North Dakota VA Video Connect Guide for Veterans

VA Telehealth for Veterans in North Dakota: How to Get Started

VA telehealth in North Dakota lets enrolled veterans meet their VA providers by secure video from home or a local ATLAS site. Start by asking your VA provider if telehealth fits your care. You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet, a webcam, and a valid email. The Fargo VA Health Care System serves veterans at 12 locations across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

What Is VA Telehealth?

VA telehealth uses digital tools—computers, tablets, and smartphones—to connect veterans with their VA care team without an in-person visit. The VA operates the largest telehealth program in the country, delivering care to veterans in rural areas where travel to a VA facility can take hours.

The core tool is VA Video Connect (VVC), a secure videoconferencing application that encrypts every session. Veterans can see their primary care provider, mental health counselor, or a specialist from anywhere with an internet connection. VA Video Connect is not a public app like Zoom or FaceTime. It is built specifically for VA health care, and the encryption meets federal security standards.

Why this matters in North Dakota: North Dakota is 58% rural, and veterans in rural areas face an average 32-minute drive to the nearest VA facility—longer in winter. The state also has a 28% broadband gap, meaning many veterans lack reliable home internet. VA telehealth bridges both problems: it eliminates travel, and ATLAS sites provide the internet connection veterans may not have at home.

VA Video Connect: What It Is and Who Qualifies

VA Video Connect is the VA’s secure videoconferencing app for health care appointments. It is available to veterans enrolled in VA health care who have a web-enabled device and are deemed appropriate for telehealth by their provider.

Who Qualifies for VA Video Connect

• Veterans receiving VA health care

• Veterans with web-enabled devices who are deemed appropriate by their providers

• Newly enrolled veterans without an assigned provider can request a VA Video Connect appointment for their initial visit

What Services Are Available

VA Video Connect supports a wide range of appointments:

• Primary Care — routine check-ins, medication management, lab result reviews

• Mental Health — counseling, psychiatry, PTSD treatment, substance use care

• Specialty Services — any specialty appointment that does not require a physical exam

• Nutrition Services

• Virtual Social Work

What veterans should do next: Call your VA care team and ask whether your next appointment can be done by video. If you do not have a provider yet, call the Fargo VA at (701) 239-3700 and request an enrollment appointment.

What You Need for a Video Visit from Home

• Computer, tablet, or smartphone

• Internet connection

• Valid email address

• Webcam and microphone (may be built into your device)

• Google Chrome browser (provides the best VA Video Connect experience)

• VA Video Connect app (iOS devices only; non-iOS users can join through a browser link)

ATLAS Sites in North Dakota: Telehealth Without Home Internet

ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations) provides private rooms with internet access and video technology at convenient community locations. It is designed for veterans who lack reliable home internet or who prefer to attend virtual appointments near their home instead of driving to a VA facility.

Each ATLAS site has an on-site attendant who welcomes you, helps with check-in, and resolves basic technical issues. The attendant is not a VA employee and steps away once your appointment begins, ensuring your privacy.

North Dakota ATLAS Locations

How to use an ATLAS site: Contact your VA provider to schedule a video appointment. Tell them you want to use an ATLAS site. The VA will coordinate with the ATLAS location. Appointments at Bowbells are available Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Availability at other sites varies—call the Fargo VA Public Affairs Office at (701) 239-3724 for current schedules.

Important: ATLAS sites are for veterans enrolled with the VA medical center associated with that site. If you receive care through the Fargo VA Health Care System, you can use any ATLAS site in the Fargo VA network.

Other ATLAS Sites in the Fargo VA Network

The Fargo VA Health Care System is expanding ATLAS across its service area. In addition to the three North Dakota sites, ATLAS locations operate in Minnesota communities served by the Fargo VA. Check the VA ATLAS locator at telehealth.va.gov/atlas for the most current list.

How to Get Started with VA Telehealth in North Dakota

Getting started takes three steps. You do not need to apply for a separate telehealth program—just ask your provider.

Step 1: Confirm You Are Enrolled in VA Health Care

If you have never used VA health care, apply online at VA.gov/health-care/apply or call 1-877-222-8387. The Fargo VA Health Care System serves over 34,000 veterans across North Dakota, 17 counties in northwest Minnesota, and one northeast South Dakota county.

