VA care on the Emerald Coast: what the Eglin and Panama City clinics offer
Veterans on the Emerald Coast get most routine VA care at two clinics run by the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, which is based in Biloxi, Mississippi. As of Oct. 30, 2026, the Eglin VA Clinic at 100 Veterans Way on Eglin Air Force Base offers primary care, mental health care, lab work, women veteran care and homeless veteran care, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Panama City VA Clinic at 2600 Veterans Way in Panama City Beach keeps the same hours and adds dental care, radiology and more.
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In a mental health crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line.
What does each clinic offer?
Services below are as listed on VA.gov on Oct. 30, 2026. VA notes that hours can vary by service, so call ahead.
| Service | Eglin VA Clinic | Panama City VA Clinic (2600 Veterans Way) | Panama City Beach West (140 Richard Jackson Blvd.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary care | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mental health care | Yes | Yes | No |
| Laboratory | Yes | Yes | No |
| Women veteran care | Yes | Yes | No |
| Homeless veteran care | Yes | Yes | No |
| Patient advocates | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dental and oral surgery | No | Yes | No |
| Radiology | No | Yes | No |
| Addiction and substance use care | No | Yes | No |
| Nutrition and social work | No | Yes | No |
| Telehealth | No | Yes | No |
| Audiology and hearing aids | No | No | Yes |
Hours at all three: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed weekends.
The Panama City Beach West VA Clinic is the area’s hearing clinic. It lists hearing evaluations, tinnitus management, hearing aid fittings, cochlear implant and BAHA devices, balance testing, and a 15-minute hearing aid repair clinic. Appointments are required.
Other sites in the same system include the Pensacola VA Clinic at 790 Veterans Way, a VA location at Naval Hospital Pensacola and the main campus at 400 Veterans Ave. in Biloxi, per the VA Gulf Coast locations page.
How do I get into the Eglin VA Clinic on base?
The Eglin clinic is inside the base, so first-time patients need a few extra steps, per VA:
- Enroll at the base Visitor Center on your first visit, with a photo ID, an on-the-spot background check and proof of your appointment.
- To enter, carry your Veteran Health Identification Card or a REAL ID-compliant driver license; VA says only a REAL ID license is accepted.
- Drivers need vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Escorts and family members must also pass the background check.
Where can I get free counseling without VA enrollment?
Vet Centers are separate from the clinics and offer confidential counseling “at no cost in a non-medical setting.” You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care or have a service-connected disability, and any discharge character may qualify, per VA.
| Vet Center | Address | Hours | Scheduling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okaloosa County Vet Center | 6 11th Ave., Suite G-1, Shalimar | Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | 877-927-8387 (24/7 call center) |
| Bay County Vet Center | 3109 Minnesota Ave., Suite 101, Panama City | Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | 850-522-6102 |
Both counsel veterans, service members and families on PTSD, depression, grief, military sexual trauma and the move to civilian life, and both can ask about non-traditional hours.
How do I enroll or reach the health system?
VA Gulf Coast’s main lines are 228-523-5000 and toll-free 800-296-8872, per its contact page. To apply for VA health care, call 877-222-8387 or apply online at VA.gov. Okaloosa County Veterans Services can schedule DAV van rides to VA appointments at 850-651-7258.
Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
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Questions and answers
- What are the Eglin VA Clinic hours?
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed weekends, per VA.gov as of Oct. 30, 2026. Hours can vary by service.
- Does the Panama City VA Clinic have dental care?
- Yes. VA lists dental and oral surgery at the Panama City VA Clinic, 2600 Veterans Way, Panama City Beach, along with radiology, mental health and primary care.
- Do I need a REAL ID to get to the Eglin VA Clinic?
- To enter Eglin Air Force Base, VA says you need your Veteran Health Identification Card or a REAL ID-compliant driver license, and first-time visitors must enroll at the Visitor Center.
- Where do veterans get hearing aids near Panama City?
- At the Panama City Beach West VA Clinic, 140 Richard Jackson Blvd., Suite 100, which offers audiology by appointment, including a 15-minute hearing aid repair clinic.