IRON MOUNTAIN — The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center is providing care while keeping veterans safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures and out of concern for our veterans, we are honoring current social isolation and distancing guidelines,” said James Rice, medical center director. “Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients continue to get the care they need while keeping them and our staff are as safe as possible during this time.”

To help address veterans’ most-urgent needs first, the Iron Mountain-based VA Medical Center asks that veterans use their online tools for routine or non-urgent questions, if they have access to them.

Here are some examples:

Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans can receive care at home — either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. Veterans may also call their clinic. To learn more about VA Video Connect, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.

Prescription Refills – Veterans can request prescription refills and order and ship medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app. Download the app at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill. Veterans may also call the automated refill line 24/7 at (800) 805-1870.

Text Message Reminders – Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to send automated text messages with information about COVID-19. This application helps Veterans monitor for symptoms and can assist if they need to contact their VA facility for care. Enroll at mobile.va.gov/annie.

Secure Messaging – With My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal, Veterans can send online secure messages to your VA health care team to ask them non-urgent health questions. Register at www.myhealth.va.gov.

For more information about VA’s Connected Care technologies, visit connectedcare.va.gov.

Enrolled Veterans who have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should call the nurse triage line at 906-774-3300 (toll free 800-215-8262), ext. 17066, before visiting their provider at the VA medical center or local VA clinic.