Veteran Hospital New Mexico: Find the Closest VA Center

Veteran Hospital Near Me in New Mexico: How to Find the Closest VA Medical Center

The main VA hospital in New Mexico is the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center at 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. The main phone number is 505-265-1711 (toll-free: 800-465-8262). The emergency department is open 24/7. The VA New Mexico Healthcare System also operates 13 community-based outpatient clinics across the state, plus one in Durango, Colorado. To enroll, apply with VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Admissions/Enrollment office (Building 41, near the main entrance).

Quick Facts

What Is the VA New Mexico Healthcare System?

The VA New Mexico Healthcare System (NMVAHCS) is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care network serving veterans in New Mexico, southern Colorado, and West Texas. It is part of Veterans Integrated Service Network 22 (VISN 22), the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network, which includes medical centers and clinics in Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The system is anchored by the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque — a Complexity Level 1a teaching hospital, the highest complexity designation in the VA system. The medical center provides emergency care, primary care, and specialty health services across more than 50 service areas, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, mental health, and a dedicated women’s health clinic.

The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center opened on August 22, 1932, built on 516 acres on the mesa along the southeastern boundary of Albuquerque. In 2007, the medical center was renamed for Marine Capt. Raymond G. Murphy, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient who moved to New Mexico after the war and worked as a VA counselor for more than 30 years. The system employs more than 2,100 people, about one-third of whom are veterans themselves. More than 750 volunteers contribute over 100,000 hours each year.

Why this matters for New Mexico veterans: New Mexico has one of the highest percentages of rural veterans in the country. More than one-third of the state’s population lives in rural areas, and many veterans must travel long distances to reach the Albuquerque medical center. The VA New Mexico Healthcare System addresses this challenge through its network of 13 community-based outpatient clinics, telehealth services, and innovative home-based care programs.

What veterans should do next: If you are not yet enrolled in VA health care, apply today. Even if you live far from Albuquerque, enrolling gives you access to the CBOC network, telehealth services, and potential Community Care referrals to local providers. Call 1-877-222-8387 or visit VA.gov/health-care to begin your application.

How to Find the Closest VA Medical Center in New Mexico

To find the closest VA medical center or clinic in New Mexico, use the VA facility locator at va.gov/find-locations. Enter your city or ZIP code, select “VA health” as the facility type, and choose a service type (such as primary care, mental health, or emergency care). The locator will display the nearest facilities, along with addresses, phone numbers, and hours.

You can also use the VA Health & Benefits mobile app to find facilities, check wait times, and manage appointments. The app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

Decision tree: Which facility should you use?

What veterans should do next: If you are unsure which facility to use, call the Patient Response Center at 505-265-1711, press 3 — available 24/7 for nurse advice. They can help you decide whether to go to the emergency department, urgent care, or wait for a primary care appointment.

VA Medical Centers and Clinics in New Mexico

The VA New Mexico Healthcare System operates 14 locations across New Mexico and Colorado. Below is a complete list with addresses and phone numbers.

Main Medical Center

The Albuquerque VAMC is the only full-service VA hospital in New Mexico. It offers inpatient medical and surgical services, inpatient mental health care, a residential rehabilitation treatment program (RRTP), a community living center (CLC), spinal cord injury/disorders (SCI/D) services, and outpatient care.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Note on “VA health connect”: The VA New Mexico Healthcare System uses a centralized phone system called VA health connect. Instead of calling individual clinics directly, veterans can call 505-265-1711 or 800-465-8262 to reach scheduling, nurse advice, and administrative support. The system routes your call to the appropriate service or clinic.

El Paso VA Health Care System — Las Cruces Clinic

Veterans in southern New Mexico, particularly around Las Cruces, are served by the El Paso VA Health Care System, not the Albuquerque-based network. The Las Cruces VA Clinic is located at 3401 Del Rey Boulevard, Las Cruces, NM 88012. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Services include primary care, mental health care, extended care, and rehabilitation. The clinic phone number is 575-522-1241. The El Paso VA Health Care System main phone is 915-564-6100.

Services Offered at Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center

The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center offers more than 50 health services. The facility is a tertiary referral center with a Level 1 complexity rating — the highest designation in the VA system. Services include:

Emergency and Urgent Care

• Emergency Department: Open 24/7, every day of the year. The emergency department treats serious, life-threatening conditions including severe chest pain, seizures, heavy bleeding, and moderate to severe burns.

