Celebrate National Internet Day with VA messaging tools

Today is National Internet Day, the anniversary of the first internet message sent in 1969. Since then, internet messaging has grown a lot, including at VA. You can use VA’s messaging tools to communicate with VA providers and manage your health care from wherever you are.

Here are a few of the messaging tools that connect you to VA care.

My HealtheVet Secure Messaging

The Secure Messaging feature on My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal, enables Veterans to communicate directly with members of their VA care teams. With this tool, you can manage your VA appointments or exchange messages with your VA providers about your care plan. With Secure Messaging, you can ask health-related questions when it’s convenient for you without having to wait for your next appointment.

Learn more by visiting My HealtheVet.

VA: Health and Benefits

With the official VA: Health & Benefits app, you can manage your VA health care, benefits and payments from your mobile phone or tablet. You can review your disability claim status, download common VA letters, review appointments and add them to your calendar, send and receive messages with your VA health care team, refill and track VA prescriptions, and more.

Download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Annie App for Veterans

Annie App for Veterans is an automated text messaging service that sends reminders to help you stay on top of your health. For example, you can receive reminders to take medication, find tips for reducing stress and information on preparing for an upcoming appointment. You can also receive broadcast messages from your local VA medical center.

Visit the Annie App for Veterans webpage on the VA App Store to register for messages that will help you take an active role in your health care.

VA Health Chat

The VA Health Chat app enables you to chat with VA staff in real time about nonemergency health care needs. You can address non-life-threatening health concerns, schedule your VA appointments and request refills of your VA prescriptions.

VA Health Chat is a great tool for Veterans in rural areas or with health conditions that make it difficult to travel to a VA facility.

Visit the VA Health Chat webpage on the VA App Store to see if VA Health Chat is available for your local VA facility.

Virtual Health Resource Centers

If you need help using these messaging tools or other VA telehealth technologies, your local VA facility may have a Virtual Health Resource Center that can help. VA’s health technology experts can show how to use VA telehealth tools, troubleshoot technology issues and more. Visit the Virtual Health Resource Centers webpage to find a facility near you.

Celebrate National Internet Day

This National Internet Day, make use of some of VA’s messaging tools to help you manage your health care from home or on the go. To learn more, visit My HealtheVet or VA Mobile.