What to Expect on You Initial Appointment
Patients who elect to have their primary care delivered at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center will be assigned a primary care provider. This provider is part of the Primary Care Practice Teams (Red, White, or Blue) with other doctors, nurses and/or clerks at the medical center or one of our seven (7) community based outpatient clinics located in Anderson, Florence, Greenville, Orangeburg, Rock Hill, Spartanburg, and Sumter. The first primary care visit will be set up and scheduled within (30) to ninety (90) days after attending the Health Benefits Seminar.
During the first visit:
- The patient will meet his/her assigned primary care provider.
- A physical examination will be done. The primary care provider will determine if there is a need for additional diagnostic testing (which may include blood/lab work, x-ray, etc.).
- A complete medical history will be obtained.
The first primary care visit is an important one. This is the time for the patient to develop a relationship with his/her provider and get acquainted with other members of the primary care team. Patients may also receive health education materials and guidance that may include: smoking cessation, depression screening, weight and exercise education, flu vaccine and/or pneumovax, diabetes and colon cancer screening.
What is the procedure for scheduled appointment?
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes before you appointment for nursing pre-assessment.
- Once you have checked in, please do not leave the area. Wait for further instructions.
- Request that labs & x-rays be done a few days prior to your appointments, if possible.
- Bring your medications with you, including those from non-VA doctors.
- If you are a diabetic or have high blood pressure, bring your home glucose record and blood pressure records, if applicable.
- Please call to reschedule if you cannot keep an appointment or if you are going to be late.
When a patient arrives late for a scheduled appointment
If you arrive more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule. If you are late and you still wish to be seen that day, you may wait and we will make every effort to work you in. Please be on time so you can benefit from a full appointment slot.
Changing Your Appointment
For a listing of your current appointments, please call the Medical Center at (803) 647-5829 (In Columbia Call) or 1-800-293-8262 (Outside of Columbia Toll Free).
If you cannot keep an existing appointment, please contact us as soon as you are aware you cannot make your appointment. This will allow us to reschedule you sooner as well as schedule one of your fellow veterans for the original appointment date and time. Call (803) 647-5829 (In Columbia Call) or 1-800-293-8262 (Outside of Columbia Toll Free).
How do I contact my Primary Care Team or Provider if I have a question?
If you have a medical question or need to schedule an appointment please contact the Telephone Advice Program (TAP).
Outside of Columbia call Toll Free: 1 (800) 293-8262
In Columbia call: (803) 647-5829
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