Evanston VA Clinic

Primary care

• Veterans are assigned a primary care provider (family medicine or internal medicine) who coordinates overall health needs.
• Primary care teams provide:
• Routine and preventive care
• Management of chronic conditions
• Referrals to specialty clinics
• Coordination with mental health, women's health, social work, laboratory and telehealth services

Audiology

• Common conditions: tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss and vestibular (balance) conditions
• Services include:
• Hearing and balance evaluations
• Selection, fitting, management and repair of hearing aids and assistive listening devices
• Progressive tinnitus management
• Evaluation and treatment for auditory processing disorders
• Visits: By appointment; virtual visits may be available.
• A referral is not required according to the clinic page, but Veterans should follow current VA scheduling guidance.

Chiropractic care

• Chiropractors work with the health care team to diagnose and manage muscle and joint conditions, particularly of the back and neck.
• Services focus on non‑pharmacologic options, such as spinal manipulation and therapeutic exercises.
• A referral from your primary care provider is required under the clinic's description.

Laboratory and pathology

• The on-site laboratory supports diagnosis and ongoing care.
• Services include:
• Blood, urine and other laboratory testing for illness management
• Testing for infectious diseases
• Cytopathology and surgical pathology (analysis of cells and tissues)
• Typical lab hours (from the clinic page):
• Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Closed daily between noon and 1:00 p.m.
• Veterans can usually visit with or without an appointment; details may change based on current VA policy.

Nephrology (kidney care)

• Common conditions: chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, high blood pressure related to kidney disease, and fluid and electrolyte disorders.
• Services include:
• Evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic kidney diseases
• Management of complicated or difficult‑to‑control blood pressure
• Oversight of patients requiring hemodialysis (at appropriate VA sites)
• Service hours listed:
• Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy and kinesiotherapy

• These services help restore movement, function and independence after injury, surgery or disease.
• Care may address:
• Pain management
• Balance and fall prevention
• Post‑operative rehabilitation
• Orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions
• Some neurological and vestibular conditions
• Therapists may provide:
• Manual therapy and joint mobilization
• Therapeutic exercises and conditioning programs
• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Durable medical equipment such as crutches, canes or walkers
• Tele‑rehabilitation and limited concussion management are also mentioned in the clinic's description.

Podiatry (foot and ankle care)

• Common conditions: arthritis, bunions, diabetic foot issues, foot deformities, and skin or nail conditions.
• Services may include:
• Arthritis and joint care
• Treatment of fractures and tendon or ligament injuries
• Injections to reduce pain and swelling
• Foot and ankle surgery and post‑surgical care
• Foot health maintenance such as bunion care and nail trimming
• The clinic page notes a limited on‑site schedule (for example, certain Fridays in the morning); Veterans should confirm current podiatry clinic hours.

MOVE! weight management program

• The clinic participates in VA's MOVE! program, a weight management program for Veterans.
• Focus areas include:
• Healthy eating and portion control
• Understanding food labels
• Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar through diet and activity
• Increasing physical activity (often supported with a pedometer and resistance bands)
• Veterans can ask their primary care team or MOVE! coordinator about enrollment and available class formats.

Telehealth and connected care

• The Evanston VA Clinic uses VA telehealth options so Veterans can receive some care without traveling to the clinic.
• Services can include:
• Clinical video telehealth visits with providers
• Remote patient monitoring/home telehealth for certain conditions
• TeleAudiology, TeleDermatology, TeleEye screening and other specialty telehealth services
• VA Video Connect (secure video visits) and VA Mobile apps

My HealtheVet and VA.gov support

• A My HealtheVet coordinator is available to help Veterans:
• Set up and use secure sign‑in (for example, Login.gov or ID.me)
• Refill prescriptions online
• Send secure messages
• Review appointments and lab results
• Use the VA Health and Benefits mobile app

For any specific clinic, program or referral requirements, Veterans should follow instructions from their VA care team or check the Evanston VA Clinic page on VA.gov for the most current information.

The Evanston VA Clinic, as part of Lovell Federal health care - VA, offers dedicated services for Women Veterans.

Women's primary care

• Primary care providers with expertise in women's health offer comprehensive care for Women Veterans.
• Care may include:
• Routine primary care and preventive screenings
• Management of chronic conditions
• Coordination with mental health, maternity care, gynecology and specialty services

Women's mental health and recovery support

• Women Veterans can access mental health services tailored to their needs, including:
• Counseling and therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD and other conditions
• Support related to military sexual trauma (MST) and other trauma
• Coordination with psychiatry, social work and primary care.

Reproductive health and gynecology (through VA‑coordinated care)

Based on the clinic's VA.gov description, services connected to women's health may include:

• Obstetrics‑related coordination (maternity care coordination through VA)
• Gynecology services and referrals
• Screening services such as Pap smears and mammograms as indicated

These services may be provided on‑site or through coordinated care with other VA or community providers, depending on VA's current arrangements.

MST‑informed and gender‑sensitive care

• Women's health and mental health providers work with MST coordinators and IPV (intimate partner violence) coordinators to support Veterans who have experienced trauma.
• Care focuses on safety, respect and privacy while addressing both physical and mental health needs.

Equipment and accessibility

• VA materials note that women's health services may include access to female‑specific medical equipment and spaces that support the comfort and privacy of Women Veterans.

For details on exactly which women's health services are available on‑site at Evanston VA Clinic versus at other VA locations or community partners, Women Veterans should check the Women Veteran care information on VA.gov or talk with their primary care team or women's health coordinator.

Note: Phone numbers for the main line, VA Health Connect, and mental health clinic are listed on the official Evanston VA Clinic page on VA.gov and may change over time. Please refer to VA.gov or your appointment information for the most current phone numbers.

