A nurse medical advice line offers 24/7 access to a nursing specialist who can answer questions about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses. In addition, the nurses on call can provide patients with basic preventive and treatment strategies and even triage patients. A nurse medical advice line North Tonawanda, NY, greatly benefits patients and the healthcare system. However, if it’s not utilized properly, patients could experience adverse consequences. This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks of nurse medical advice lines.
Patient Satisfaction
Patients’ satisfaction with nurse medical advice lines can be gauged by some measures, including the ability to understand medical conditions and the sensitivity of the callers. Among the positives of the service, patients cited clear explanations of treatment options and no pain. Some respondents even said the nurses’ concern and compassion during patient interactions boosted their satisfaction. Negatives included:
- Privacy concerns
- Difficulty getting adequate sleep
- The need to talk about personal issues with a provider
Quality of Care
Many health plans and healthcare providers provide members with a nurse medical advice line. The nurses assess symptoms and provide health care advice and referrals, and educate plan members on their health. Their use can influence the outcomes of care and the costs of a plan.
RNs offer members health education and care management advice, including interpreting test results. RNs can also help patients prepare for doctor’s visits, prescribe medication, and offer self-care tips. The nurses can also help patients find in-network providers and enroll them in disease management or pregnancy programs. In addition to advising members, nurse advice lines can help them find an OB/GYN or pediatric physician, if necessary.
Impact on the Healthcare System
The role of a nurse’s medical advice line is not clear-cut. It will certainly improve patient care, but its impact on the healthcare system is still largely unknown. Moreover, the future of this profession is uncertain, as new technologies, changing demographics, and racial justice movements are all redefining how we care for patients. In the meantime, nurses can take advantage of their expertise to advocate for changes in health care policy.
While this innovation may be a boon for patients, healthcare executives should evaluate whether it is necessary to expand the support to all nurses. Building clinical pathways for nurses and showing them potential career paths is important. Such programs will help nurses grow and develop. They are also helpful for nurses who are already tenured. The impact of nurse medical advice lines on the healthcare system will likely continue to increase with time and effort.
Costs
While the costs of a nurse medical advice line may not be a huge concern, increased call volumes can help reduce costs. In a study, a nurse’s medical advice line helped prevent about half of all urgent care visits. In addition, nurses can answer a wide range of questions, from how to get an appointment to the best course of treatment. As a result, the cost of a nurse’s medical advice line may also be less than that of a doctor’s office.