Nurse Advice Line now available Published May 28, 2014 HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Sometimes it is difficult to know if or when to seek medical assistance for acute health problems, having professional help at a moment's notice can ease that decision. The Military Health System's new Nurse Advice Line, or NAL, for TRICARE beneficiaries can do just that beginning May 30. The NAL is a team of registered nurses who are available to answer a variety of urgent healthcare questions. "Registered nurses can help patients decide whether self-care is the best option, or if it is better to see a healthcare provider," said Lt. Col. Kathleen Foulk, 66th Medical Squadron chief nurse. "There will always be a live-person on the line to address a patient's concerns." The advice line offers a variety of solutions for all TRICARE beneficiaries. For pediatric issues, parents will be able to speak to a pediatric nurse. If follow-up is necessary, they will call parents back to check on the child a few hours later. "The NAL can also make same-day appointments with a primary care manager, or PCM, if patients are enrolled to the Hanscom Clinic," said Foulk. "If a same day appointment is not available, the NAL will direct patients to the closest urgent care center and inform their PCM team." As a patient of the Hanscom Clinic, patients may still call their PCM team or utilize MiCare/Relay Health; however, the NAL is a new benefit for patients. Beginning May 30, patients can access the NAL 24/7 via the clinic's appointment line at 781-225-6789, Option 1.