Facility hours

General facility hours for most outpatient services:

• Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

Hours may vary for specific clinics (for example, Audiology, Laboratory and pathology, Nephrology, Telehealth, or Podiatry). Veterans should always check their appointment instructions or contact the clinic for service-specific hours.

Cost and eligibility overview

• Visit cost: The Evanston VA Clinic notes "Cost: Free" on its location page for eligible Veterans receiving VA-covered care.
• Eligibility: Services are provided to eligible Veterans under VA health care. Eligibility and copay rules are determined by VA and may vary by Veteran and type of service. For detailed eligibility or copay questions, Veterans should check VA.gov or speak with VA staff.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair availability: Wheelchairs are available at the clinic for patients who need assistance accessing the building.
• The clinic is part of the VA system and follows VA accessibility standards for Veterans with disabilities.

Cost and basic access

• Cost: The Evanston VA Clinic lists clinic visits as free for eligible Veterans receiving VA-covered care.
• Veterans should confirm any copay or billing questions directly with VA staff or through VA.gov.

On-site accessibility

• Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs are available at the clinic entrance for Veterans who need help getting to and from appointments.

Transportation options for Veterans

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) vans

• The clinic partners with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and county Veterans Affairs offices to provide van transportation.
• DAV vans offer transportation for Veterans (and authorized caregivers) to and from scheduled medical appointments.
• Hours: Individual DAV van schedules vary by area and route.
• Veterans should contact the DAV transportation coordinator or their county VA office to ask about availability, pickup locations, and scheduling.

Shuttle and local transportation services

• The clinic's location page notes that shuttle services and local transportation services are "coming soon."
• Details (routes, schedules, eligibility) will be determined and communicated by VA as these services become available.

Beneficiary travel and travel reimbursement

The Evanston VA Clinic participates in VA's beneficiary travel program, which may help eligible Veterans and authorized caregivers with travel costs to and from approved VA health care appointments.

What beneficiary travel may cover

For those who qualify under VA rules, beneficiary travel benefits can include:

• Round-trip transportation from home to the VA facility or approved community care site
• Mileage reimbursement when using a personal vehicle
• Special mode transportation (for example, ambulance or specially equipped vehicle) when medically required and preapproved by VA

Eligibility overview (high level)

Under VA's national rules (described on VA.gov), eligibility for travel reimbursement typically depends on factors such as:

• Your VA disability rating
• Your income level
• Whether you are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition or certain other VA-approved reasons

Full eligibility criteria and benefit details are managed by VA centrally and can change over time. Veterans should always refer to VA.gov or the local Beneficiary Travel Office for current rules.

Filing a travel reimbursement claim

• Eligible Veterans and caregivers can file claims online through the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) on VA.gov.
• VA advises Veterans to:
• Save receipts for eligible travel expenses
• Track mileage to and from appointments
• File claims as soon as possible, generally within 30 days of the appointment
• Claims and rules are processed and decided by VA, not by the individual clinic.

For the most up-to-date instructions, forms and eligibility information, Veterans should consult the official File and manage travel reimbursement claims page on VA.gov or contact the Beneficiary Travel Office associated with Lovell Federal health care - VA.

• Common conditions treated: depression, anxiety, post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma‑related conditions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use concerns and other behavioral health issues.
• Services may include:
• Individual and group therapy
• Medication management
• Support for grief, stress, anger and relationship difficulties
• Care coordination with primary care and specialty clinics

Veterans may qualify for certain mental health services even if they are not fully enrolled in VA health care; VA determines eligibility.

Psychiatry

• Psychiatry teams provide:
• Diagnostic evaluations
• Medication management and monitoring
• Coordination with therapists, social workers and primary care
• Conditions addressed can include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders and other complex mental health needs.

Social work services

• Social workers help Veterans, families and caregivers with practical and emotional needs such as:
• Housing instability or homelessness
• Financial or benefits‑related stress
• Adjusting to illness, disability or major life changes
• Care coordination and discharge planning
• Social workers also connect Veterans with community resources and may provide individual, family or group counseling.

Suicide prevention and crisis support

• Veterans in crisis, or those concerned about a Veteran, can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1 for confidential support 24/7.
• Local suicide prevention coordinators affiliated with Lovell Federal health care - VA help connect Veterans to ongoing counseling, safety planning and support.
• Suicide prevention services may include:
• Enhanced case management
• Safety planning and risk assessment
• Connection to mental health and substance use treatment

Intimate partner violence (IPV) support

• The clinic participates in VA's Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP).
• Support may include:
• IPV care coordinators
• Links to community support groups, advocacy and legal services
• Referrals to domestic violence shelters and community partners
• Services for Veterans who are homeless
• Interventions and support for Veterans who use violence in relationships and want to change their behavior

Military sexual trauma (MST) care

• Military sexual trauma (MST) includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, or unwanted sexual contact or remarks that occurred during military service.
• The clinic offers MST‑related services such as:
• Counseling and therapy
• Psychiatric care
• Walk‑in or easily accessible support options as described in VA materials
• VA may provide MST‑related care even if a Veteran is not otherwise eligible for VA health care; MST eligibility and benefits are set by VA policy.

Minority Veteran program

• The Minority Veteran program focuses on outreach and support for Veterans from often underserved communities, including (but not limited to) African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Veterans.
• The program aims to:
• Increase awareness of VA services and benefits
• Identify and address gaps in services
• Advocate for minority Veterans within the VA system

For any mental health or counseling service, Veterans should contact VA using the numbers provided on VA.gov or ask their primary care team for a referral or warm handoff to mental health staff.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.