Title

St. Cloud VA HCS Operations Update: Nov. 9, 2022

Featured
Not featured
Content
Author
Barry Venable
Bldg. 1 St. Cloud VA Medical Center
First sentence (lede)
Safe care remains our goal as we continue operations in an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Routine operating hours for most services at our locations are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon. - Fri., closed weekends, and federal holidays.
Body text

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Readily Available

  • Flu shots and COVID-19 initial vaccinations, third doses and booster doses are offered to enrolled Veterans as part of most upcoming appointments. With prior scheduled appointments, you do not need to schedule an additional appointment to receive a vaccine—simply ask at your appointment. COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be administered together.  
  • Veterans needing a flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine-only appointment can schedule a vaccine or booster dose for themselves by calling 320-252-1670, Ext. 6339 weekdays between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Non-enrolled Veterans, as well as spouses and caregivers of both enrolled and non-enrolled Veterans may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at VA.
  • Eligible Veterans can receive free flu shots at more than 70,000 Community Care Network (CCN) retail pharmacies and urgent care locations from Sept. 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.

No Walk-in services except Urgent Care/Appointments required for all other services

  • Walk-ins are reserved for urgent medical or psychological needs only. The Urgent Care Clinic in Bldg. 1 is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Same day mental health services are available in Bldg. 111 at the St. Cloud VAMC from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or through the Urgent Care Clinic.
  • VA Clinics in Alexandria, Brainerd and Montevideo do not offer urgent care services and cannot accommodate walk-ins of any type.
  • Appointments are required for all services. Please call (320) 252-1670 Option 2 for appointment options.

Mask Wear

Face coverings (masks) are mandatory for in-person appointments. For some needs, you may be able to get care at home by phone or video.

Designated entrances and exit points at the St. Cloud VAMC

  • Most Veterans will use the Bldg. 1, Main Entrance, open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends.
  • Veterans with appointments in Bldg. 116 must enter in Bldg. 116, Rehabilitation Center, open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays. Due to construction activities walkways (both interior and exterior) from Bldg. 116 to other medical center buildings are not available for pedestrian use. For other appointments in other locations in the medical center please plan to transit to another entry point.
  • Bldg. 111 — Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays. After 4:30 p.m. and weekends by appointment only.
  • Bldg. 48/49 — Entrance Pavilion, open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. This is primarily an entrance for staff and Community Living Center (CLC) patients and their visitors. For appointments in other locations in the medical center please use another entry point.
  • Bldg. T101 — open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., on weekdays for scheduled appointments in Bldg. T101.
  • Bldg. 95 (Canteen) – open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
  • Bldg. 3 (Dental Clinic)—open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Pharmacy is using the mail-order system to refill all prescriptions.

  • Only URGENT prescriptions may be picked up at the Outpatient Pharmacy at the Medical Center. If you feel your situation is urgent, please call first, toll-free at 855-560-1724 and press option 8.
  • Please allow 10-14 days for delivery of refills. How to request a refill:

--By phone: Make a toll-free call to 855-560-1724 to place refills.

--Online: Request prescription refills online at www.myhealth.va.gov through My HealtheVet. You can view your prescription history and track the delivery status of your package online.

--By Mail: Mail in your prescription refill slip to St. Cloud VA, 4801 Veterans Drive, Attn: Pharmacy, St. Cloud, MN 56303

Eyeglass and hearing aid repair drop off

Veterans in need of eyeglass or hearing aid repairs can either mail in their products or drop their products off at the front desk in the Optometry or Audiology clinics, respectively. Walk-in appointments for Optometry and Audiology are still unavailable. Veterans in need of an appointment can call (320) 252-1670 Ext. 5432 (Optometry) or (320) 252-1670 Ext. 4370 (Audiology) to schedule.

Visitor Update

  • As a safety precaution, Veterans attending outpatient appointments who require personal assistance are limited to one personal escort or assistant. Please plan appropriately. If additional assistance is required, please ask a staff member for assistance.
  • VA Community Living Centers (CLC), Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP), and the Mental Health (MH) Acute Unit have implemented safeguards aimed at limiting COVID-19 exposure risk for patients who reside at a VA facility.

Please contact your Veteran’s care unit staff for status prior to visiting.