42nd MDG launches nurse advice line Published May 16, 2014 By Donovan Jackson MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Created to provide access to health care advice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the 42nd Medical Group will launch its new nurse advice line today. The NAL will allow patients immediate access to health care advice from registered nurses such as home care guidance. Through the advice line, nurses can also book an acute appointment for the caller if one is available or refer the patient to a local urgent care center or emergency room. "The NAL will provide major benefits to our patients and staff," said Lt. Col. Lee Alexander, chief nurse at the 42nd MDG. "Patients will be able to reach a live person for quicker resolution and be assisted to the appropriate level of care. In some cases, patient calls will be transferred to their teams in the military training facilities or patients will be booked an acute appointment with their assigned provider. If the patient is sent for civilian care instead, the NAL will provide this information to the teams, so they have a better awareness of the status of their patient population." Alexander believes that the benefits of the advice line will ultimately enhance patient continuity and relationships with their assigned teams while also easing nurse workloads. "The NAL will allow nursing staff to better triage the many calls and emails they receive daily, so those who are most ill are cared for first, whether by NAL registered nurses or by the MTF nursing staff," said Alexander. For those seeking consultation with a registered nurse at any time, call 1-800-874-2273 and choose option one.