Patient Resources

VA Video Connect makes VA health care more convenient and reduces travel times for Veterans, especially those in very rural areas with limited access to VA health care facilities. VA Video Connect makes it quick and easy to access your VA health care team from any mobile or web-based device.

Easy to follow video demonstration for patients to conduct a video visit using VA Video Connect.

Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorder (SCI/D) appreciate the convenience offered by VA Video Connect Telehealth which allows them to visit with their health care providers from the convenience of their home using a personal computer or mobile device. In this video, both Veterans and their health care providers from the Dallas VA share their experience with VA Video Connect.

Frank's visit to the Tibor Rubin Medical Center campus shows how VA Long Beach helps Veterans navigate the healthcare system. Follow Frank's Outpatient Journey from before the visit, arriving at the facility, during the appointment, departing from the facility, and after the visit to see how VA was a trusted companion every step of the way.

Find out how eligible Veterans can use Veteran Transportation Service, Special Mode Transportation, and submit travel claims through the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) in this fun, animated video.

When you come to VA Long Beach, Director Walt Dannenberg doesn't want you to have just a good experience, he wants you to have an exceptional VIP Experience. In this video, we learn about an innovative patient education system (called The VIP Experience) designed to help Veterans navigate the health system, manage their care, and maximize their benefits.

A legally blind Veteran tells a younger Vet, who is experiencing vision loss, about the Blind Rehabilitation Center at VA Long Beach. Watch as Daniel describes how the BRC changed his life and helped him regain his independence.

In this audio description version of the video, a narrator describes the action on the screen to assist viewers with low vision. In the video, a legally blind Veteran tells a younger Vet, who is experiencing vision loss, about the Blind Rehabilitation Center at VA Long Beach. Watch as Daniel describes how the BRC changed his life and helped him regain his independence.

Mr. Martin is a 70-year-old Veteran experiencing vision loss. His daughter, Margot, has tried and failed to get him services in the community, and has heard the VA may be able to help. Watch as they meet with Linda, a VIST Coordinator, and learn about all the ways VA Long Beach's eye care and vision rehabilitation services can help Veterans with vision problems.

Eddie is a Veteran with a very busy lifestyle, and even though he loves his docs at VA Long Beach, it's hard to find the time to get there. Lucky for him, the Community Based Outpatient Clinics -- or CBOCs -- help him get the services he needs without slowing him down.

If taking charge of your health and well-being and living your life to the fullest sounds good to you, this short video about Whole Health at VA Long Beach will show you how to walk the Whole Health Circle.

Nickie, a Marine Veteran, talks to her grandma, a former Air Force pilot, about all the ways Women's Health has improved at the VA since her grandma's time. As Nickie talks about how all her Providers have been specially trained in Women's Health and how they really know and care about her, her grandma agrees maybe it is time that she takes another look at VA Healthcare.

Mason was having trouble reading and sleeping and was often irritable. But he never imagined he had a TBI. As a paratrooper who had some hard landings though, he came to realize he could have suffered a concussion -- which is a mild form of TBI. With the help of his wife and his Primary Care doctor, he learns about the signs and symptoms of TBI and works with a number of specialists at VA Long Beach to gain better control of his physical, emotional, and cognitive difficulties, manage his pain, and improve his overall health and well-being.

Samir has some questions, but in his family "mental health isn't even a thing." So he turns to some fellow Vets who let him know that getting help with his brain's health doesn't mean he's "weak" or "crazy." It means he's human.

After his injury, Lonnie felt hopeless. But that started to change when he was connected to the SCI Center at VA Long Beach. Now, thanks to the staff and Veteran mentors there, Lonnie knows he has a lifetime system of care.

In 2016, the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system in Long Beach, California was renamed the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center. In this short animated video, Mr. Rubin tells the story of how he went from a German concentration camp at the age of 13 to receiving a Congressional Medal of Honor 55 years after his acts of selfless bravery in the Korean War.

VA Video Connect (VVC) lets Veterans and their caregivers connect with VA healthcare providers through live video on any smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam. This video shows that VVC is safe, secure, and easy to use -- and that there is NO CO-PAY for VVC visits.

On her first day of work at VA Long Beach, Julie learns how Care Coordinators are the go-to resource for Veterans navigating the healthcare system. From basic cases like coordinating annual physicals and immunizations, to complex cases involving homelessness, substance abuse, and a host of medical conditions, Care Coordinators are part of a safety net designed to ensure that no Vet falls through the cracks.

When Jay needed surgery, VA Long Beach guided the process and got him through it safely -- without any surprises. In this short video Jay describes how the VA let him know what to expect before, during, and after surgery, and how they provided a clear list of steps he needed to take for success.

If you're a Veteran in need of health services -- even if you have other insurance, have been turned down in the past, or if you have questions about your eligibility -- we encourage you to contact us so we can help you get all the benefits you're eligible for.

