Tessa Quinn
Transferring to another VA hospital is a relatively straightforward process, with over 1,300 VA facilities across the United States and its territories. If you are a veteran seeking a transfer, you must first verify your eligibility and ensure there is a position available at your preferred location. This can be done by conducting a job search on platforms like USAJobs, which offer a wide range of internal job postings. Once you've found a suitable position, you can proceed with the standard application process, including submitting an updated resume that highlights your current work and how you can contribute to the new location. It is also beneficial to consult with a Traveling Veteran Coordinator, who can assist in transferring your care and establishing appointments at the new facility. Additionally, if you are a traveling vet, you can have two VA facilities active simultaneously, allowing you to have two primary care doctors to cater to your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of VA facilities across the US | Over 1,300 |
| Transfer eligibility | No break in service of a single workday |
| Transfer position | Higher, lower, or same grade level |
| Transfer requirements | Meet all position requirements |
| Transfer application process | Job search on USAJobs, resume, cover letter, and necessary documentation |
| Transfer of care process | Contact PACT, who will work with Traveling Veteran Coordinator |
| Preferred facility | Chosen by the patient or VA based on proximity to home |
| Transfer of care outside the US | Sign up for the Foreign Medical Program |
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What You'll Learn
Contact your PACT and the Traveling Veteran Coordinator to transfer care
If you are a veteran seeking to transfer your care from one VA facility to another, you should first contact your PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team). Your PACT will work with the Traveling Veteran Coordinator to assist in transferring your care and establishing an appointment at the new VA facility. This process is especially important if you are changing regions, as different VA facilities have different computer systems, which can complicate the transfer of your medical records.
The Traveling Veteran Coordinator will set up your transfer so that you can have two primary care doctors at two VA facilities active at the same time. This is ideal if you are a travelling veteran, such as a snowbird, who splits their time between two locations. If you are moving outside the U.S., you will need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program. Through this program, the VA will pay for certain necessary healthcare services received in foreign countries to treat a service-connected disability or a condition that is worsening a service-connected disability.
To initiate the transfer process, you must first conduct your own job search to ensure that there is a position available or an anticipated vacancy at your preferred new location. You can search for open positions on USAJobs, filtering your results by jobs that are "internal to an agency". Once you've found a suitable position, proceed through the usual application steps: submit a resume, cover letter, and all necessary documentation. It is recommended that you update your resume to highlight the work you are currently doing at your current facility and showcase how you would be an asset at the new location.
If you feel comfortable, you can also try to get your supervisor and service chief on board to help facilitate a non-competitive hire. Once you have secured a position at the new VA facility, your PACT and the Traveling Veteran Coordinator will handle the rest of the transfer process, ensuring that your care is uninterrupted.
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Check eligibility and job availability at the new location
To transfer to another VA hospital, you must first check if you are eligible for a transfer. Typically, an employee may transfer to another location without a break in service of a single workday, allowing you to keep your "time in service" intact and preventing any gap in benefits or pay. However, you must meet all the requirements for the position at the new location, just as you would if you were an outside candidate.
To apply for a transfer, you must conduct your own job search and ensure that there is a position available or an anticipated vacancy at your preferred new location. You can search for open positions on USAJobs, where you can filter your results by jobs that are "internal to an agency". This will help narrow your search and limit the potential competition for the job you want.
Once you've found a suitable position, you can apply for the job, providing an updated resume that highlights the work you're currently doing and how you would be an asset at the new location. It is recommended to also get your supervisor and service chief on board, as they may be willing to reach out to the other facility's leadership and facilitate a non-competitive hire.
If you are a travelling vet, you can have two VA facilities active at the same time. In this case, you can ask to speak to a travelling vet coordinator, who will set it up so that you can have two primary care doctors.
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Apply for the job, including an updated resume
To apply for a transfer to another VA hospital, you must first conduct your own job search and identify a position available or an anticipated vacancy at your preferred new location. You can search for open positions on USAJobs, where you can filter your results by jobs that are "internal to an agency". Once you've found a suitable position, you can proceed with the application process.