• Beacon Walk-In Clinic: Located in Building 41, first floor, near the ER. Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for urgent care needs that are not life-threatening.

Primary and Specialty Care

• Primary care (Patient Aligned Care Team model)

• Audiology

• Cardiology

• Dental

• Dermatology

• Endocrinology

• Gastroenterology

• Neurology

• Oncology

• Ophthalmology

• Optometry

• Orthopedics

• Pain medicine

• Physical therapy

• Podiatry

• Rheumatology

• Urology

Mental Health Services

• Same-day mental health and psychiatric care for new and established patients

• Individual and group therapy

• PTSD-specific programs

• Substance use disorder treatment

• Inpatient psychiatric care

• Suicide prevention and crisis intervention

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (press 1) or by texting 838255.

Women Veterans Health Care

The women’s health program at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center offers comprehensive care, including:

• Primary care and gynecology

• Maternity care, childbirth education, and postpartum support

• Ultrasounds and mammograms

• Mental health care and counseling

• Menopause support and hormone therapy

• Family planning and contraceptive care

• Sexual assault and military sexual trauma (MST) treatment

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services operates a dedicated Women Veterans Program to connect women veterans with health care, benefits, and peer support. Only 44% of eligible women veterans in New Mexico are enrolled in VA health care — a gap the program actively works to close.

Extended Care and Rehabilitation

• Community Living Center (CLC): Long-term nursing care for veterans who need ongoing support

• Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP): Structured rehabilitation for substance use and mental health conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D): Specialized care for veterans with spinal cord injuries

• Home-Based Primary Care: Health care delivered in the veteran’s home

• Hospice and Palliative Care

Additional Services

• Caregiver support

• Recreation therapy

• Sleep medicine

• Returning service member care (post-9/11 veterans)

• LGBTQ+ services

• Prosthetics and sensory aids

• Fisher House (temporary lodging for families of hospitalized veterans)

• Amputation care

How to Enroll in VA Health Care in New Mexico

To receive care at any VA facility in New Mexico, you must first enroll in VA health care. Enrollment is free and can be completed online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Most veterans who served in active military service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

The VA assigns veterans to priority groups based on service-connected disability rating, income, and military service history. Veterans with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, and Medal of Honor recipients receive the highest priority. Combat veterans discharged after January 28, 2003, receive enhanced enrollment placement for 10 years after discharge.

Priority groups determine:

• Whether you can enroll

• How soon you can access care

• Whether you pay copayments

Higher priority groups (1–5) have no copayments for medical care. Priority Groups 6 and 7 have copayments for care and medications. Priority Group 8 veterans may enroll based on income thresholds.

Step 2: Complete VA Form 10-10EZ

The Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) is the standard enrollment form. You can apply:

• Online: Go to VA.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez

• By phone: Call 1-877-222-8387 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET)

• By mail: Download, print, and mail VA Form 10-10EZ to your local VA facility

• In person: Visit the Admissions/Enrollment office at Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, Building 41, near the main entrance. Phone: 505-265-1711, ext. 4550

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

To get a faster decision, bring or upload:

• DD-214 or other discharge documents (NA Form 13038, NOAA Form 56-16, or PHS Form 1867)

• VA award letter showing your disability percentage, if applicable

• Income information from the previous calendar year (if you have a 0% VA disability rating or are a non-service-connected veteran)

• Current insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurance)

• Photo ID

Step 4: Submit Your Application

If applying in person at the Albuquerque VAMC, bring your completed form and documents to the Admissions/Enrollment office in Building 41. The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (hours may vary — call 505-265-1711, ext. 4550 to confirm).

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

The VA will review your application and send a decision letter. Processing times vary. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be expedited.

What veterans should do next: If you are unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway. The VA determines eligibility during the enrollment process. Certified Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) with the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services can provide free assistance with your application. Call the Santa Fe office at 505-827-6300 or the Albuquerque office at 505-383-2400.

VA Community Care in New Mexico

VA Community Care is a program that connects enrolled veterans with non-VA providers in their community when the VA cannot provide the needed care within certain wait-time or travel-distance standards. It is not a separate health plan — it is a referral-based program administered through the VA Community Care Network (CCN). New Mexico is in Region 4 of the CCN, which includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and other western states.

