Lake Nona VA Hospital: Complete Guide to the Orlando VA Medical Center
The Lake Nona VA Hospital is the Orlando VA Medical Center, a 1.2-million-square-foot facility at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. It opened in 2015 and provides inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care to more than 140,000 Veterans in Central Florida. It is the only VA-based inpatient hospital and urgent care facility in the region.
Quick Facts What Is the Lake Nona VA Hospital?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Orlando VA Medical Center (Lake Nona Campus) |
| Address | 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827-5812 |
| Main Phone | 407-631-1000 |
| Toll-Free | 800-922-7521 |
| VA Health Connect | 877-741-3400 |
| Mental Health Care | 407-631-2050 |
| Emergency Department | 24/7, First Floor |
| Opened | May 2015 (phased opening began February 2015) |
| Size | 1.2 million square feet on 65 acres |
| Inpatient Beds | 134 acute care beds |
| Community Living Center | 120 beds |
| Domiciliary (Residential Rehab) | 60 beds |
| Parking | East and West garages; 3,100+ spaces |
| Official Website | va.gov/orlando-health-care |
| Updated For | 2025 |
What Services Does the Lake Nona VA Hospital Offer?
The Lake Nona VA Hospital offers a full continuum of care, including inpatient hospitalization, surgery, emergency services, mental health treatment, specialty care, and long-term rehabilitation. It is designated a Level 1a tertiary care facility, meaning it provides the most complex medical and surgical care available in the VA system.
Inpatient and Surgical Services
The hospital houses 134 acute inpatient beds and provides complex medical and surgical care. Key features include:
Eight state-of-the-art operating rooms, including a hybrid operating room
Two linear accelerators for radiation oncology
Cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology laboratories
Two MRI machines, two PET/CT scanners, and three CT scanners
Smart operating rooms with integrated imaging displays
Emergency Care
The Emergency Department at Lake Nona is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. It is located on the first floor and provides walk-in care for Veterans. Emergency Department phone: 407-631-0100.
Mental Health Services
The Orlando VA Healthcare System operates two Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs. The Lake Nona campus hosts a 60-bed domiciliary for Veterans requiring structured mental health and substance use treatment. Services include individual therapy, group counseling, PTSD treatment, military sexual trauma (MST) counseling, and psychiatric medication management.
Women Veterans Health
The Women’s Health Clinic at Lake Nona provides comprehensive care, including primary care, gynecology, maternity care, ultrasounds, mammograms, and mental health counseling. Women Veterans also have access to wellness classes and the RENEW program for those 55 and older.
Community Living Center
The 120-bed Community Living Center (CLC) at Lake Nona provides skilled nursing care, long-term care, and rehabilitation for aging Veterans and those with chronic conditions requiring extended care.
Primary Care and Specialty Clinics
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe hospital includes a large multispecialty outpatient clinic offering primary care, cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, dental care, vision care (ophthalmology and optometry), audiology, and speech pathology.
Who Is Eligible for Care at the Lake Nona VA Hospital?
To receive care at the Lake Nona VA Hospital, you must be enrolled in VA health care. Eligibility is based on military service history, discharge status, and other factors.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for VA health care if you:
Served in the active military, naval, or air service, and
Were separated under any condition other than dishonorable
Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty may also be eligible.
Minimum Service Requirements
Most Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty.
Enhanced Eligibility Categories
Some Veterans qualify for enhanced eligibility status, which means they can enroll even if they don’t meet the minimum service requirements or income thresholds:
Combat Veterans: Those discharged on or after January 28, 2003, are eligible to enroll for five years from discharge
Veterans with service-connected disabilities
Former prisoners of war
Purple Heart recipients
Veterans exposed to toxic substances under the PACT Act
VA Priority Groups
VA health care uses priority groups (1 through 8) to determine enrollment and copay levels. Priority Group 1 includes Veterans with the most severe service-connected disabilities. Priority Group 8 includes Veterans with no service-connected conditions and income above VA thresholds.
