VA Hospital Albuquerque New Mexico: Complete 2026 Guide

VA Hospital Albuquerque New Mexico: Complete 2026 Guide

The VA hospital in Albuquerque is the Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, located at 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. The main phone number is 505-265-1711 or 800-465-8262. It is a 24/7 tertiary care referral center offering emergency care, primary care, and more than 50 specialty health services to New Mexico and Colorado veterans.

Quick Facts

What Is the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center?

The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center is the primary VA healthcare facility in New Mexico and the only full-service VA medical center in the state. It is named after Marine Medal of Honor recipient Raymond “Jerry” G. Murphy and has served veterans since opening on August 22, 1932.

The facility is part of the VA New Mexico Healthcare System, which operates the medical center in Albuquerque plus 13 community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) across New Mexico and southern Colorado. The network provides care for approximately 98,000 veterans, many of whom travel several hours from rural areas for appointments and surgeries.

The medical center is a Joint Commission-accredited, VHA complexity level 1b tertiary care referral center with a 24-hour Emergency Room. It serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Facility Hours

The medical center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency services. Individual clinic and service hours vary. Veterans should check specific service hours before visiting.

Cost

Care at the VA hospital is free for enrolled veterans with service-connected conditions. For other enrolled veterans, copayments may apply based on priority group and financial assessment. No veteran is denied care due to inability to pay.

Location, Contact, and Parking

Address

1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108-5153

Phone Numbers

• Main number: 505-265-1711

• Toll-free: 800-465-8262

• Mental health care: Available through the main number

• VA health connect: Available through the main number

Parking

Free parking is available on the VA campus. Veterans should park in designated patient parking lots. Once inside the main entrance, signage directs patients to specific clinics and services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available upon arrival for patients who need them.

Directions

The medical center is located in southeast Albuquerque near the intersection of San Pedro Drive and Ridgecrest Drive. It is accessible via I-40 and I-25. Google Maps and Waze provide turn-by-turn directions to 1501 San Pedro Dr SE.

Services Offered at the Albuquerque VA Hospital

The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center offers more than 50 health services for New Mexico and Colorado veterans. Services include emergency care, primary care, and specialty care across a wide range of medical disciplines.

Core Medical Services

• Emergency care: 24-hour emergency department for acute medical and psychiatric emergencies

• Primary care: Comprehensive primary care for enrolled veterans

• Inpatient medical and surgical services: Hospital-based medical, surgical, and mental health care

• Mental health services: Individual and group therapy, psychiatry, psychology, and substance use treatment

• Women’s health clinic: Gender-specific primary care, gynecology, and reproductive health services

• Caregiver support: Resources and support for family caregivers of veterans

Specialty Services

• Spinal cord injuries and disorders: Specialized care for veterans with spinal cord injuries

• Sleep medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders

• Recreation and creative arts therapy: Adaptive arts, crafts, games, sports, and exercise for veterans with injuries, chronic illness, or disabling conditions

• Returning service member care: Transition support for veterans returning from deployment

• LGBTQ+ services: Safe, affirming care including hormone therapy, HIV prevention, and substance use treatment

• Minority veteran care: Programs addressing the specific needs of Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American veterans

• Homeless veteran care: Programs and services including free healthcare, housing assistance, and job training

• Addiction and substance use care: Treatment for substance use disorders

• Audiology, cardiology, dental, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, OB/GYN, occupational therapy, oncology, ophthalmology: Specialty care across multiple disciplines

Patient Advocates

Patient advocates are available to help veterans navigate the system, resolve concerns, and ensure they receive the best possible care. They advocate for patient and family rights and serve as advocates for minority veterans, women veterans, and veterans with disabilities.

How to Register for Care at the Albuquerque VA Hospital

New patients must enroll in VA healthcare before receiving services. Enrollment is free, and veterans can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

VA healthcare eligibility is based on military service, discharge type, disability rating, and financial need. Combat veterans discharged after January 28, 2003, receive enhanced enrollment placement.

Step 2: Complete VA Form 10-10EZ

The Application for Health Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) is the required form. Apply online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387 (VETS), by mail, or in person at the Enrollment Office.

Step 3: Visit the Enrollment Office

The Enrollment Office is located on the first floor of the main hospital building at the Albuquerque VA Medical Center. Bring your DD-214 to receive your VA medical ID card.

Step 4: Complete a financial assessment (if required)

Some veterans must complete an annual assessment of household income to determine copayment obligations. The Eligibility and Enrollment Supervisor at the New Mexico VA Medical Center can answer questions about financial assessments.

Step 5: Schedule your first appointment

After enrollment, veterans are assigned a primary care provider. Call 505-265-1711 to schedule your first appointment.

Required Documents for Registration

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)

• Photo identification

• Social Security number

• Income information (for financial assessment)

• Insurance information (if applicable)

Online Registration

Veterans can apply for VA healthcare online at VA.gov/health-care/eligibility. The online application takes approximately 15–30 minutes. After submitting, veterans receive a confirmation and can track their application status.

