We frequently receive questions from members of the public or patients about our programs or services.  Please check the information in our frequently asked questions below.

Benefits

I need a form #10-10EZ.  Can you tell me where to get one? 
You can apply for VA health care by completing VA form 10-10EZ. The 10-10EZ may be obtained by visiting, calling, or writing any VA health care facility or veterans' benefits office. You can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) or access the form on the internet at http://www.va.gov/1010ez.htm.  Please be sure to sign your application form, otherwise it cannot be processed for enrollment. VA Form 10-10EZ is a one-page application form, front and back. Most veterans are able to complete the form in less than 15 minutes.

How do I request travel pay reimbursement?
You can request travel pay reimbursement in person at the VA medical facility where you receive care or you can call 800-329-VETS (8387) and ask for the Beneficiary Travel Department.  They will mail you a claim form.

I have difficulty traveling due to my disability.  Is there anyway that I can obtain fee basis care here in my local community?
Outpatient Fee Basis care is limited to certain eligible veterans when VA facilities are not capable of providing the necessary treatment.  Each request for fee basis medical care authorization is evaluated individually.  This includes a VA Physician review of the request to determine the most appropriate location, VA facility, including the  Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)  or Fee Basis, to provide treatment.  For more information, please contact the VA Puget Sound Health Care System Fee Basis Office-Authorizations Center  at (206) 764-2525 at our Seattle Division, Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30 pm.

How do I get a new VA Patient Data Card for Service Connected?  Mine is lost/damaged/has wrong info/bad picture.
You can apply at the closest VA Medical Center.

How much money can a veteran have before he has to pay for medical health care?
Only veterans in Priority Group 7 are required to pay for a part of their medical care.  The financial threshold varies based on each veteran's income, dependents, minus certain expenses, and is determined by the financial information provided on the 1010EZ annually.  Since income, dependents, and expenses change we suggest you submit an application for enrollment and a Benefits Counselor will advise you regarding any required co-payments.  You can also contact a Benefits Counselor at 800-329-VETS (8387) ext. 62200.

I requested travel pay reimbursement and it’s been more than two months since I made this request and I haven’t heard  anything.  How long does it take to get reimbursed.
If you apply in person at the VA medical Center where you received treatment and you are determined to be eligible you can be reimbursed at that time.  If you are approved for Travel reimbursement and will be paid by check, you should receive a check within 6 - 8 weeks.  If you have not received a check within that time you can call 800-329-VETS (8387) and ask for the Beneficiary Travel Office.  They can check on the status of your claim.

My father lives in British Columbia and he needs a hip replacement.  He is a veteran, eligible for health benefits.  How do we get on a waiting list?
Waiting lists are maintained by several clinical service lines, it would depend on the type of care desired.  Veterans living in British Columbia who are requesting treatment need to fill out the enrollment application form 10/10EZ.  If specialized treatment is requested a document clearly stating the medical need will assist in expediting the process.  Once enrollment and eligibility has been established the non-VA provider may contact the medical center requesting specific care.

I would like to change my address.  Who do I contact?
You can call 800-329-VETS (8387) and ask for the Enrollment Office.

Can I schedule a particular exam on a particular date?
This depends on the type of clinic and could be Primary Care, Mental Health, or HPM for those clinics that go through Central Scheduling.  For Central Scheduling call 800-329-VETS (8387) and push #6 on your telephone touch pad.

I am having trouble with the automated appointments?
Call Central Scheduling at 800-329-VETS (8387) and push #6 on your telephone touch pad or wait for the operator and ask for Central Scheduling.

I need to confirm the time of my appointments.
Call Central Scheduling at 800-329-VETS (8387) and push #6 on your telephone touch pad.

How do I find out if I am eligible for care at the VA?
You can apply for VA health care by completing VA form 10-10EZ. The 10-10EZ may be obtained by visiting, calling, or writing any VA health care facility or veterans' benefits office. You can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) or access the form on the internet at http://www.va.gov/1010ez.htm.  Please be sure to sign your application form, otherwise it cannot be processed for enrollment. VA Form 10-10EZ is a one-page application form, front and back. Most veterans are able to complete the form in less than 15 minutes.  Veterans who have access to a computer may register online at the Veteran's Online Application website.

