DUBLIN, Ga. — The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin is rolling out a program that will allow veterans to have better access to urgent care no matter where they live. One veteran thinks this program will help the VA system out tremendously.
"I think it is a good thing, because a veteran will be able to get service quicker," Charles Walker said.
Walker says improving access to urgent care will also improve veterans' care. It is part of a larger plan for the VA called the 'Mission Act.'
"It helps a veteran that has got a serious problem," Walker said.
Medical Director of the Dublin VA David Whitmer says veterans will be able to call or go online to see where they can get care.
"They'll walk in, they will provide their veteran card, they will inquire and ensure that urgent care center is within network for the VA, and then they can get their care without receiving a bill," Whitmer said.
Veterans can be treated for things like a cold, the flu, strep throat, or even pink eye. Whitmer says veterans can go for free up to three times a year as long as they've been to the VA in the past two years.
"Instead of driving all the way here from Warner Robins, we are providing them the opportunity to get that care locally in their community," Whitmer said.
The VA website shows veterans can go to Minute Clinics and some urgent care providers across Central Georgia. Hall thinks the plan will take the stress off of the VA system too.
"Because most of the time, you get an appointment with the VA, it is going to be six to seven months later, when you go to urgent care, you can outside, get outside care, you do not have to wait six to seven months," Hall said.