Priority Group 4 includes Veterans who are catastrophically disabled. They are exempt from inpatient, outpatient, and medication copays.
How to Apply for VA Health Care at Lake Nona
Online Application
The fastest way to apply is online through VA.gov. Complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits.
Other Application Methods
By phone: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387)
In person: Visit the Lake Nona Enrollment Office, First Floor, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827
By mail: Print VA Form 10-10EZ and mail it to the Lake Nona campus
Required Documents
When applying, have the following ready:
Your DD-214 or separation documents
Copies of any VA disability award letters
Income information from the previous calendar year (if you have a 0% VA disability rating or are a non-service-connected Veteran)
Insurance information (including Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance)
Processing Time
VA health care enrollment applications are typically processed within a few weeks. Once enrolled, you will receive a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC). You must be enrolled before you can schedule appointments.
What Is the Orlando VA Healthcare System?
The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is the parent organization of the Lake Nona VA Hospital. It was officially established in October 2006 and designated a Level 1a tertiary care facility in 2021.
Facilities in the Network
The Orlando VA Healthcare System provides care at 12 locations across east central Florida:
| Facility | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando VA Medical Center (Lake Nona) | 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando | Full inpatient, outpatient, emergency |
| Lake Baldwin VA Clinic | 5201 Raymond St, Orlando | Urgent care, primary care, specialty |
| Viera VA Clinic | 2900 Veterans Way, Viera | Urgent care, primary care, specialty, surgery |
| Daytona Beach VA Clinic | 1776 N. Williamson Blvd, Daytona Beach | Primary care, specialty, mental health |
| Kissimmee VA Clinic | 701 Union St, Kissimmee | Primary care, lab, mental health |
| Clermont CBOC | 3200 Citrus Tower Blvd, Clermont | Primary care |
| Deltona CBOC | Deltona, FL | Primary care |
| Palm Bay CBOC | Palm Bay, FL | Primary care |
| Port Orange CBOC | Port Orange, FL | Primary care |
| Tavares CBOC | Tavares, FL | Primary care |
| Westside Pavilion | Orlando, FL | Specialty services |
| Winter Park CBOC | Winter Park, FL | Primary care |
The Lake Baldwin VA Clinic
The Lake Baldwin VA Clinic at 5201 Raymond Street in Orlando operates a 56-bed residential rehabilitation program (domiciliary) and provides urgent care, primary care, and specialty services. The urgent care clinic at Lake Baldwin offers same-day medical attention for Veterans with extended weekday hours starting at 7 a.m..
The Viera VA Clinic
The Viera VA Clinic at 2900 Veterans Way provides urgent care, primary care, specialty health services, mental health care, and surgery. It also hosts the VA’s “Close to Me” cancer care program.
What Is the Lake Nona Medical City?
The Lake Nona VA Hospital is part of the 650-acre Lake Nona Medical City, a health and life sciences park in southeast Orlando. The campus is home to several major medical institutions:
UCF College of Medicine
Nemours Children’s Hospital
UCF Lake Nona Hospital
SimLEARN National Simulation Center (VA’s simulation-based clinical training hub)
The VA hospital’s location within Medical City provides unique opportunities for research collaboration and clinical education.
Directions and Parking at the Lake Nona VA Hospital
How to Get There
The Lake Nona VA Hospital is located off Exit 19 (Lake Nona Boulevard) on Florida 417 Toll South.
From US 417 – Tavistock Blvd:
Exit US 417 at Narcoossee Road headed south
Continue to Tavistock Lakes Boulevard and turn right
Follow west to Lake Nona Boulevard and turn left
Follow south to Veterans Way and turn left
Follow Veterans Way through the main gate
From US 417 – Laureate Blvd:
Exit US 417 at Narcoossee Road headed south
Continue to Laureate Boulevard and turn right
Follow west to Veterans Way
Turn left and follow Veterans Way through the main gate
GPS Coordinates: 28°22’0.08″N, 81°16’35.27″W
Parking
The Lake Nona campus has more than 3,100 parking spaces in two parking garages (East and West) plus surface lots. Parking is free for Veterans and visitors. Additional parking is available in the south parking lot near the Emergency Department.
