Free 24/7 Nurse Advice Line: 844-GET-CHOC.
CHOC Free Nurse Advice Line
We know that questions and concerns about your child’s health don’t always arise during office hours. That’s why CHOC offers a free, 24/7 nurse advice line for children located in California. 1-844-GET-CHOC is staffed by pediatric healthcare experts and also offers access to virtual visits with a physician, as appropriate. That way, you can get the answers and peace of mind you need about your child at any time, right at home.
Whether it’s a sudden fever at 3 a.m., or uncertainty about a rash that just appeared, our free 24-hour nurse hotline helps you be sure your family is never alone in addressing health concerns about your child.
What to expect when calling CHOC’s 24-hour advice line
1 – After calling CHOC’s pediatric nurse hotline, you will hear what number in line you are to receive advice. You can remain on hold or opt to receive a return call when it’s your turn. You will not lose your place in line if you opt to be called back.
2 – When it’s your turn, you will first speak with a care manager assistant, who will register your child. They will ask your child’s name and birthday. They will also ask you to briefly describe why you are calling.
3 – When you are connected with the nurse, they will ask you questions about your child’s condition and offer their medical advice. Depending on the situation, they may make at-home care recommendations, advise you to make an appointment with your child’s primary care provider or seek immediate medical attention. They may also recommend a telehealth appointment with a physician or nurse practitioner.
4 – If the nurse recommends a telehealth visit, you will be transferred back to the care manager assistant, who will collect additional registration information and begin scheduling the appointment. Your call will end.
5 – Shortly thereafter, you will receive an email with the telehealth appointment information. You will have enough time to get situated and prepared for the visit.
6 – Your telehealth appointment will be conducted via computer or mobile device. The doctor or nurse practitioner may recommend treatment, prescribe medication or advise on other next steps.
Continue reading below to learn more about CHOC’s telehealth services.
Next Steps: Telehealth Appointment
At CHOC, we understand that some situations require more than just advice over the phone. That’s why our Get-CHOC service is integrated with our broader network of pediatric care, including convenient telehealth services.
Following your consultation on our 24-hour nurse advice line, if your child’s situation warrants a detailed examination or consultation, we can directly connect you to our telehealth services. This ensures that your child receives the right level of care without delay.
How Telehealth Works After Your Nurse Call:
- If a telehealth visit is recommended by our nurse, we will assist you in setting up your virtual appointment.
- During the telehealth session, you’ll meet with a CHOC doctor who can provide a consultation, diagnose conditions and prescribe medication if necessary.
- You’ll receive all the instructions and support needed to connect to the telehealth session, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Learn more here about what to expect during a CHOC telehealth visit.
Frequently asked questions
Understanding When to Seek Emergency Care
While the GET-CHOC nurse advice line is a valuable resource for addressing health concerns and questions, it’s crucial to recognize situations that require immediate, in-person medical attention. Our priority at CHOC is ensuring your child receives the right care at the right time, especially in critical situations.
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms or conditions, do not call the advice line — proceed directly to the nearest emergency department or call 911:
- Rapid and fast breathing
- Head trauma
- Trauma with loss of consciousness or vomiting
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dehydration.
- An infant less than 28 days old has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher.
