VA Boston Healthcare System

Frequently Asked Questions

This page provides answers to some of our veterans' most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find an answer to your question here, you can also try using our site search.

What is the Shared Care Policy?
What are the pharmacy hours of operation?
What are the lab hours of operation?
How do I obtain hard copies of my test results or other medical records? 

What is the Shared Care Policy?

We believe that your care is best coordinated by a single primary care provider, as this provides the highest degree of coordination and safety to you as a patient, which is why we request that you get all your primary care from your VA primary care provider. However, some patients choose to be followed by a non-VA primary care provider and “share” the care.

If you choose to be followed by a non-VA primary care provider, your VA primary care provider is under NO obligation to re-write medication prescriptions or to follow instructions given by that provider.

Veterans seeking care, medication or supplies from the VA MUST be enrolled in AND have a minimum of one visit ANNUALLY; that may include lab and other testing, with a VA primary care provider (VHA Directive 2002-074).

The Veteran is responsible for informing non-VA provider(s) that they are being cared for in the VA and for giving their VA primary care provider the name and address of all other provider(s) the Veteran is seeing.

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What are the pharmacy hours of operation?

Outpatient Pharmacies: (Jamaica Plain, Brockton and West Roxbury)
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 12N (West Roxbury only)

Community Based Outpatient Clinics: (Causeway Street, Lowell, Worcester)
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Inpatient Pharmacy: (inpatient hospitalized veterans only)

• Brockton:  Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
                   Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• West Roxbury: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Pharmacy Administration Office: (857) 364-4314
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

All of the above services, except for the inpatient pharmacy, are closed on all federal holidays. For more information on the pharmacy please visit their homepage at: http://www.boston.va.gov/services/pharmacy.asp

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What are the lab hours of operation?

• Brockton: 8:00am-5:30pm 1st floor, building 3, behind elevators. Follow signs.
• Jamaica Plain: 7:00am-4:30pm  2nd floor near the elevators, room #A2-73
• West Roxbury: 7:00am-5:00pm  1st floor, building 3, near elevators, room #1B-126
• Causeway St.: 8:00am-4:30pm  
• Lowell: 8:00am-4:30pm  
• Worcester: 8:00am-4:30pm

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How do I obtain hard copies of my test results or other medical records?

In order to obtain personal hard copies of test results or other medical records, you must sign a release form. You can download a release form here.*
As an alternative you may also write a letter giving your consent, which must include your:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Date of test (if you remember)

You may submit your completed request by:

• Mail: VA Boston Healthcare System, Attention: Medical Legal (136D), 940 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA, 02301
• FAX: 774-826-2388

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