Before You Visit

Determine Your Eligibility

Before receiving services with San Francisco VAMC, you should first determine your eligibility. Use our eligibility page to make an application for health care benefits.

Schedule an Appointment

Eligible veterans should contact the VA Medical Center to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. Getting an appointment can be done in a number of ways.

Change or Cancel an Appointment

If you have an existing appointment and cannot keep it, let us help you change it. This way, we will be able to see another veteran during that time period. Let us help you reschedule or cancel your appointment.

Hoptel

The Medical Center provides lodging to patients when lodging beds are available for any number of reasons.  Learn more about the Hoptel services we provide.

During Your Stay

Advance Directives

There may come a time when you are unable to decide or tell us what you want. You have the opportunity now to make some decisions ahead of time. Tell us in writing about the kind of care you want if you cannot speak for yourself.

Valuables

Personal funds of $10 or less should be more than sufficient for incidental expenses while hospitalized. For safety reasons money in excess of $10 should be deposited with our Agent Cashier, located in Building 2, Room 63.  The Agent Cashier is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  You will be provided with a receipt for your funds.  The Department of Veterans Affairs cannot be responsible for personal belongings or funds retained in your possession while you are hospitalized.

Patient Education

We want to assist you in learning more about your condition, how to live a healthily lifestyle, and ways to self-manage your own health. A number of educational resources are available to you at no cost.

Veterans Service Officers

Veterans Service Officers (VSO) provide information and assistance in obtaining state and federal veterans benefits.  At the San Francisco VA Medical Center various veteran service organizations have representatives on station who are available to help.

Customer Service

A number of programs have been established at this Medical Center to assist you in the event you have a concern or complaint. Let us help you resolve your issue.

Reporting Safety or Quality Care Issues

Speak with someone about a safety or quality care issue   you may have noticed during your stay.

After You Leave

Discharge Process

Now that you've been a patient, you may have some concerns after you leave. Let us help you on the path to recovery.

Billing and Insurance

You may be billed for a number of co-payments as a result of your stay or appointment. We can also file claims with your insurance. Learn more about billing and insurance.

Release of Information

The Release of Information Office processes requests for medical records and assists providers with completing forms for patients. Let our staff help you get the information you need.