Have you ever called one of those 24 hour nurses?

Answer by  HelpfulMal (539)

Nurse hotlines are great for things that you're concerned about but not sure if it needs medical attention. My sister calls one frequently--she has 2 kids--and it's reassuring to hear a professional tell you that you can wait and make an appointment with your doctor if something isn't serious, and incredibly useful to know when it is serious.

Answer by  DrMom (854)

There is a Call-A-Nurse hotline connected with some doctors' offices. It is used as a way of screening problems before they go to a medical exchange where a doctor has to return the call. If the nurse can handle it, there is no charge. Some practices charge patients if they actually have to talk to the doctor.

Answer by  Kay22 (25)

The 24 hour nurses are put in place by different insurance and hospitals to answer basic questions. They are licensed and are usually very helpful because they deal with many different problems on a daily basis. If you have a general question or minor problem they are a godsend but, if you need emergency care use an ER.

Answer by  Ava (192)

I dialed a nurse one once when I was bitten by a spider in the dark. She asked many more questions about the spider than about me. With the pain of the bite, I had not noticed its color nor counted the number of its legs. My color was red.

Answer by  ApprenticeJenn (959)

Most are pretty good with routine questions about when you should see a doctor, basic first aid, over-the-counter medicines, and "is this normal" concerns.

Answer by  Derbyboo (442)

It can be, depending on if you give them enough specific information to allow them to make a reasonable diagnosis of your condition and whether it needs further medical attention by a physician or other provider. It is up to you to provide the proper information about how you are feeling or the condition about which you are concerned.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

They can give general advice per a standard script. They are useful in determining if something is an emergency versus one to be managed at home. But for complex symptoms or severe injuries, they are of no help; in those cases, see a doctor in person.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

Many health plans offer free 24 hour nurse lines on the idea that if you call the nurse and can get medical advice, you may avoid an unnecessary ER visit or advise on how to get by until you can see a doctor.