Public Transportation
LYNX bus route 407 provides service to the Lake Nona VA Hospital from the Kissimmee Intermodal Station. The fare is approximately $2.00. No service on Sundays and holidays.
Key Phone Numbers and Contacts
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Main Hospital | 407-631-1000 |
| Toll-Free | 800-922-7521 |
| VA Health Connect | 877-741-3400 |
| Mental Health Care | 407-631-2050 |
| Emergency Department | 407-631-0100 |
| Pharmacy (Outpatient) | 407-631-2882 |
| Dental Clinic | 407-631-3000 |
| Eye Clinic | 407-631-2000 |
| Patient Advocate | Available through main line |
| VA Police (Emergency) | 407-631-8276 |
| VA Police (Non-Emergency) | 407-631-5003 |
| Enrollment Office | First Floor, Lake Nona |
The main phone line is answered 24 hours a day. After hours or on weekends, ask for the administrator on duty.
Pharmacy Services
The outpatient pharmacy at Lake Nona is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The pharmacy phone number is 407-631-2882.
How to Refill Prescriptions
There are three ways to refill VA prescriptions:
By phone: Call the automated refill line
Online: Sign in to My HealtheVet at myhealth.va.gov
Mobile app: Use the VA mobile app for Apple or Android
The pharmacy is located in the main hallway on the first floor of the Lake Nona hospital.
Medical Records
How to Get Your Records
You can request copies of your VA medical records in three ways:
Online: Sign in to My HealtheVet to view, print, and download records
In person: Visit the Release of Information office at Lake Nona, First Floor, Business Office Rooms 1E402B and 1E402C
By mail or fax: Send a completed VA Form 10-5345a
What to Bring
A signed, written request for a copy of your records (VA Form 10-5345a)
Processing Time
Requests by mail or fax may take up to 20 business days to process.
Release of Information Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (Lake Nona location).
Patient Advocacy and Support Services
Patient Advocates
The Orlando VA Healthcare System has trained patient advocates available to help Veterans resolve issues with their care. Patient advocates can assist with:
Getting care
Resolving complaints
Understanding VA processes
Connecting with resources
Contact a patient advocate through the main hospital line at 407-631-1000.
Patient Ambassador Program
The Lake Nona campus operates a Patient Ambassador program staffed by Veteran volunteers who help patients navigate the large facility. Ambassadors assist with wayfinding, transportation within the hospital, and connecting Veterans with social workers for travel assistance.
Post-9/11 Military2VA Program
The OVAHCS offers a Post-9/11 Military2VA program with case managers and transition patient advocates specifically for Veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life. Contact through the main hospital line.
Community Care and Referrals
Veterans enrolled in VA health care may be eligible for care from community providers when VA cannot provide the needed services at Lake Nona or another VA facility.
How Community Care Works
If you need care that is not available at a VA facility, or if you meet certain access standards (such as long wait times or distance from a VA facility), your VA provider can refer you to an approved community provider.
Getting a Referral
To request community care, you must first contact your VA primary care provider. If a referral is clinically appropriate and you meet eligibility criteria, the VA will coordinate your care with a community provider and cover the cost.
Referral Coordination
The Orlando VA Healthcare System has a Referral Coordination Team that helps ensure eligible Veterans who want community care are referred and scheduled appropriately.
Transportation Assistance
DAV Van Service
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free van rides to and from VA Orlando health care facilities for Veterans who don’t have other transportation options. The vans are driven by volunteers.
