The MHS Nurse Advice Line allows you to connect with a registered nurse by phone, chat, or video 24/7, and it’s free for TRICARE beneficiaries and their families to use.
While most doctor’s offices keep strict business hours, illnesses don’t. Oftentimes, they come during the night or over the weekend. It can be hard to know if you need to head to urgent care or the emergency room, or if your symptoms can be treated at home. The Military Health System (MHS) Nurse Advice Line is a resource for TRICARE beneficiaries and their families that allows them to call or chat with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more about the MHS Nurse Advice Line, what types of health concerns it can help address, and how to use it.
What Is the MHS Nurse Advice Line?
The MHS Nurse Advice Line allows you to connect with a registered nurse by phone, chat, or video 24/7, and it’s free for TRICARE beneficiaries and their families to use.
You can use it when you have questions you need answered outside of regular business hours, for concerns you have while traveling, and more. It is great for those fevers that develop late at night or the symptoms you can’t shake over a holiday weekend. Whether you’re unsure how to treat a migraine headache or worried about your child’s cough, the MHS Nurse Advice Line is ready to help.
The registered nurses with the MHS Nurse Advice Line can:
- Answer your health care-related questions with professional advice.
- Discuss your symptoms and give you recommendations for appropriate next steps.
- Give you instructions for treating minor issues at home.
- Help you find emergency care close by, if necessary.
- Help you make an appointment with your provider, if necessary.
- Give you a “sick slip” when medically appropriate.
- Help you determine what medicine is safe and most effective to help relieve your symptoms.
- Give you peace of mind for something you’re worried about during the night or over the weekend.
- Call you back after a few hours to check-in.
The MHS Nurse Advice Line is not for emergency situations. If you’re experiencing a health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
How Do I Use the MHS Nurse Advice Line?
If you live in the U.S., Guam, or Puerto Rico, call 800-TRICARE and choose option 1. If you live overseas, use the MHS Nurse Advice Line website to find country-specific phone numbers.
You can also use the live text or video chat features on the site to get your questions answered. You’ll need your Department of Defense benefit number listed on your ID card ready when you call.
You can use the MHS Nurse Advice Line if you’re an active duty Service member or family member, or a retiree or family member who lives in the U.S. or a country outside the U.S. with a military hospital or clinic.
You deserve answers to your health care questions whenever they arise. Take advantage of this TRICARE benefit and let the MHS Nurse Advice Line help you and your family thrive.