Contact Us

What Are Your Hours of Operation?
Our hours of operation are 8:00am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  Visiting hours vary depending on facility.  You can find specific information at the VA Puget Sound's Visitor's Home Page, http://www.va.gov/pugetsound/page.cfm?pg=56#Visit .   

Can I notify you of my change in address and phone number via e-mail or do I have to mail this info to you?
You can send an email from this web site or you can call 800-329-VETS (8387) and ask for the Enrollment Office.

I have an access to care issue I have not been able to resolve. How can I reach a Patient Advocate?
Patent Advocates are available at both divisions of VA Puget Sound. They are in the office M-F from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. You may contact the Patient Advocates office by calling:

For Seattle:206-764-2160, Building 100, Room 1D-142
For American Lake:253-582-8440 ext. 72585, Building 8, Room 214

Patient Advocates:  Either Rex Rimando and Marie Stewart-Kirk

If no one is available when you call, please leave a message, including your name, last four of your social security number and your phone number. A patient advocate will contact you as soon as possible to assist in resolving your issue.

If your need is medically urgent, contact 911.

I have a complaint about the type of treatment I received while I was an inpatient in your medical facility. Who do I direct my complaint to?
You would direct your question to the patient advocate. This link will allow you to email the patient advocate. Please include your email address and contact information. Your information will then be forwarded to the appropriate personnel.

I would like the location, phone number, address for the VA facility in Bremerton, Washington.
The VA CBOC facility in Bremerton is located at:  925 Adele St., Bremerton, WA.  The number to the facility is: (360) 782-0129. 
For more information regarding CBOC you can call 1-800-329-8387.  If you would like primary care from the Bremerton facility, please fill out and submit the Primary Care Request Form and indicate Bremerton as your selected location.  To receive care at a CBOC site, Veterans must register through the VA.

I am trying to get in touch with my primary care provider.  Can you give me his phone number?
To contact your provider you may call our toll free number at 1-800-329-8387.  Press #1 for Seattle or Press #2 for American Lake.  Leave a message with the VA Telehealth staff who will contact your provider or address your question directly.

How can I leave a message for my primary care physician?
To contact your provider you may call our toll free number at 1-800-329-8387. Press #1 for Seattle or #2 for American Lake and leave a message with the VA Telehealth nurse who will contact your provider or address your question directly.

I would like to make an appointment by e-mail.  Do you provide this service?
Only certain clinics have on-line scheduling at this time.  If you are enrolled in the GIMC at the Seattle Division, you may e-mail your GIMC team, by clicking the link under the GIMC section of the Primary Care web page.   

The 1-800-number is not working.  What other number can I use to call your organization?
You can call the local number to the hospital @ (206) 762-1010 or @ (253) 582-8440. 

Is there a (206) number for local residents?
The local # to the Seattle facility is (206)-762-1010 and at the American Lake facility it is (253)  582-8440.

I want a copy of a form email that was sent through your web site.
Persons who contact us using a contact form might find that communicating to us via forms is not like typical e-mail correspondence.  E-mail comments or requests for information are forwarded to the appropriate party.  We don't keep or maintain copies of correspondence, except for general statistic purposes.

Employment

I would like to apply for a job that I saw on USA jobs.  Can you give me the application procedures?
Application procedures may be found in the context of the vacancy announcement under “How to Apply” or you may contact the Human Resources Service Line at (206)764-2135 or (253)589-4118 during business hours for assistance. 

What are your current job openings?  
Vacancy announcements are posted as positions become available.  Applicants should check the website on a daily basis or contact the Human Resource Management Office at either division.   Applicants need to read the “Who may apply” section on the vacancy announcement to determine if they meet the criteria.

Is there any way to apply for a job with the VA without paying for the $40 subscription for a federal job search?
Yes.  You may apply for vacancies on the federal website www.usajobs.opm.gov or by contacting the VA of your choice directly.