Step 2: Ask Your Provider About Telehealth

Call your VA care team or send a secure message through My HealtheVet. Tell them you are interested in a video appointment. Your provider will determine whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific care needs. Most primary care and mental health appointments qualify.

Step 3: Choose Your Location

• From home: Use your own computer, tablet, or smartphone. The VA will send you a link by email before your appointment. Test your connection before the visit.

• From an ATLAS site: Request an ATLAS location when scheduling. The VA will coordinate with the site and confirm your appointment time.

• From a VA clinic: Some VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) offer private rooms for video appointments with specialists at the Fargo VA Medical Center. All 8 VA clinics across North Dakota have telehealth systems.

VA Telehealth Services in North Dakota: What Is Available

The Fargo VA Health Care System offers telehealth across multiple service lines. Services vary by location and provider availability.

Available Telehealth Services

Sources: VA Fargo health care services, Devils Lake VA Clinic, Bismarck VA Clinic

Home Telehealth (Remote Patient Monitoring)

Home Telehealth is a VA program that provides daily monitoring and care coordination for veterans with chronic conditions. The VA assigns a Home Telehealth registered nurse who works with your provider.

Home Telehealth can help manage:

• Congestive heart failure (CHF)

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Depression and PTSD

• Chronic kidney disease

• Coronary artery disease

• Weight management

• Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

• Substance use disorder

How it works: The VA provides a small communication device for your home. You take daily readings—blood pressure, weight, blood glucose, blood oxygen—and the device sends the data to your VA care team. Your Home Telehealth nurse monitors the data and contacts you if readings need attention. Home Telehealth is free to enrolled veterans.

VA Video Connect Mental Health Appointments

The VA operates the National Telemental Health Center, which connects veterans to behavioral health specialists through video. A veteran in rural North Dakota can see a psychiatrist or therapist from a VA CBOC or from home without traveling to Fargo.

VA has provided more than 3,344,000 telemental health encounters since fiscal year 2002. Telemental health is used for PTSD treatment, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use counseling. The VA launched a telehealth pilot specifically for rural veterans with PTSD, using evidence-based trauma-focused therapy delivered by video.

Getting a Device: The Digital Divide Consult

If you do not have a device or internet connection capable of video visits, the VA may provide a loaned tablet at no cost through the Digital Divide Consult program. The VA established the Connected Device Program to address disparities in technology access.

How to Request a Digital Divide Consult

1. Ask your VA provider or social worker for a Digital Divide Consult.

2. A VA social worker will contact you to discuss available programs.

3. If eligible, you may receive a VA-loaned tablet with cellular data service.

4. The VA helps with initial setup and provides 24/7 tech support.

VA-Loaned Tablet Details

• The tablet comes with cellular data service, so no home internet is required.

• Standard Setting: Access to email and internet; password required.

• Single Use Mode: Limited to video calls only; no internet or email; no password required.

• Requirement: You must use the tablet at least once every 90 days for a video appointment with any VA provider to keep it.

• Bluetooth peripherals: The VA can issue a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, weight scale, pulse oximeter, or temperature gauge for use with the tablet during video appointments.

What veterans should do next: If you do not have a device or reliable internet, ask your VA provider for a Digital Divide Consult. You do not need to buy a device to access VA telehealth.

Troubleshooting and Technical Support

VA telehealth technical problems are handled by the National Telehealth Technology Help Desk.

Phone: 866-651-3180 or 703-234-4483
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The help desk can assist with video problems, audio problems, connection issues, and complete service disruptions. You can also request a test call with a VA help desk technician before your actual appointment to make sure everything works.

Common Mistakes Veterans Make with VA Telehealth

1. Not testing the connection before an appointment. The help desk can do a test call, but you need to request it in advance.

2. Using an outdated browser. Google Chrome provides the best VA Video Connect experience. Internet Explorer and older browsers may cause problems.

3. Assuming every appointment can be virtual. Any specialty service that requires a physical exam must be done in person. Your provider will tell you.

4. Not checking ATLAS availability. ATLAS sites have specific hours and appointment slots. Call the Fargo VA Public Affairs Office at (701) 239-3724 before scheduling.

5. Forgetting the 90-day tablet use requirement. If you receive a VA-loaned tablet and do not use it for 90 days, the VA may ask you to return it.

6. Not asking for a Digital Divide Consult. Many veterans do not know the VA can loan a device and data service at no cost. Ask your provider.

