June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, and an excellent time to encourage men to take charge of their own physical and mental well-being. Despite numerous public health campaigns, men are less likely than women to seek medical attention, which can delay diagnoses and lead to worse health outcomes. Providers and healthcare call centers play an important role in closing this care gap by helping them understand the severity of their symptoms, especially when doctors’ offices are closed.
Telephone nurse triage is one solution that can support them. Triage nurses evaluate caller symptoms, answer any health-related questions and concerns, and determine the appropriate levels of care that patients should seek.
Let’s explore the key health issues that men face, and how triage nurses can address them.
Common Health Concerns That Men Shouldn’t Ignore
From heart disease to mental health, men face a wide range of health risks that often go unnoticed or unaddressed. Raising awareness is the first step in encouraging proactive care.
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men in the U.S., according to the CDC. Many symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, may be misattributed to stress or physical exertion — or simply ignored. Triage nurses can identify these symptoms over the phone and urge immediate emergency care when needed.
Diabetes and Obesity
Men typically don’t manage chronic conditions like diabetes until their symptoms become intolerable. Triage nurses can help patients understand what symptoms to look out for (like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained fatigue), and how severe they can become if left untreated. Early interventions are important if patients want to be seen by physicians before their health deteriorates.
Prostate and Testicular Cancer
Early detection for any type of cancer is critical, yet many men avoid discussing symptoms or pursuing regular screenings when it comes to their prostate or reproductive organs. Nurse triage can help by providing confidential, judgment-free guidance when patients call with related concerns like pain, swelling, or urinary changes. This creates a safe space for men to share symptoms they may otherwise be reluctant to report.
Mental Health
Men are also statistically less likely to seek help for conditions like depression and anxiety. Triage nurses are trained to recognize signs of emotional distress, and can help de-escalate crises and guide callers toward appropriate mental health services. This may include connecting them with providers, scheduling in-person or telehealth consultations, or referring them to behavioral health resources.
The Role of Nurse Triage in Men’s Health Support
Nurse triage goes beyond basic call handling. It uses standardized clinical protocols to evaluate symptoms, recommend next steps, and ensure that men receive timely and appropriate care. For example:
- Triage nurses can determine whether chest discomfort is a sign of indigestion or a medical emergency.
- They can assess whether joint pain is a minor sprain or a possible complication of another condition.
- They provide advice on whether symptoms require home care, a doctor’s visit, or a trip to the ER.
This real-time access to clinical insight reassures male callers who may be hesitant to visit their providers, but still want a better understanding of their own health. For many, speaking with a nurse is the first step toward taking their symptoms seriously.
Supporting Providers With Nurse Triage On Call
If your practice is looking for nurse triage solutions that can benefit all of your patients, we can help!
Our Nurse Triage On Call service includes a medical call center of nurses who act as an extension of your practice and are available to assist your patients 24/7. Or, if you already have an established nurse triage department, our flagship triage software, myTriageChecklist, can support them by allowing them to document all patient interactions and share that information directly with your existing EHR.
Individually or together, these services can offer:
- Better patient engagement after normal office hours.
- Reduced emergency room overuse.
- Lower liability risk due to standardized documentation.
- Enhanced care coordination through EHR integration.
Make Men’s Health a Year-Round Priority
June may spotlight men’s health, but the issues they face are important to address year-round. Providers can empower their patients by offering empathetic, informed, and accessible care — especially when symptoms first arise. Nurse triage services can offer that necessary education and guidance, giving men a safe and timely way to talk about their concerns.
If you’d like to learn more about nurse triage solutions for your practice, we’d welcome a conversation! Contact us today to discuss a program.
About TriageLogic
TriageLogic is a URAC-accredited, physician-led provider of top-quality nurse telehealth technology, remote patient monitoring, and medical call center solutions. Founded in 2006, the TriageLogic Group now serves more than 22,000 physicians and covers over 42 million lives nationwide.
