TRICARE implements Nurse Advice Line Published July 16, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Being faced with the decision to go to the emergency room is a difficult one. Should you tough it out and hope you feel better in the morning, or is this a life threatening condition? Even though many people may face this dilemma, members of the Air Force and their dependents will no longer have this issue thanks to the introduction of the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line. The 7th Medical Group went live with the Nurse Advice Line on June 30 and it will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "The biggest benefit is more for the patient than for the Medical Group," said Lt. Col. Patricia Tate, 7th Medical Group chief nurse. "It's comforting to know this service is always available, and you can call back if you need to." The purpose of the line is to provide professional health advice, from a medical professional, about urgent health concerns and when to seek medical attention. "I believe this is a wonderful service that will benefit our patients tremendously," Tate said. "Our patients will be able to speak to a registered nurse immediately about any symptoms they are having. The nurse will then be able to provide our patients advice on how to care for their symptoms at home or give them other instructions for care, such as making an appointment with the primary care manager or going to urgent care." The Nurse Advice Line has the ability to make same-day appointments directly with your primary care manager. If an appointment cannot be scheduled, the Nurses Advice Line will assist you in finding care and ensure your PCM submits the appropriate referral. "The Nurse Advice Line is for management of acute health concerns," Tate said. "If you wake up and you are running a fever but you don't feel like you need an appointment, the RN on the Nurse Advice Line can provide you with basic medical care to use for your symptoms or may tell you that you need to see a provider." The Nurse Advice Line is not for refills on medications or chronic medical conditions. Even though the Nurses Advice Line is an avenue to receive health care and advice, keep in mind it is not for emergencies and should only be used for sudden onset or new healthcare concerns or questions. To reach the Nurses Advice Line, call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273).