The Lung Cancer Screening Program at VA is designed for Veterans age 50 to 80, who smoke cigarettes now or have quit within the last 15 years, and who smoked cigarettes for at least 20 pack-years. 5 out of every 100 people who are screened annually will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Because 3 of those 5 will be diagnosed early, and because early detection saves lives, this video is designed to help you determine if the annual screening program is right for you.

If you or someone you know is getting a wheelchair or other equipment at VA Long Beach SCI/D, this video is for you. Learn the steps every order goes through, how long it should take to receive your equipment, and who to contact if you haven't heard from us within the expected timeline.

If VA cannot provide the care needed, VA provides care to Veterans through community providers.  In this video, "Medic Mike" tries to help fellow Veterans understand the care in the community process by documenting his own journey.

This SCI Forum video features presentations by two vocational counselors and a panel of six individuals with spinal cord injuries, moderated by Steve Stiens, MD.

Dr. Elizabeth Aubry, Chief of Staff at VA Long Beach Healthcare System, talks with a Veteran and three of his providers about The VIP Experience. The Veteran talks about how the video patient education platform helped him through his treatment and recovery, and reveals the personal reason he had for his medical goals.

Chaplain Services provides spiritual and religious care to Veterans and their families regardless of their backgrounds. Part of an interdisciplinary care team, chaplains provide support and counseling for those dealing with religious, spiritual, moral issues including the stress, grief, and anxiety that often goes with making important medical decisions. This video shows Veterans that if they ever want to talk or just have someone listen to them, Chaplain Service is always available.

If you or a loved one has heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (also called HFrEF or systolic heart failure), this video is for you. Follow Jerry as he learns about Guideline-Directed Medication Therapy (GDMT) which has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and reduce deaths. By following his medication regimen and adopting some heart healthy habits, he is able to improve his heart function and normalize his ejection fraction.

Your VA health care benefits include not only prescription medicines and medical supplies prescribed by your VA health care team, but access to pharmacists who can answer your questions and help keep you safe. This video gives a brief overview of some of the pharmacy services offered at VA Long Beach and how best to renew, refill, and receive your medications.

An Advance Directive is a legal document that lets your doctors and loved ones understand your medical and mental health care wishes. If there ever comes a time when you aren't able to make decisions for yourself, an Advance Directive will remove all doubt as to who will make those decisions, and what you would like them to do. This short video details important information about the form and why every Veteran should have one on file.

For Veterans who visit the Emergency Department, understanding the discharge process and knowing what comes next is critical. In this video, follow Sal as he learns about the 4 Steps of discharge and how each step is designed to keep him safe.

Research shows that a team approach to healthcare leads to better quality care, more satisfied patients, and fewer hospital visits. That's why VA uses Patient Aligned Care Teams -- or PACTs -- to support Veterans, families, and caregivers. In this video, you'll learn what a PACT is, what it does for Veterans, and how to contact your PACT if you need help.

Did you know that patient education can help you better understand and manage your health and medications, reduce complications related to illness, and improve your overall healthcare experience? It's true! This video shows how VA is using an innovative new platform called The VIP Experience to put patient education at your fingertips.

This resources presents the Rights and Responsibilities for both VA Patients and Residents of Community Living Centers, as well as those of their Family Members. © VA National Center for Ethics in Health Care

Veteran Bailey wants to get his eyes examined, but he's not sure where to start. In this video he learns the difference between Optometry and Ophthalmology as well as some of the vision services offered by each.

Because a positive arrival to the medical center is more likely to set a good tone for the rest of a Veteran's stay, this video is designed to welcome patients to the Ernest Bors Spinal Cord Injury Center in Long Beach warmly, answer frequently asked questions, and let them know how to get help if they need it.

If you or a loved one is admitted to Inpatient Medicine at VA Long Beach, this video is for you. It's designed to orient you to your surroundings, answer some frequently asked questions, and let you know how to get help if you need it.

Veterans and employees alike are sometimes misinformed about -- or unaware of -- the importance of the VA Long Beach Experience Office function and how we help Veterans. In this video Chief Experience Officer Dustin Thompson provides an overview of the seven sections under the Experience Office and how each contributes our mission: to create 5-Star Experiences for our 5-Star Employees and our Nation's Heroes.

For more than 25 years, the Fisher House program has provided "a home away from home" for families of patients receiving care at VA medical centers. These homes offer free, temporary lodging to military and veterans' families, allowing them to be close to their loved one during a medical crisis and focus on what's important—the healing process. In this video, we learn about the accommodations provided, who qualifies, and how to contact the Long Beach Fisher House.