When You May Qualify for Community Care

You may be eligible for a Community Care referral if:

• The VA cannot provide the service you need at a VA facility

• The VA wait time for the service exceeds 28 days for primary care or 28 days for specialty care (or the clinically appropriate wait time set by your provider)

• You live more than 60 minutes driving time from a VA primary care facility or more than 120 minutes from a VA specialty care facility

• The VA cannot provide the care due to a service gap at your local facility

• You need care during a period when a VA facility is not available (e.g., after-hours emergency care)

How to Get a Community Care Referral

Community Care requires a referral from the VA. You cannot self-refer. Your VA primary care provider or specialist will submit a referral request through the Community Care department. Once approved, the VA schedules your appointment with a network provider and sends you an authorization letter with the appointment details.

For emergency care, no pre-authorization is required. If you receive emergency care from a non-VA facility, notify the VA within 72 hours to ensure coverage.

Why this matters in New Mexico: With only one full-service VA hospital in the state, Community Care is a critical option for veterans in southern New Mexico, the Four Corners region, and rural areas far from Albuquerque. Artesia General Hospital, for example, accepts VA Community Care (TriWest) and provides specialty care, emergency care, surgical services, and imaging for enrolled veterans in Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and Hobbs.

What veterans should do next: If you live far from a VA facility or need specialty care that is not available locally, ask your VA provider about a Community Care referral. For questions about eligibility, call the VA Community Care line at 1-866-606-8198.

Telehealth and Rural Health Care in New Mexico

The VA New Mexico Healthcare System is a national leader in rural health care innovation. With more than one-third of New Mexico’s population living in rural areas, the VA has developed several programs to reach veterans who cannot easily travel to Albuquerque.

VA Video Connect

VA Video Connect (VVC) allows veterans to meet with their VA providers by video from home or any private location with internet access. VVC is available for primary care, mental health, specialty consultations, and follow-up appointments. The VA New Mexico Healthcare System significantly expanded its use of clinical video telehealth (CVT) during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce in-person visits for rural veterans.

SCOUTS Program

The Supporting Community Outpatient, Urgent care & Telehealth Services (SCOUTS) program sends Intermediate Care Technicians (ICTs) to the homes of older or medically complex veterans who have recently been discharged from the emergency department. ICTs conduct home visits 48 to 72 hours after discharge, check for unmet needs (such as lack of internet access, dementia, malnutrition, or mobility issues), and facilitate a telehealth visit with a VA provider. The program aims to prevent repeat emergency department visits.

From its first SCOUTS consultation in August 2023 to January 2025, the Albuquerque SCOUTS team received more than 1,200 consultations and completed over 230 home visits. The program now operates at 10 VA sites nationwide.

Telehealth for Mental Health

Mental health care is available via telehealth through VA Video Connect. Same-day mental health appointments are available for both new and established patients. The Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) provides 24/7 support by phone, text (838255), or online chat.

Mobile Health Care

The VA New Mexico Healthcare System also supports mobile health care services for veterans in remote communities. Mobile clinics bring primary care, mental health care, and preventive screenings directly to rural areas. Contact your local CBOC or the Patient Response Center at 505-265-1711, press 3 to learn about upcoming mobile clinic visits in your area.

What veterans should do next: If you live far from a VA facility, ask your VA provider whether telehealth is an option for your care. You can also call the VA health connect line at 505-265-1711 to schedule a telehealth appointment or learn about mobile health visits in your area.

Emergency Care and Urgent Care in New Mexico

When to Use the VA Emergency Department

The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center Emergency Department in Albuquerque is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides immediate treatment for serious, life-threatening conditions, including:

• Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Signs of stroke (sudden weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking)

• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

• Moderate to severe burns

• Seizures

• Head injuries with loss of consciousness

Do not drive yourself to the emergency department if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 or have someone drive you.

When to Use Urgent Care

For non-life-threatening conditions that need prompt attention, use the Beacon Walk-In Clinic at the Albuquerque VAMC (Building 41, first floor, near the ER). The Beacon Clinic is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Conditions treated include:

• Colds, flu, and sore throats

• Minor cuts, sprains, and burns

• Ear and eye infections

• Rashes and skin conditions

• Urinary tract infections

• Minor injuries

The VA also offers urgent care through participating community providers. Under the VA’s urgent care benefit, enrolled veterans can receive urgent care from VA-authorized community providers without a referral. Copayments may apply.

