FALLS CHURCH, Va.  –   When it comes to staying healthy, TRICARE knows having health and safety resources you can count on matters. Did you know that one of those resources is round-the-clock health care advice? If you ever have health-related questions or concerns, the Military Health System (MHS) Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 and at no cost to you. 
 
“Minor injuries can happen anywhere and at any time,” said U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Bobby Taylor, MHS Nurse Advice Line program manager. “Whether you have sick child or need health care advice while traveling, the MHS Nurse Advice Line connects you to a registered nurse who can help you safely treat a non-emergency injury or illness from wherever you are.”
 
Depending on the severity of your injury or health concern, the nurse you speak with may help you get care at a nearby urgent care or emergency care facility. Your nurse can also: 

• Provide evidence-based instructions to treat minor ailments at home
• Answer your health care questions
• Assess your symptoms and recommend the level of care you need
• Help you schedule an appointment within 24 hours at a military hospital or clinic (if you’re enrolled to one and were recommended by the nurse)

Nurses are available 24/7. Your options for connecting with one include starting a secure web chat or video chat on the MHS Nurse Advice Line website. You can also call and speak to a nurse by phone. If you’re in the U.S., Guam, or Puerto Rico, call 1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273) and choose option 1. For other country-specific numbers, you can find them on the website. Keep in mind, there’s no cost to use the MHS Nurse Advice Line. You just need to be a TRICARE beneficiary living or traveling in the U.S. or in a country with a military hospital or clinic. However, if you’re enrolled in the US Family Health Plan, you have a separate nurse advice line you can use.
 
Remember, the MHS Nurse Advice Line isn’t for emergencies that threaten your life, limb, eyesight, or safety. If you reasonably think you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
 
Did you know that the MHS Nurse Advice Line can help if you think you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms? A nurse will assess your condition and recommend steps to take based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Keep in mind, you should only use the advice line if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or you think you have symptoms. For general COVID-19 information, such as updates on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit TRICARE COVID Guidance.
 
“The MHS Nurse Advice Line is committed to providing you with health care advice you can trust,” Taylor added. “So, take command of your health, and use this benefit whenever you need it.”