email the Lighthouse help desk |
| Hours of Operation | Submit Request through VAST portal |
| Patient Satisfaction and Wait Time Data | Email the Lighthouse help desk |
| Add a new facility or remove a facility permanently | Submit Request through VAST portal |
| Services (except Covid-19 vaccines) | Email the Lighthouse help desk |
| Covid-19 vaccines | Click the Contact help desk button |