Eligibility for VA Healthcare in Albuquerque

VA healthcare eligibility is determined by federal law and applies uniformly across all VA facilities, including Albuquerque. The VA does not set a minimum credit score or income limit that automatically disqualifies veterans from care.

Who Qualifies

• Veterans who served 24 months of active duty (or the full period for which they were called to active duty) and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

• Veterans who served 90 days of active duty during wartime

• Veterans who served 181 days of active duty during peacetime

• National Guard and Reserve members who served 6 years

• Combat veterans discharged after January 28, 2003 (enhanced eligibility for 10 years after discharge)

• Veterans with service-connected disabilities (Priority Group 1–3)

• Veterans receiving VA pension or compensation

Priority Groups

The VA assigns enrolled veterans to priority groups based on disability rating, income, and other factors. Lower priority group numbers receive priority for enrollment and have lower or no copayments.

Income Limits

All income levels are accepted for VA healthcare enrollment. However, income determines priority group placement and copayment obligations. Veterans with income below certain thresholds may qualify for reduced or no copayments.

Wait Times at the Albuquerque VA Hospital

Wait times vary by service and whether a patient is new or established. The VA publishes facility-level wait time data to help veterans understand what to expect.

Current Wait Times (as of 2026)

Source: VA Access to Care data, last updated March 2026.

Appointment Access

According to VA survey data, 80% of veterans reported they were always or usually able to get an appointment for urgent primary care as soon as needed. For routine primary care, 87% reported timely access. Specialty care access rates were 85% for routine and 67% for urgent needs.

Trust in Care

The overall trust score at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center is 91.2%, based on VHA Outpatient Services surveys from the past 90 days. This score reflects the percentage of respondents who agreed or strongly agreed that they trust the facility for their healthcare needs.

Transportation Options for Veterans

Transportation is a major barrier for many veterans in New Mexico, where the VA medical center is in Albuquerque and the state spans over 121,000 square miles. Several free and low-cost options are available.

Veteran Transportation Service (VTS)

VTS provides wheelchair-accessible transport vans for veteran patients within 25 miles of the Albuquerque VA Medical Center and the Rio Rancho Northwest Metro VA Clinic. Door-to-door shuttle service is available on a first-come, first-served basis for appointments between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Veterans must call three business days in advance.

Contact: Daniel Shrodt at daniel.schrodt@va.gov or 505-265-1711, ext. 5438 or 7029. Alternate: Hugo Rodriquez at Hugo.Rodriquez@va.gov or 505-265-1711, ext. 4506.

Rural Veterans Transportation Program (RVTP)

The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services operates the RVTP for veterans in rural counties, including Catron, Cibola, Colfax, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Mora, Quay, San Miguel, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, and Union counties. Free round-trip rides to VA-authorized medical appointments require reservations at least three days in advance. Call DVS Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Veterans do not need to be disabled to use this service.

Southeast New Mexico Veterans Transportation Network

This network serves veterans in the Southeast region of New Mexico from Roswell. Phone: 575-622-0729. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST, Monday through Thursday.

Sun Van Paratransit Service

The Albuquerque Sun Van offers no-cost transportation for veterans living within Albuquerque city limits. Scheduling requires 1–3 days advance notice, or 5 days for Friday appointments. Veterans must complete an application before using the service.

Specialized Programs and Services

Homeless Veteran Care

The VA New Mexico Healthcare System offers comprehensive services for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Services include immediate food and shelter needs, transitional and permanent housing, job training, life skills development, education, justice system navigation, financial support, addiction treatment, and health and dental care.

Walk-in Clinic Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Building #96
No referral required. Contact a care coordinator to get started.

Women Veterans Health Care

The Women Veteran’s Health Care Program provides gender-specific primary care, gynecology, and reproductive health services. A Women Veterans Program Manager is designated at the facility to advise and advocate for women veterans.

Contact: 505-265-1711, ext. 26797
Location: 1501 San Pedro SE, Building 41, Room 2C-100

The Women Veterans Call Center is available at 1-855-829-6636 (1-855-VA-WOMEN).

Mental Health Services

Mental health services include individual and group therapy, psychiatry, psychology, and treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. The VA is expanding telemental health services and telemedicine equipment in VA-staffed clinics across New Mexico to improve access for rural veterans.

Suicide prevention and at-risk veteran support: 505-265-1711, ext. 5166

Caregiver Support

The VA Caregiver Support Program provides resources, training, and support for family members caring for veterans. A Caregiver Support Coordinator is available at the Albuquerque VA.

Phone: 505-265-1711, ext. 7218

Community Care

The VA Community Care program allows veterans to receive care from non-VA providers when the VA cannot provide the needed care, when the veteran lives far from a VA facility, or when certain access standards are not met. Veterans should discuss community care options with their VA primary care provider.

New Mexico has one VA medical center in Albuquerque and 13 CBOCs spread around the state. Veterans in rural areas who require surgery or specialty treatment not available at a CBOC may be eligible for community care referrals.