I am interested in locating Physical Therapy positions at the American Lake or Seattle locations.  Whom should I contact?
You may contact either office for an application or visit www.vacareers.va.gov.   If there is no vacancy at the time of your inquiry, you may still submit your application.  Your application will be retained in the Human Resources Applicant Supply File for future vacancies, up to one year.  If qualified you will be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

I am a student from another country.  I want to do a clerical at the VA.  Is this possible?
U.S. citizenship is the basic requirement for employment with the Federal Government, however, as a Resident of the U.S. you may apply for positions in the Veterans Canteen Service (i.e. sales clerk, food service worker.)

How do I follow up on an application I sent in?
If you are calling to follow up on an application, you should have the vacancy announcement number and position title.

Facilities

Do you have a picture map of the VA facilities, or a better map of American Lake or Seattle facilities?
We do not have picture maps of the VA facilities.   If you are a patient in need of directions to your clinic or other appointment, you may obtain directions from staff at the Patient Information desks upon your arrival at the medical center.  If you need driving directions to either facility, you may click on the appropriate link following.

Internships/Fellowships

I was a paid intern/fellow at your facility from (specify time period) and I need confirmation of this internship.  How do I obtain this?
If all you need is a written confirmation, we suggest that you contact your preceptor or program director here at VA Puget Sound.  However:

1) Paid - If you were paid by VA during your internship/fellowship and wish an official confirmation, you have 90 days from your last day of work to submit your request in writing to Human Resources.   After 90 days, your records are archived and sent to the National Personnel Record Center (NPRC) in St. Louis.  You will need to contact NPRC directly for the official confirmation:

National Personnel Record Center
(Civilian Personnel Records)
111 Winnebago Street
St. Louis MO  63118

2) Non-Paid - If you received no VA pay, stipend or other compensation during your internship/fellowship, you should also contact your preceptor or program director here at VA Puget Sound, or you may contact Human Resources for that confirmation.  Please note that after one year, your records will be purged from the system.

I need a written confirmation of an internship/fellowship completed by (specify name) at your facility on (specify dates) in (specify) department.
If you are writing on behalf of another person, Human Resources will not release internship/fellowship information to third parties.  The request must be made by the individual intern/fellow.

Miscellaneous

My husband (or other veteran family member) just passed away and I would like to have him/her to have a flag on their casket. How can I obtain one?
Normally, the funeral home provides the flag. They have the appropriate government forms available that need to be filled out for the flag.

My husband (or other veteran family member) just passed away and I would like to have him/her laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery. How can I make these arrangements?
The next of kin or the family's funeral director of choice may make arrangements directly with the Tahoma National Cemetery staff. Burial in a national cemetery is open to all active duty members of the Armed Forces and veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Their spouses, unremarried widows or widowers, minor children and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children are also eligible for burial.  For additional information, please contact the staff at Tahoma National Cemetery: 

     Tahoma National Cemetery 
     18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042
     Phone: (425) 413-9614
     http://www.cem.va.gov/nchp/tahoma.htm

Patient Care

I am a veteran, approved by the VA for health benefits.  How do I obtain a primary care provider?
To obtain a primary care provider or transfer your Primary Care to VA Puget Sound please complete the Primary Care Request form.  While you wait for your VA Primary Care appointment you should continue to receive your health care and medications from your current community provider.

How can I obtain services at the clinic in Bremerton?
To receive Primary Care at the Bremerton clinic, fill out and submit the Primary Care Request form and indicate Bremerton for your selected location.  You will then be contacted for an appointment. If he is not already enrolled, he can do so by enrolling online at the Veteran's Online Application website.

My father lives in British Columbia and he needs a hip replacement.  He is a veteran, eligible for health benefits.  How do we get on a waiting list?
If he is already enrolled in the VA system, please fill out and submit the Primary Care Request Form.  You will then be contacted for an appointment. If he is not already enrolled, he can do so by enrolling online at the Veteran's Online Application website.

I need some information on the hypothalamus and its disorders and could not find any information on the web.  Can you give me some references?
To learn about many disorders you can view the Health and Wellness Center page on our web site (http://www1.va.gov/psfitness/), which contains valuable information and links to quality patient education sites.

