What should I do if I need urgent care outside of clinic hours?

If you require urgent care outside of Veterans Medical Clinic hours, it is important to know that they may provide guidelines for handling medical emergencies. You should first assess the severity of your situation. If it is a life-threatening emergency, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Alternatively, you may also consider visiting an urgent care facility that treats non-life-threatening conditions. For issues that need immediate attention but are not emergencies, such as infections, minor injuries, or other urgent health concerns, many veterans find that local urgent care centers are open during evenings and weekends. It can be helpful to check their services in advance, as some may accept referrals from the VA. In addition, Veterans Medical Clinic often provides resources and recommendations on their official website, which may include information on emergency services available to veterans. Therefore, it would be beneficial to check their current web page for more specific guidance and local options.