VA New Mexico Healthcare System Network

The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center is the flagship facility of the VA New Mexico Healthcare System. The network includes:

• Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center (Albuquerque)

• 13 community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) across New Mexico and southern Colorado

• Vet Centers providing readjustment counseling

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

CBOCs provide primary care, mental health, and some specialty services closer to where veterans live. CBOCs in the network include clinics in Alamogordo, Artesia, Farmington, Gallup, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Raton, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Silver City, Truth or Consequences, and Durango, Colorado.

Veterans who need services not available at their local CBOC are referred to the Albuquerque VA Medical Center or to community care providers.

Common Mistakes Veterans Make

Avoid these errors when seeking care at the Albuquerque VA:

Going to the emergency room for non-emergency care: The 24-hour emergency department is for acute medical and psychiatric emergencies. For routine care, call your primary care provider or visit a CBOC.

Not bringing your DD-214 to enrollment: The DD-214 is required to establish eligibility. Bring a certified copy to your first appointment.

Missing the financial assessment: Some veterans must complete an annual income assessment to determine copayment obligations. Failing to do so may result in incorrect billing.

Not asking about transportation: Free transportation options are available for eligible veterans. Many veterans are unaware of the Rural Veterans Transportation Program or VTS.

Ignoring telemental health options: The VA is expanding telehealth and telemental health services. Veterans who cannot travel to Albuquerque may be able to receive care virtually.

Not contacting a patient advocate: Patient advocates can help resolve issues with care, billing, or scheduling. They are a free resource for all veterans.

Assuming all services are at the main hospital: Many services are available at CBOCs closer to home. Check the VA New Mexico Healthcare System website for locations and services.

Common Questions

What is the address of the VA hospital in Albuquerque?

The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center is at 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108-5153. It is located in southeast Albuquerque near the intersection of San Pedro Drive and Ridgecrest Drive.

What is the phone number for the Albuquerque VA hospital?

The main phone number is 505-265-1711. The toll-free number is 800-465-8262. For VA health connect and mental health care, use the main number.

Does the Albuquerque VA hospital have an emergency room?

Yes. The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center has a 24-hour emergency department for acute medical and psychiatric emergencies. It is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

How do I enroll for VA healthcare in Albuquerque?

Visit the Enrollment Office on the first floor of the main hospital building with your DD-214. You can also apply online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or by mail using VA Form 10-10EZ.

What services are available at the Albuquerque VA hospital?

The medical center offers more than 50 health services including emergency care, primary care, mental health, women’s health, spinal cord injury care, sleep medicine, audiology, cardiology, dental, dermatology, and more.

Is there free transportation to the Albuquerque VA hospital?

Yes. The Veteran Transportation Service provides wheelchair-accessible vans within 25 miles of the medical center. The Rural Veterans Transportation Program serves rural counties. Both require advance scheduling.

What are the wait times at the Albuquerque VA hospital?

Wait times vary by service. New patient waits range from 1 day for oncology to 27 days for audiology. Established patient waits range from 10 days for oncology to 92 days for dermatology.

What is the trust score for the Albuquerque VA hospital?

The overall trust score is 91.2%, based on VHA Outpatient Services surveys from the past 90 days. This reflects the percentage of veterans who trust the facility for their healthcare needs.

Does the Albuquerque VA hospital have a women’s health clinic?

Yes. The Women Veteran’s Health Care Program provides gender-specific primary care, gynecology, and reproductive health services. Contact 505-265-1711, ext. 26797 for appointments.

What should I bring to my first appointment at the Albuquerque VA?

Bring your DD-214, photo ID, Social Security number, income information, and insurance information (if applicable). If you are transferring care from another VA facility, bring your medical records or ask your previous provider to send them.

Key Takeaways

• The VA hospital in Albuquerque is the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center at 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, phone 505-265-1711 or 800-465-8262.

• It is a 24/7 tertiary care referral center offering emergency care, primary care, and more than 50 specialty health services.

• Enrollment is free; apply online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Enrollment Office on the first floor.

• The VA New Mexico Healthcare System operates 14 facilities, including the Albuquerque medical center and 13 CBOCs.

• Free transportation is available through the Veteran Transportation Service and Rural Veterans Transportation Program.

• The 24-hour emergency department handles acute medical and psychiatric emergencies; routine care should go through primary care or a CBOC.

• The overall trust score at the facility is 91.2%, and 87% of veterans report timely access to routine primary care.

• Specialized programs include homeless veteran care, women’s health, mental health, caregiver support, and LGBTQ+ services.

• New patient wait times range from 1 day (oncology) to 27 days (audiology); established patient waits range from 10 days (oncology) to 92 days (dermatology).

• Patient advocates are available to help resolve concerns and ensure veterans receive the best possible care.

Official Resources

• VA.gov — Official VA benefits and healthcare information

• VA New Mexico Healthcare System — Facility information, services, and appointments

• Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center — Location details, services, and contact information

• VA Health Care Eligibility — Enrollment information and online application

• New Mexico Department of Veterans Services — State veterans benefits and transportation programs

• USA.gov — Government benefits directory for veterans and military families

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