TRICARE Nurse Advice Line FAQs Published July 9, 2014 HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Nearly half of all urgency care and emergency room visits are for non-emergency issues. Unnecessary ER and urgent care visits result in longer wait times for patients as well as higher costs. The Nurse Advice Line is a team of registered nurses located outside of individual Military Treatment Facility, who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a same-day appointment for an urgent problem is needed, the Nurse Advice Line can schedule an appointment directly with the military healthcare team. 66 MDS officials developed these frequently asked questions to assist patients: Should I call the Nurse Advice Line if I think I have a medical emergency? No. If you think you have a medical emergency, such as a threat to life, limb, or eyesight, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The Hanscom Clinic does not have an emergency room. Should I call the Nurse Advice Line if I am unsure if my child or I need to be seen today? Yes. The Nurse Advice Line helps you make informed decisions on when and how to seek care for an urgent problem. The Nurse Advice Line also can give advice on self-care you can do at home. What is an urgent or acute medical problem? Urgent and acute conditions are new, sudden, and severe. Some examples could be migraine headaches, fevers, burns, and injuries needing sutures or staples, broken bones, ear or throat infections, urinary tract issues or increasing pain. This list is not all-inclusive, so if you have questions please call the Nurse Advice Line. Will I reach a live person when I call the Nurse Advice Line? Yes. A person will always answer and stay with you on the call until you get the advice or access to the health care you need. Should I call the Nurse Advice Line if I have already been seen and was told to call my provider back if I didn't get better? No. The Nurse Advice Line is for information and assessment of new issues. If you need follow-up for something you have already been seen for or just need to leave your provider team a message, please call the Hanscom Clinic at 781-225-6789, select option 1, then follow the prompts to get to the correct clinic. What kinds of questions will the nurse ask me? The Nurse Advice Line nurse will ask you questions about your specific issue to best assist you in making informed decisions about whether you need to see a provider or you can treat yourself at home. How can I reach the Nurse Advice Line? Call the Nurse Advice Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 781-225-6789, select option 1, then option 1 again.