Veterans Transportation Service (VTS)
The VTS provides safe and reliable transportation to Veterans who require assistance traveling to VA health care facilities and authorized non-VA appointments.
LYNX Public Transit
LYNX bus route 407 connects the Kissimmee Intermodal Station to the Lake Nona VA Hospital. Service operates Monday through Saturday.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying for Health Care at the Wrong Time
Many Veterans wait until they have a medical emergency to enroll in VA health care. Enrollment can take time, so apply as soon as you become eligible. You don’t need to be sick to enroll.
2. Not Bringing Required Documents
When visiting the enrollment office, bring your DD-214 and any VA disability award letters. Missing documents can delay your enrollment.
3. Assuming You’re Not Eligible
Many Veterans assume they earn too much or served too long ago to qualify. VA eligibility rules have expanded significantly, especially under the PACT Act. It’s worth checking.
4. Not Requesting a Referral Before Seeing a Community Provider
If you want VA to cover care from a non-VA provider, you must get a referral from your VA primary care provider first. Seeing a community provider without a referral may result in you being responsible for the bill.
5. Missing the Appeal Deadline
If you disagree with a VA decision on your benefits or health care, you have one year from the date of the decision letter to file a Notice of Disagreement. For Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions, the deadline may be 60 days.
6. Not Using My HealtheVet
My HealtheVet allows you to refill prescriptions, view lab results, send secure messages to your care team, and manage appointments online. Veterans who don’t use it often miss important updates.
7. Forgetting to Update Your Address
If you move or change your phone number, update your information with the VA immediately. Missed appointment notifications and decision letters can cause significant problems.
Appeals Process
If you disagree with a VA decision regarding your health care eligibility, benefits, or a claim, you have several options for appeal:
Three Review Options
Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence for a new decision
Higher-Level Review: Request a senior reviewer to examine your case based on the existing evidence
Board Appeal: Appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Deadlines
You generally have one year from the date of a VA decision letter to file a Notice of Disagreement
For Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions, you may have 60 days to file
Getting Help
You can seek assistance from accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the DAV, VFW, or American Legion. Many have offices at or near the Lake Nona VA Hospital.
Common Questions
What is the Lake Nona VA Hospital?
The Lake Nona VA Hospital is the Orlando VA Medical Center, a 1.2-million-square-foot facility at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. It opened in 2015 and provides inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care to more than 140,000 Veterans in Central Florida.
What is the phone number for Lake Nona VA Hospital?
The main phone number is 407-631-1000. The toll-free number is 800-922-7521. VA Health Connect is available at 877-741-3400. Mental health care can be reached at 407-631-2050.
Does the Lake Nona VA Hospital have an emergency room?
Yes. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. It is located on the first floor. The Emergency Department phone number is 407-631-0100.
How do I enroll in VA health care at Lake Nona?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Lake Nona Enrollment Office on the first floor. You’ll need your DD-214 and income information.
What services does the Lake Nona VA Hospital offer?
Services include inpatient medical and surgical care, emergency services, mental health treatment, primary care, specialty care (cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics), dental, vision, audiology, women’s health, and a 120-bed Community Living Center.
Is parking free at the Lake Nona VA Hospital?
Yes. Parking is free in the East and West garages and surface lots. The campus has more than 3,100 parking spaces. Additional parking is available near the Emergency Department.
Can I get care at Lake Nona if I have Medicare or private insurance?
Yes. You can use VA health care along with Medicare or private insurance. Having other insurance does not disqualify you from VA care, though it may affect your copays. VA is generally the primary payer for service-connected conditions.
What is the Community Living Center at Lake Nona?
The Community Living Center is a 120-bed facility providing skilled nursing care, long-term care, and rehabilitation for Veterans who need extended care. It is located on the Lake Nona campus.
Does Lake Nona VA Hospital have a women’s health clinic?
Yes. The Women’s Health Clinic provides primary care, gynecology, maternity care, mental health counseling, ultrasounds, and mammograms. Women Veterans also have access to wellness classes and the RENEW program for those 55 and older.