My CPAP machine for Sleep Apnea was damaged by airport baggage handlers and no longer works.  Where can I send it for repair or replacement?
If the CPAP machine was issued by VA Puget Sound, return the unit to the Respiratory Therapy department and a replacement will be issued.  If VA Puget Sound did not issue the machine, we will need to obtain documentation/prescription from the issuing VA before we can replace the defective unit.  For patients with CPAP machines not issued by VA Puget Sound, repairs can usually be obtained by contacting any Durable Medical Equipment company listed in the phone book.  You may contact the Pulmonary Section at the Seattle Division at 206-764-2494 for any related questions.

I am looking for men's health on your web site.  Do you have an area for men's health?
To find out about men's health and more you can view the Health and Wellness Center page on our web site (http://www1.va.gov/psfitness/ ), which is informative and provides links to other important educational and health related sites.

I would like information on Post Transplant AML Leukemia.  Could you please send anything that would be of benefit to me?
To learn about this and other disorders please visit the Health and Wellness Center page on our web site (http://www1.va.gov/psfitness/ ), which contains information and links to other educational health related web sites.

Can you tell me if the VA offers Cardiac electrophysiciology services (e./g., pacemaker, ICD, ablation)?
The VA offers pacemaker services, but not ICD, or ablation services.  To obtain these services, you must go through your Primary Care provider.

I have a father/uncle/brother/relative who is disabled veteran and needs help.  My relative is very frail and we are unable to care for him.  Is it possible to find a remedy for this situation?  
The first step is to be sure that the veteran is enrolled in the VA Health Care System.  You can start the enrollment process by enrolling online at the Veteran's Online Application website.  Once you have ensured that the veteran is enrolled, you will be required to fill and submit the Primary Care Request form (Do we have a copy of this form somewhere?).  For direct assistance, please contact the Social Work Department at the Seattle Division, call 206-764-2646 (or x62646) or at the American Lake Division, call 253-582-8440, x76800.  Social Workers are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm except on holidays.

Do you have any clinical studies ongoing with regard to ovarian cancer?
To learn about any ongoing studies you may view our research web page.

I am a female veteran.  Does the VA provide prenatal care?
A female veteran who receives Health care from the VA Puget Sound Health Care System may be approved to receive prenatal care.  Once approved the veteran chooses an OB physician or midwife in their community as their provider.  Once pregnant you can get in contact with the Women's Clinic social worker at either facility to request approval for this benefit.  For more information regarding women's health you can contact the Women Veterans Coordinator at (206) 764-2441.

I am a veteran, approved by the VA for health benefits.  How  do I obtain a primary care provider?
Upon receipt of your application for care 10/10EZ, your eligibility will be established and your health needs will be assessed.  Then you will be referred to a primary care provider.

Where Can I Get A Flu Shot?
Please check the VA Puget Sound Internet Web Site for open flu shot clinic dates and locations, or you can request a flu shot at your primary care clinic visit.

What is needed to make a sick call appointment?
If you have an urgent need, please contact Telehealth at American Lake (253)583-1234 or Seattle at (206)277-4200 for telephone advice or an urgent appointment with your primary care provider.  If you have an emergency you can be seen in the Emergency Rooms at either the Seattle or American Lake Divisions. 

Why doesn't the VA have an e-mail prescription procedure?
The VA has recognized the need to provide an electronic prescription and has been working to develop this capability.  Since we are very concerned about protecting your medical privacy and access to individual social security numbers, we want to assure that every possible computer security protection is in place before starting this Internet program. We are hopeful that this capability will be available sometime next year.

What is the average turn around time for receiving medicine? (prescription refill)
The average turn around time can vary.  To make sure that you receive your medication on time, we recommend that you order your refills at least 14 days before you run out of medication.

I need information about a specific disease or medical procedure.
Your provider would be your best first line of inquiry. You may also check with our library staff located at our Seattle division in building 1, room B-25. They can be reached by phone at (206) 277-6107.  Valuable links on many disease processes and related articles might also be found at our Health and Fitness Website at http://www1.va.gov/psfitness/ .  You may also want to search websites for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/,, or the National Institute for Health (NIH) at http://www.nih.gov/ for additional information.