Common Questions

What is VA Video Connect and how do I use it?

VA Video Connect is the VA’s secure videoconferencing app for health care appointments. Ask your VA provider if telehealth fits your care. Before your appointment, the VA emails you a link. Click the link on your computer or smartphone at the scheduled time to join the visit.

Who is eligible for VA telehealth in North Dakota?

Any veteran enrolled in VA health care who is deemed appropriate for telehealth by their provider. You do not need a separate enrollment. If you are not yet enrolled in VA health care, apply at VA.gov or call 1-877-222-8387.

What ATLAS sites are open in North Dakota?

Three ATLAS sites operate in North Dakota: Bowbells (103 Main Street), Cavalier (308 Court House Dr, Door #4), and Watford City (313 12th St SW). Each provides a private room with internet and video technology for VA Video Connect appointments. Call (701) 239-3724 for current availability.

Do I need internet at home to use VA telehealth?

No. You can use an ATLAS site, which provides internet and equipment. If you prefer to receive care from home but lack a device or internet, ask your VA provider for a Digital Divide Consult. The VA may loan you a tablet with cellular data at no cost.

What services can I get through VA telehealth?

Primary care, mental health counseling, psychiatry, nutrition services, virtual social work, and any specialty service that does not require a physical exam. The Fargo VA also offers teleretinal imaging, teleaudiology, telespirometry, and National TeleOncology consultations at select clinics.

How do I schedule a VA telehealth appointment?

Call your VA care team or send a secure message through My HealtheVet. Tell them you want a video appointment. If you want to use an ATLAS site, tell the scheduler which location you prefer. The VA will confirm the appointment and send you a link by email.

Is VA telehealth free?

Yes. Telehealth appointments are covered under your VA health care benefits. There is no copay for telehealth visits for enrolled veterans. Home Telehealth remote monitoring is also free.

What if I have technical problems during a video visit?

Call the National Telehealth Technology Help Desk at 866-651-3180 or 703-234-4483, Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The help desk can troubleshoot video, audio, and connection problems. You can also request a test call before your appointment.

Can I use VA telehealth for mental health appointments?

Yes. The VA operates the National Telemental Health Center, and VA has provided more than 3.3 million telemental health encounters since 2002. PTSD treatment, depression, anxiety, and substance use counseling are all available by video.

Does the Fargo VA serve veterans outside North Dakota?

Yes. The Fargo VA Health Care System serves more than 34,000 veterans across North Dakota, 17 counties in northwest Minnesota, and one northeast South Dakota county. Veterans in those areas can access the same telehealth services and ATLAS locations.

Key Takeaways

• VA telehealth in North Dakota connects veterans to VA providers by secure video from home, an ATLAS site, or a VA clinic. No separate application is required—just ask your provider.

• VA Video Connect is the VA’s secure videoconferencing app. It supports primary care, mental health, nutrition, social work, and specialty appointments that do not require a physical exam.

• Three ATLAS sites operate in North Dakota — Bowbells, Cavalier, and Watford City — providing private rooms with internet and video technology for veterans without reliable home internet.

• Home Telehealth remote monitoring is available for chronic conditions including diabetes, COPD, heart failure, PTSD, and hypertension. The VA provides the equipment and assigns a monitoring nurse at no cost.

• The Digital Divide Consult can provide a VA-loaned tablet with cellular data to veterans who lack a device or internet connection.

• All 8 VA clinics across North Dakota have telehealth systems, connecting rural veterans to Fargo-based specialists without travel.

• Telemental health is available statewide. The VA has provided over 3.3 million telemental health encounters since 2002.

• Technical support is available at 866-651-3180, Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Request a test call before your first appointment.

• The Fargo VA Health Care System serves over 34,000 veterans across North Dakota, northwest Minnesota, and northeast South Dakota.

Official Resources

• VA Telehealth Services: telehealth.va.gov

• VA Video Connect: mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect

• ATLAS Program: telehealth.va.gov/atlas

• Fargo VA Health Care System: va.gov/fargo-health-care

• Fargo VA Connected Care: va.gov/fargo-health-care/programs/patient-care-services/connected-care

• VA Health Care Enrollment: va.gov/health-care/apply

• My HealtheVet: myhealth.va.gov

• North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs: veterans.nd.gov

• VA National Telehealth Technology Help Desk: 866-651-3180

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1

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