Veterans can get more of their care without leaving Southern Illinois

Veterans across Southern Illinois can be seen closer to where they live for a growing range of care, from specialty visits and diagnostic testing to urgent and emergency care, while staying connected to their VA care team.

SIH and the Marion VA have added direct scheduling through the VA’s External Provider Scheduling (EPS) Program. Veterans referred by the Marion VA Health Care System for care at SIH can now be scheduled directly into select specialty and diagnostic appointments using WellHive, the scheduling technology behind EPS, which SIH launched in July 2026.

A shared commitment

“As a Veteran, I know what it is like to plan care around a drive instead of around your life,” said Denao Ruttino, vice president and chief innovation officer at SIH and a U.S. Army Veteran. “SIH’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all of the people in the communities we serve, and Veterans are part of that. They are our neighbors, our coworkers and in many cases our colleagues here. Working with the Marion VA to get Veterans seen in their own communities is that mission at work.”

The partnership runs through the VA’s Community Care program, which authorizes Veterans to receive care from SIH physicians and advanced practice providers at locations across the region.

“The goal is simple: to make it easier for Veterans to access the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Laura Gilmore, Chief Nurse of Community Care for the Marion VA. “By working with SIH, we can offer Veterans additional locations for care across Southern Illinois, while ensuring their VA care team stays fully informed and involved.”

Urgent and emergency care

Eligible Veterans can also be seen at SIH Urgent Care locations for minor illnesses and injuries, such as colds, strep throat, sprains and ear infections. No appointment is needed.

In an emergency, Veterans should go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. SIH emergency teams treat Veterans right away, without waiting for VA authorization. SIH then notifies the VA so the visit is coordinated with the Veteran’s VA care team, and the Veteran doesn’t have to make that call.

Records that follow the Veteran

SIH and the Marion VA share medical information securely and electronically. Visit notes, test results and care plans from an SIH appointment reach the Veteran’s VA care team, so the people managing a Veteran’s overall care know what happened at that visit.

Veterans who want to know whether they are eligible for community care at SIH should talk with their VA care team or contact the Marion VA Health Care System. Information about SIH services and locations is available at sih.net.