Emergency Care at Non-VA Facilities

If you are enrolled in VA health care and need emergency care, you can go to any emergency room — VA or non-VA. The VA will cover emergency care for enrolled veterans, but you must notify the VA within 72 hours of receiving care. Call 505-265-1711 or the toll-free number 800-465-8262 to report emergency treatment at a non-VA facility.

Important: CBOCs in Alamogordo, Artesia, Espanola, Farmington, Gallup, Las Vegas, Rio Rancho, Raton, Santa Fe, Silver City, Taos, and Truth or Consequences do not provide emergency care services. If you have a life-threatening emergency near a CBOC, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

What veterans should do next: Save the VA emergency number (505-265-1711) in your phone. If you receive emergency care outside the VA, call this number within 72 hours to ensure coverage. For non-emergency health questions, use the Patient Response Center at 505-265-1711, press 3 — available 24/7 for nurse advice.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Assuming you need to go to Albuquerque for all care. The VA New Mexico Healthcare System operates 13 community-based outpatient clinics across the state. Most primary care, mental health, and routine specialty care is available at your local CBOC. You only need to travel to Albuquerque for specialized services.

2. Not enrolling before you need care. You must be enrolled in VA health care to receive care at any VA facility. Enrollment can take time to process. If you are not enrolled and need care, you can still apply, but you may face delays. Apply today at VA.gov.

3. Going to a CBOC for emergency care. CBOCs do not provide emergency services. For life-threatening conditions, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — VA or non-VA. For urgent but non-emergency needs, use the Beacon Walk-In Clinic at the Albuquerque VAMC or the VA’s urgent care benefit.

4. Forgetting to notify the VA after emergency care at a non-VA facility. If you receive emergency care outside the VA, you must notify the VA within 72 hours. Call 505-265-1711 or 800-465-8262. Failure to notify the VA can result in denied coverage.

5. Not bringing your DD-214 to your enrollment appointment. The DD-214 proves your military service. Without it, your application may be delayed. If you do not have your DD-214, you can request a replacement through the National Archives.

6. Assuming you are automatically enrolled in VA health care. Enrolling in VA health care is separate from receiving VA disability compensation or pension. You must complete VA Form 10-10EZ and receive an enrollment decision before you can receive care.

7. Not asking about Community Care. If you live far from a VA facility or need specialty care that is not available locally, you may qualify for a Community Care referral. Many veterans are unaware of this benefit. Ask your VA provider.

8. Using the wrong phone number for appointments. The VA health connect system uses a centralized number: 505-265-1711. For appointments, press 2 for primary and specialty care, or ext. 2150 for mental health. For nurse advice, press 3.

9. Forgetting to set up direct deposit for beneficiary travel. If you qualify for VA beneficiary travel reimbursement, your travel pay direct deposit is separate from your disability or pension direct deposit. Set it up through your VA facility’s Beneficiary Travel office.

10. Not updating DEERS after a life change. Marriage, divorce, birth, or a change in status can affect your eligibility for VA health care and other benefits. Keep your DEERS information current through milConnect.

What veterans should do next: If you have questions about your eligibility or benefits, contact a certified Veterans Service Officer (VSO) with the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services. Call the Santa Fe office at 505-827-6300 or the Albuquerque office at 505-383-2400 for free assistance.

Common Questions

What is the main VA hospital in New Mexico?
The main VA hospital in New Mexico is the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque. It is located at 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. The main phone number is 505-265-1711, and the toll-free number is 800-465-8262. The emergency department is open 24/7.

How many VA clinics are in New Mexico?
The VA New Mexico Healthcare System operates 13 community-based outpatient clinics in New Mexico: Alamogordo, Artesia, Espanola, Farmington, Gallup, Las Vegas, Rio Rancho, Raton, Santa Fe, Silver City, Taos, and Truth or Consequences. There is also a CBOC in Durango, Colorado. Veterans in southern New Mexico are served by the El Paso VA Health Care System’s Las Cruces Clinic.

How do I enroll in VA health care in New Mexico?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ. Apply online at VA.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, by mail, or in person at the Admissions/Enrollment office at Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center (Building 41, near the main entrance). Bring your DD-214, photo ID, income information, and insurance cards.

