Have Medical Questions? Call the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line Published May 21, 2014 By Capt. Edward Morris 81st Medical Group KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Sometimes it is difficult to know if and when to seek medical help for acute health problems, so having access to professional advice at a moment's notice is invaluable. The Military Health System's new Nurse Advice Line (NAL) does just that. Beginning May 16, TRICARE beneficiaries in the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii can call the NAL (1-800-TRICARE [874-2273], Option 1) toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Doing so will put them in touch with a team of registered nurses available to answer a variety of health-care questions. These trained professionals can also help them decide whether self-care is the best option or if it is better to see a health-care provider. For pediatric issues, the NAL will route the beneficiary to a pediatric nurse for counseling and, if follow-up is necessary or requested, the NAL will call the beneficiary back to check the child's status a few hours later. Keesler enrolled beneficiaries can still book appointments with their primary care managers by calling the Keesler appointment line, 1-800-700-8603, but the NAL is another option for them to access the care they need in a timely fashion.