HOT! New Pilot Program Allows Veterans to Directly Schedule
Audiology and Optometry Appointments Starting March 30!

A national performance improvement team has been working with VA medical centers across the country to identify performance improvement opportunities and pilot programs that can positively impact the Veteran and employee experience. One opportunity, identified during sites visits, is the direct scheduling of patients in need of Audiology (hearing) and Optometry (eye) services.

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (VAHCS), along with two other sites (White River Junction, VT and Mountain Home, TN), was selected to implement a 120-day pilot program which will give Veterans (including traveling Veterans and those unassigned to a Primary Care provider) the option to directly schedule Optometry and Audiology appointments without the need for a Primary Care referral. This pilot program will be available across the entire Bay Pines VAHCS starting March 30, 2015.

Veterans can schedule Audiology or Optometry appointments directly by calling 727-398-6661 extension 15525 or by speaking with staff at Bay Pines VAHCS facilities where these services are provided. Audiology services are available at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, Lee County Healthcare Center and VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Bradenton, Palm Harbor, Port Charlotte and Sarasota. Optometry services are available at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, Lee County Healthcare Center and at VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Bradenton and Port Charlotte. For more information about this locations and services available, please visit www.baypines.va.gov.

For questions about this new program, please contact your Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) or call the phone number listed above.