VA facilities consolidating primary care locations

In preparation for an anticipated surge of novel coronavirus patients, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is converting eight outpatient locations to teletriage.

Effective March 23, the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System’s main medical center in Cleveland and the outpatient clinics in Akron,

Canton, Parma, Mansfield and Youngstown will take over all in-person operations for the health care system, according to a news release.

The Lorain County, Lake County, New Philadelphia, East Liverpool, McCafferty, Ravenna, Sandusky and Warren facilities will move to telephone and video appointments only, the release said.

These facilities will continue to have staff to provide virtual care and respond to veteran questions over the phone, but will be closed for in-person visits.

“The health and safety of our patients and staff remains our number one priority,” said Jill K. Dietrich, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System executive director and CEO. “We are encouraging telephone and video appointments whenever possible to limit potential exposure to COVID-19 for our nation’s heroes.

“When medically necessary, we will still see our patients in-person at the closest, open VA facility.”

Veterans should contact their closest VA facility for guidance. They also may call tele-triage at 888-3503100 for general questions.

Veterans should contact their closest VA facility for guidance. They also may call tele-triage at 888-350-3100 for general questions.