Revolutionizing Lab Scheduling at VA Minneapolis Health Care
By Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer
February 27, 2026
Are you tired of the hassle of scheduling separate appointments for blood draws and primary care visits? Well, get ready for a game-changer! We're making labs easier and more accessible for our valued patients at VA Minneapolis Health Care.
Say goodbye to double-booking and hello to convenience!
No more back-to-back appointments. With our new system, you can walk right in for your lab work without a prior booking. If you have a primary care appointment at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, simply arrive at least an hour early. Head to the Blood Draw Clinic located in the basement, and then proceed to your appointment with plenty of time to spare.
But here's where it gets exciting (and a bit controversial).
Before your appointment, you might be able to view your lab results on the MyHealtheVet app. And the best part? Your provider will be able to explain the results to you during your visit. Now, this is where it gets interesting. If you're running late and can't complete your lab work at least 30 minutes before your appointment, don't worry! Just show up on time, and you'll be able to get your lab work done after your appointment. Your results will be sent to you via MyHealtheVet, and you'll also receive a letter in the mail. If you have any questions about your lab results, simply message your patient-aligned care team directly through MyHealtheVet on VA.gov.
But wait, there's more!
If you receive care at a Community Based Outpatient Clinic, your lab draw will be completed after your primary care visit, unless you've arranged a scheduled lab with your care team. So, if you have any questions for your care team, don't hesitate to contact them directly through MyHealtheVet. If you're not sure how to send a direct message, simply call, and someone will guide you through the process. You can also leave a message for your provider by calling the main line and pressing option two.
For those new to MyHealtheVet, we've got you covered!
If you're not familiar with the app and would prefer face-to-face assistance, the next time you're at the medical center, visit the Virtual Health Resource Center in the Flag Atrium. A friendly volunteer will help you set up the app on your phone, giving you access to your medical records, test results, and the ability to contact your care teams directly. So, what are you waiting for? Let's make labs easier and more convenient for everyone!
We appreciate your continued trust in VA for your healthcare needs. Stay tuned for more updates and improvements!