What documents do I need to enroll in VA health care?
You need a copy of your DD-214 or other discharge documents, a valid photo ID, income information from the previous calendar year (if applicable), and current insurance cards. A VA award letter showing your disability percentage is also helpful if you have a service-connected disability.

Does the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center have an emergency room?
Yes. The emergency department at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides immediate treatment for serious, life-threatening conditions. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I receive emergency care at a non-VA hospital?
Notify the VA within 72 hours of receiving emergency care at a non-VA facility. Call 505-265-1711 or 800-465-8262. Failure to notify the VA can result in denied coverage. Keep all receipts and medical records from the emergency visit.

Can I use VA health care if I live far from Albuquerque?
Yes. The VA New Mexico Healthcare System operates 13 CBOCs across the state for primary care, mental health, and routine specialty care. You may also qualify for VA Community Care, which connects you with local non-VA providers if you live more than 60 minutes from a VA primary care facility. Telehealth services are also available.

What is VA Community Care and how do I get a referral?
VA Community Care connects enrolled veterans with non-VA providers when the VA cannot provide the needed care within wait-time or travel-distance standards. You cannot self-refer — your VA provider must submit a referral. For questions, call 1-866-606-8198.

Does the VA offer telehealth appointments in New Mexico?
Yes. The VA New Mexico Healthcare System offers VA Video Connect for primary care, mental health, and specialty consultations. The SCOUTS program also provides in-home telehealth visits for veterans recently discharged from the emergency department. Ask your provider whether telehealth is an option for your care.

What mental health services are available at the VA in New Mexico?
The VA New Mexico Healthcare System offers same-day mental health and psychiatric care, individual and group therapy, PTSD-specific programs, substance use disorder treatment, and inpatient psychiatric care. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (press 1) or by texting 838255.

What women’s health services are available at the VA in New Mexico?
The women’s health program at Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center offers primary care, gynecology, maternity care, ultrasounds and mammograms, mental health counseling, menopause support, and treatment for military sexual trauma. The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services also operates a Women Veterans Program for outreach and support.

What is the Veterans Crisis Line number?
Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to use the crisis line. All calls are confidential.

How do I get help finding the closest VA facility to me?
Use the VA facility locator at va.gov/find-locations. Enter your city or ZIP code, select “VA health” as the facility type, and choose a service type. You can also download the VA Health & Benefits mobile app to find facilities and manage appointments.

Key Takeaways

• The main VA hospital in New Mexico is the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center at 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Main phone: 505-265-1711.

• The VA New Mexico Healthcare System operates 13 CBOCs across New Mexico plus one in Durango, Colorado. The Las Cruces Clinic is part of the El Paso VA Health Care System.

• The emergency department at the Albuquerque VAMC is open 24/7. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

• To enroll in VA health care, complete VA Form 10-10EZ. Apply online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Admissions/Enrollment office (Building 41, Albuquerque VAMC).

• Required documents: DD-214, photo ID, income information, and insurance cards. Bring these to your enrollment appointment for a faster decision.

• VA Community Care connects rural veterans with local providers when the VA cannot provide timely or geographically accessible care. You must have a VA referral.

• Telehealth and the SCOUTS program help veterans in remote areas receive care at home. Ask your provider about VA Video Connect.

• Notify the VA within 72 hours if you receive emergency care at a non-VA hospital. Call 505-265-1711 or 800-465-8262.

• Women veterans have dedicated health services at the Albuquerque VAMC, including maternity care, mammograms, and mental health counseling.

• Free benefits assistance is available through the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services. Call the Santa Fe office at 505-827-6300 or the Albuquerque office at 505-383-2400.

Official Resources

• VA New Mexico Healthcare System — va.gov/new-mexico-health-care

• Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center — va.gov/new-mexico-health-care/locations/raymond-g-murphy-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center

• VA Facility Locator — va.gov/find-locations

• VA Health Care Enrollment — va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez

• VA Form 10-10EZ — va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez

• VA Community Care — va.gov/communitycare

• New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services — dvs.nm.gov

• El Paso VA Health Care System — Las Cruces Clinic — va.gov/el-paso-health-care/locations/las-cruces-va-clinic

• Veterans Crisis Line — 988 (press 1) or text 838255

• National Archives — Request Military Records — archives.gov/personnel-records-center

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