To better serve the needs of veterans, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center has announced updated hours for its urgent care services. Starting September 24th, veterans can access urgent care during revised hours designed to align with periods of peak demand, ensuring timely and efficient healthcare when it’s needed most.
Understanding the New Urgent Care Hours
The updated operating hours for the urgent care clinic are as follows:
- Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
These changes reflect the medical center’s commitment to optimizing its services for the convenience and well-being of veteran patients. As stated by Medical Center Director Paul Hopkins, a veteran himself, the updated hours aim to “provide the best quality care to our patients” by being open “during the hours of greatest demand.”
When to Choose Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care
It’s important for veterans to understand the difference between urgent care and emergency care to seek the most appropriate medical attention. Urgent care is suitable for illnesses or injuries that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening.
Examples of urgent care needs include:
- Minor cuts, burns, or sprains
- Flu-like symptoms or infections
- Allergic reactions (non-severe)
In case of a medical emergency, immediate action is crucial. A medical emergency involves conditions that pose a significant risk to life or health if treatment is delayed.
Seek emergency care immediately for:
- Chest pain or signs of a heart attack
- Stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, slurred speech)
- Severe bleeding or trauma
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
For medical emergencies, veterans should go to the nearest emergency department (ED) or call 911.
Emergency Room Options and the MISSION Act
Thanks to the 2018 MISSION Act, veterans have increased access to community emergency care. Veterans in the Poplar Bluff area can utilize the following local emergency room facilities for emergency situations:
- Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, MO
- Southeast Health Ctr-Stoddard County, Dexter, MO
- Piggott Community Hospital, Piggott, AR
It is important to report emergency room visits to the VA within 72 hours by calling 844-724-7842.
Additional Healthcare Resources for Veterans
Beyond urgent and emergency care, veterans have access to other valuable VA healthcare services:
- VA Health Connect (833-381-1943): Speak with a registered nurse for symptom evaluation and guidance on the best course of treatment.
- Virtual Clinic Visits (VCV): Receive virtual urgent and episodic care, including medical advice, lab and imaging orders, and prescriptions.
Contact Information and Eligibility
For general information about urgent care eligibility or to confirm your specific eligibility, veterans can:
- Contact their local VA medical facility.
- Call 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), option 1, then option 3.
- Call the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center directly at 573-686-4151 for service inquiries.
The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center and its network of care facilities remain dedicated to serving veterans with high-quality and accessible healthcare. The updated urgent care hours and diverse service options are designed to ensure veterans receive the right care, at the right time.