Patient Records

How do I obtain a copy of a patient's records?  OR  I work for the State and I am working with a patient of yours who has requested services.  In order to make a determination, I need to obtain copies of his medical records.  How can I obtain a copy of his medical records?  OR  I was once treated at your facility.  How do I obtain a copy of my medical records?

To obtain a copy of medical records, mail a signed consent to: 

 VA Puget Sound Health Care System
 Release of Information
 S-007-HIMS
 1660 S. Columbian Way
 Seattle, WA 98108-1587

  or

 fax a signed consent to (206) 764-2062.

Your request must include the following information:

• Patient Name
• Patient Social Security Number
• The name and address of the person who will receive the copies
• The specific information you are requesting.  For example, lab results for the last year; outpatient notes for the last six months; the last two years of mental health clinic notes; the last two discharge summaries, etc.

Important:  If any of the information being requested for release includes information relating to alcohol or drug use, HIV or sickle cell anemia, the request must specifically mention this information.

You can also use VA Form 10-5345 (R), Release of Information.  If you have Adobe Acrobat , you can download the form from our VHA website.

How do I get a copy of my DD214 or medical records?  
To obtain information concerning your personnel records (e.g., DD Form 214 and medical records) contact the National Personnel Records Center . When requesting information, provide the following information:

Public Affairs

I am looking for information regarding Special Programs Honoring Veterans like the Valentine for Vets Programs.
Voluntary Service is a prime contact for the Valentines for Vets Program (National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans).  You may reach Voluntary Services at 1-800-329-8387, extension 71054.

You may also find out about upcoming events by going to the Office of Public Affairs section of our website which has a link to upcoming events and information. Activities and events may include holiday celebrations or remembrances, health fairs, professional medical activities and other special activities that will benefit or affect veterans or employees at VA Puget Sound. Log onto the VA Puget Sound website at: www.Puget-Sound.med.va.gov

I need to find information on the breakdown of veterans in the VISN 20 area.
This information is not published. To obtain information you will need to make a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request. You may do this by writing a letter, listing the specific information requested, to:
FOIA Officer MS-007-HIM
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
1660 S. Columbian Way
Seattle, WA 98108-1597

I am looking for a copy of a presentation by one of your Doctors, how do I get that?
You may try contacting the presenter directly, or by contacting the Administrator for that department/service line.

Vendors

How do I do business with the Department of Veteran's Affairs?
As a vendor offering a service or products, there are many levels in the Department of Veterans Affairs in which to do business with: an Individual Medical Center, VA Central Office, the National Acquisition Center, and the Denver Distribution Center.   Find out more by reviewing the Guide to Doing Business with the VA .   One of your first considerations in deciding whether or not you want to do business with the VA will probably be determining how the Federal Acquisition Process works and how you can participate in it. To find out more, navigate to the GSA Vendor Start-up Kit .

Volunteers

I would like to volunteer at your medical center.  What  volunteer opportunities are available, and how do I apply?
The American Lake and Seattle divisions offer a multitude of volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups that range from direct patient care to a variety of technical and administrative support functions.  Assignments may be weekly, monthly or one-time projects.  Schedules are flexible to best meet your needs.  Other volunteer assignments are available in neighboring communities such as:  Tahoma National Cemetery, Bremerton Outpatient Clinic and the Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham or Yakima Veteran Centers.  
 
If you would like to be mailed an application form or if you have further questions, please send us an email or call one of our campus offices:

American Lake:	(253) 583-1054 email
Seattle:	(206) 764 2195  email

  
 

Web Site

Do you have an estimate in terms in terms of the number of people that use the site for clinical purposes?
We maintain very general statistics on the frequency of site visits for web pages in order to determine if our content is meaningful.

I work with a veteran's organization and would like to have our organization website addressed placed as a link on your website.  How can I make this happen?
We do not accept requests for placing website addresses links to our website.