As you prepare to be discharged from Inpatient Medicine, we want you to know that whether you are going home, to a skilled nursing facility, or to some other location, our primary mission is your continued health and safety. In this short video we'll review the discharge process so that you'll know what to expect every step of the way and be prepared for a successful recovery.

After her primary care provider refers her for mental health treatment, Veteran Smtih is scheduled for a consult with the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this video, she goes to her consult appointment, gets an overview of who is on her BHIP Team and what their roles are, and learns about how the program works.

As a VA patient, you have the right to make informed decisions about your health care. This includes decisions about medical care and about mental health care. This document outlines when you'll be asked to give informed consent, what will happen in an informed consent discussion, who can give informed consent, signing the consent, and where you can find more information. © Veterans Affairs Health System

Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. That's why VA recommends that all women Veterans aged 40 and over receive annual mammography screenings. In this short video, we'll help you understand the importance of breast cancer screening and how to get services at the VA Long Beach Breast Imaging Center.

High Reliability Organizations (HROs) operate in highly complex, high-risk environments, yet experience fewer accidents or events of harm. Because VA Long Beach is completely committed to preventing harm, and providing all Veterans with exceptional care, the medical center is on a journey to become an HRO. Learn more about that journey in this short video.

After discharge from Inpatient Medicine, some Veterans will need to see one or more Specialty Clinics. This short video is designed to help you understand what comes next.

This short video reviews the two most common pathways Veterans take from Inpatient Medicine to Primary Care. The first path is for those who are already assigned a PACT Team, and the second is for those who are not. Patient Aligned Care Teams -- or PACTs -- are designed to make sure Veterans get timely care and their questions are answered in a timely manner. Whatever path you take, we want to make sure you know what to expect when you are discharged from Inpatient Medicine.

Some Veterans may not want to come to the Emergency Department at VA Long Beach for fear that they are taking care away from another Vet who may need more help than they do. This video address when Veterans should come to the E.D. or call 9-1-1. The video also provides information about Tele Emergency Care, which offers telehealth urgent care services.

In health care, patients and families often face the difficult question of "what should be done?" The best choice for one patient may be the wrong choice for another. Your VA health care team is there to help you with these tough decisions. But if you are still not sure about what is right or what should be done, you may wish to request an ethics consultation. © Veterans Affairs Health System

Learn how to identify and report instances of fraud, waste and abuse.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Enhanced-Use Lease Program (EUL) is an important component of both VA's mission to end Veteran homelessness and the departments overall asset management program. Through this program, VA out-leases underutilized real estate under its jurisdiction or control to the private sector for up to 75 years for the purpose of developing supportive housing for homeless and at risk Veterans and their families. Through this innovative portfolio management tool, Veterans are provided with an expanded range of services that would not otherwise be available on medical center campuses. © U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Contingency management is an approach that motivates patients to remain engaged in treatment to help them achieve their goals.

My HealtheVet offers you tips and tools to help you partner with your health care team, so together you may work to manage your health. Here you may find useful resources when you need them.

Brochure detailing how to navigate through the myhealthevet website. © Veteran's Health Administration

The VA can deliver care most any where, learn about the Telehealth program.

This is an introductory tour of the Veterans Health Library. Viewers will learn about key features of the library and how to navigate the site with ease.

Veterans Health Administration has a new term being used in primary care called Patient Aligned Care Teams or PACT. PACT is designed to provide whole-person care and life-long health and wellness. PACT uses a team approach that includes many healthcare experts and resources. PACT is your healthcare team. You, the Veteran, are the center of the team and an active participant in making decisions. To learn more, watch this program.

In Part 2, you will continue to learn about Patient Aligned Care Teams or PACT.

Discover resources especially for Veterans and Service members related to job performance, making the transition to civilian life, and recognizing other issues you may be dealing with.

Veterans who faced homelessness describe their experiences in restoring stability to their lives. The circumstances that left them with no place to live vary. Yet each took advantage of resources that help Veterans find counseling, support, work solutions, and housing. Reaching out for support was a sign of strength and improved their lives.

The Million Veteran Program, or MVP, an important partnership between VA and Veterans who volunteer to participate in order to better understand how genes affect health and illness, with the goal of improving health care for Veterans.

The Million Veteran Program, or MVP, an important partnership between VA and Veterans who volunteer to participate in order to better understand how genes affect health and illness, with the goal of improving health care for Veterans.

Learn what it means for treatments to be considered 'evidence-based' and why these treatments are preferred.

Lays out TBI clinic, care coordination, and general description of care coordination departments. © VA Long Beach

List of all informational numbers and hotlines correlating to TBI and mental health. © Veteran's Health Administration

Provides clinic contact information as well as different department locations and extensions. © VA Long Beach

This resource lists the services available to veterans through the social services program. © U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

This resource lists how the social services program can help veterans and their families. © U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

An ethics consultation helps patients and their families make better informed decisions about care.