The staff at the West Texas VA Health Care System have provided a number of ways for you to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and self-manage your own health.

The MyHealtheVet - VA Health Education Library site provides veterans and their families excellent, reliable patient education information as well as the latest VA News.  Information about veterans benefits and services is also available.

Upon registering with My HealtheVet, you will be able to —

• refill prescriptions online
• keep personal food and activity journals
• monitor your personal health data, such as blood pressure and pain levels
• maintain your own self-entered personal health record

Outpatient Classes

Clinical staff provide health education related to numerous health issues.  Group courses are offered on a regularly scheduled basis.
 
A Registered Dietician, Registered Nurse and a Pharmacist team up to provide classes on managing Diabetes.

In addition, we have a class called "MOVE" which helps our veterans with their weight management.

Education is tailored on a more personal level for the following:

Thinking about "quitting" the use of tobacco?  We also offer an individualized class, taught by a Pharmacist, to assist in the process of giving up tobacco products. 

You may be one of our many patients who are on Anticoagulants or "blood thinners".  There is Coumadin Clinic in our WTVAHCS which is staffed by a Registered Nurse who assists patients in medication and diet management for those taking anticoagulants. 

If you are interested in any of the education we offer, please ask your nurse or physician/practitioner to help you by providing a consult.

Inpatient Classes

From the time of admission into our facility, clinical staff will begin the process of patient education.  This will continue during your hospital stay and at discharge. Our healthcare providers will continually provide updated information to you.

You are encouraged to Speak Up!  We want you to ask questions regarding your care, medications, treatments and other information which you may need. 

New Patient Orientation  (NPO)

In order to help our newer veterans maneuver through the VA, we have two (2) classes each month entitled "New Patient Orientation".   The classes are offered the first Tuesday of every month and the third Thursday of every month.  Several departments participate in this 1 ½ hour class.

You will hear from the Health Administration Service (HAS) regarding appointment setting, changing and canceling.  They will explain the types of appointments available.

A Registered Pharmacist will explain the process for ordering medications and the VA formulary.  In addition, our Medication Reconciliation Process will be explained.

A nurse will also talk to you and explain what to expect when you come for your first appointment and following appointments.  You will be advised how to prepare for lab work and other infrequent appointments.

Social Services will explain the purpose of Advanced Directives, Power of Attorney for Health Care and Organ Donation.   Your right to have an autopsy performed at your death will also be discussed.

At the end of the class time, a short tour of the facility will be conducted.  If, at that time you have questions regarding your individual benefits, a counselor will be happy to spend one-on-one time with you.  Your picture will be taken for your VA identification, as well.

Should you wish to attend New Patient Orientation, please call us to make an appointment at (800) 472-1365, ext 7049 or (432) 263-7361, ext 7049. 
 

Health Trends Newsletters

Health Trends Newsletters are published quarterly and contain a wealth of health care information.  These newsletters are mailed to VA patients and are also available online. Health Trends Newsletters