As you may know, VA implemented the MISSION Act on June 6. But one of the lesser known provisions of the law established a new urgent care benefit that allows eligible Veterans access to urgent and walk-in care at participating clinics in their communities.

This is a giant step forward in terms of convenience for patients, as eligible Veterans do not need to get prior authorization from VA to visit an urgent care provider in VA's network.

This urgent care benefit is meant to give Veterans a convenient way to get treatment for minor injuries and illnesses such as colds, strep throat and pink eye. To be eligible for urgent and walk-in care, Veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system and have received care through VA from either a VA or community provider within the past 24 months.

Participating urgent care clinics in the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System area can be found here: : https://vaurgentcarelocator.triwest.com/Locator/Care