How to use the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line?

The TRICARE Nurse Advice Line is a valuable resource that connects beneficiaries with registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To use the service, call 1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273) and select option 1. You will be connected with a registered nurse who can assess your symptoms and provide health advice, help determine whether you need emergency care, urgent care, a routine appointment, or home treatment, provide basic first aid instructions, help identify TRICARE-covered care options in your area, and assist with scheduling next-day appointments at military treatment facilities when available. The service is free for all TRICARE beneficiaries and is available from anywhere in the United States, with international access numbers available on tricare.mil. When calling, have your military ID card information ready and be prepared to describe your symptoms, their duration, and any relevant medical history. The Nurse Advice Line is especially useful for after-hours medical concerns when your regular provider's office is closed, when you are unsure whether a condition warrants emergency or urgent care, when traveling away from your usual healthcare providers, and for parents unsure about a child's symptoms. The advice provided is not a substitute for a medical examination but helps you make informed decisions about when and where to seek care.