How do I get my medical records from Lake Nona VA?
You can get records online through My HealtheVet, in person at the Release of Information office (First Floor, Rooms 1E402B and 1E402C), or by mail using VA Form 10-5345a. Mail requests may take up to 20 business days.
What if I need to see a doctor outside the VA?
If VA cannot provide the care you need, your VA provider can refer you to a community provider through the Community Care program. You must have a referral from your VA provider before seeing a community provider for VA to cover the cost.
Is there transportation to the Lake Nona VA Hospital?
Yes. The DAV provides free van rides for Veterans without other transportation options. LYNX bus route 407 also serves the hospital from the Kissimmee Intermodal Station.
What is the Orlando VA Healthcare System?
The Orlando VA Healthcare System is the parent organization of the Lake Nona VA Hospital. It operates 12 locations across east central Florida, including the Lake Nona medical center, the Lake Baldwin clinic, the Viera clinic, and community-based outpatient clinics.
How do I refill my prescriptions from Lake Nona VA?
Refill prescriptions by phone, online through My HealtheVet at myhealth.va.gov, or through the VA mobile app. The outpatient pharmacy is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
What is the PACT Act and how does it affect Lake Nona Veterans?
The PACT Act expanded VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. If you served in certain locations or eras, you may now be eligible for VA care even if you were previously denied.
Can I appeal a VA health care decision?
Yes. If you disagree with a VA decision, you can file a Supplemental Claim, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You generally have one year to file a Notice of Disagreement.
What is the domiciliary at Lake Nona?
The domiciliary is a 60-bed residential rehabilitation program for Veterans requiring structured mental health and substance use treatment. It provides a therapeutic environment with counseling, life skills training, and vocational support.
Does Lake Nona VA Hospital have a pharmacy?
Yes. The outpatient pharmacy is on the first floor in the main hallway. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Phone: 407-631-2882.
What is My HealtheVet?
My HealtheVet is VA’s online patient portal. It lets you refill prescriptions, view lab results, send secure messages to your care team, and manage appointments. Sign up at myhealth.va.gov.
How do I contact a patient advocate at Lake Nona?
Call the main hospital line at 407-631-1000 and ask for a patient advocate. Patient advocates help Veterans resolve issues with their care and navigate the VA system.
Key Takeaways
The Lake Nona VA Hospital is the Orlando VA Medical Center, located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. Main phone: 407-631-1000.
It opened in 2015 and is the only VA-based inpatient hospital and urgent care facility in Central Florida, serving more than 140,000 Veterans.
The hospital has 134 acute inpatient beds, a 120-bed Community Living Center, and a 60-bed domiciliary for mental health and substance use treatment.
Services include emergency care (24/7), surgery, mental health, primary care, specialty care, women’s health, dental, and vision.
You must be enrolled in VA health care to receive care. Apply online with VA Form 10-10EZ, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Lake Nona Enrollment Office.
The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone: 407-631-0100.
Parking is free in the East and West garages. Public transit is available via LYNX route 407.
The Orlando VA Healthcare System operates 12 locations across east central Florida, including clinics in Lake Baldwin, Viera, Daytona Beach, and Kissimmee.
Community Care referrals are available when VA cannot provide needed services. A VA provider referral is required.
Appeals options include Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal. Deadlines apply—generally one year for a Notice of Disagreement.
Official Resources
VA.gov – Orlando VA Healthcare System: va.gov/orlando-health-care
VA Health Care Enrollment: va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
VA Form 10-10EZ: va.gov/forms/10-10ez
My HealtheVet: myhealth.va.gov
VA Benefits and Claims: va.gov
Board of Veterans’ Appeals: va.gov/board-of-veterans-appeals
PACT Act Information: va.gov/pact
Veterans Health Identification Card: va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card
VA Community Care: va.gov/communitycare
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