A version of this article was originally published in the Spring 2018 edition of “U” Magazine by US Family Health Plan member organization, Brighton Marine Health Center.

Service members who have experienced combat often have reactions such as irritability, sleeplessness, nightmares, jumpiness and flashbacks to combat events. They may feel depressed and lonely, even when they’re with friends and family.  For many, these signs of stress go away after a few months.  For others, the problems remain or get worse with time.  These veterans may find that their health and their relationships with family and friends deteriorate.  They may resort to misusing alcohol or drugs in an effort to feel better.  They may have post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as “PTSD.”

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Nurses are at the frontline of patient care and as we celebrate National Nurses Week– timed to coincide with Florence Nightingale’s birthday.  The member organizations of TRICARE’s US Family Health Plan program want to recognize and commend everything nurses do, day in and day out, to ensure patients receive the highest level of care possible.

As part of our leadership in promoting the patient-centered medical home concept, US Family Health Plan member organizations were among the first TRICARE providers to offer a 24-hour nurse help hotline, giving members around-the-clock access to nurses and primary care doctors. Through the hotline, US Family Health Plan members have access to general health information, advice on the use of emergency services, guidance about the appropriate level of care for their medical condition, and assistance in scheduling appointments.

The US Family Health Plan Alliance and the six health plans thank all nurses for their service and tireless dedication to patient care. We could not serve our members without them.

Deciding where to go for the treatment of a medical condition is not always easy. Thankfully, US Family Health Plan member organization, Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed), has helped remove the guesswork from members’ emergency care needs.

PacMed, which serves US Family Health Plan members in the Puget Sound area of Washington State, recently introduced a pilot program – “Call Us First” – to encourage members to call an after-hours medical care hotline to consult with a doctor before visiting the emergency department. Through this program, PacMed educates both patients and providers about the benefits of seeking medical care with a primary care physician versus relying solely on the emergency department.

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