When applying for the job, ensure that you have an updated resume that highlights your current work at your current VA hospital facility and showcases how your skills and experience will make you an asset at the new location. Include a cover letter and all necessary documentation, just as you did when you first joined the VA.
It is recommended to get your supervisor and service chief on board, as they may be willing to reach out to the other facility's leadership and facilitate a non-competitive hire. You can also contact a travelling vet coordinator, who can assist in transferring your care and establishing any necessary intake appointments at the new facility.
Remember, transferring to another VA hospital does not affect your "time in service" and prevents any gaps in benefits or pay. The transfer process within the VA system is generally quite straightforward, and internal moves are not dependent on the length of time you have been at your current hospital.
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No break in service, so no gap in benefits or pay
Transferring to another VA hospital is a straightforward process. With over 1,300 VA facilities across the United States and its territories, relocation is one of the more popular benefits. The first step in transferring is to verify that you are eligible. Typically, an employee can transfer to another location without a break in service of a single workday. This means that your "time in service" remains intact, preventing any gap in benefits or pay.
To apply for a transfer, you must first conduct your own job search. You can search for open positions on USAJobs, which currently lists over 7,000 jobs across the network. You can filter your results by jobs that are "internal to an agency", which may help narrow your search and limit potential competition. Once you've found a suitable position, you can apply just as you would if you were an outside candidate. This means providing a resume, cover letter, and all necessary documentation. However, be sure to update your resume to highlight your current role and how you would be an asset at the new location.
It's important to note that you can transfer to a position at a higher, lower, or the same grade level. Regardless of the level, you must meet all the requirements for the position. By taking these steps, you can successfully transfer to another VA hospital while maintaining continuity in your benefits and pay.
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Two VA facilities can be active at once for travelling vets
Veterans who are enrolled in VA healthcare can receive consistent care at their local VA health care facility or an alternate VA health care facility. If you are a travelling veteran, you can receive care at two VA facilities simultaneously. It is recommended that you notify your local VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure, or as soon as you are aware. Your PACT will then contact the Traveling Veteran Coordinator, who will assist in coordinating your care at the alternate VA health care facility.
If you are seeking a transfer to another VA facility, you must first conduct your own job search and ensure that there is a position available or an anticipated vacancy at your preferred location. You can search for open positions on USAJobs, where you can filter your results by jobs that are "internal to an agency". Once you have found a suitable position, you can apply just as you would if you were an outside candidate, by submitting a resume, cover letter, and all necessary documentation.
It is important to note that you can have your primary care provider or primary care team at your preferred VA facility. If you need to be referred to another service (such as cardiology or pulmonology) and you do not want to receive that service at the same VA, or if your home VA does not offer that service, you can request an inter-facility consult (IFC) to a second VA facility. Once established with that specialty at the second VA, you can schedule appointments directly with their department.
VA facilities operate within VA regions, or "VISNs", which may span multiple states. This means that receiving care across state lines may not be an issue, and it may even be easier to receive care at a VA facility in a different state but within the same VISN. Overall, the VA system aims to provide seamless care for travelling veterans or those seeking care at alternate facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Contact your PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) and they will work with the Traveling Veteran Coordinator to transfer your care and set up an appointment at the new facility.
If you are moving outside the US, you will need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program. This program covers certain health care services received in foreign countries for a service-connected disability or a disability that is worsening a service-connected condition.
Yes, to apply for a transfer, you must first conduct your own job search. You can search for open positions on USAJobs, where you can filter your results by jobs that are "internal to an agency." Once you've found a position, you can apply just as you would if you were an outside candidate.
When you apply for enrollment, you will be asked to choose a preferred VA facility. You may select any VA facility that is convenient for you. If you do not choose a preferred facility, the VA will choose the facility that is closest to your home. You may change your preferred facility at any time.
