Basic Med back to 3rd Class

[wilkersk]

After being told by an AME that he won't do Basic Med exams, and being told by a primary care provider (ARNP) that she's not sure her practice will do Basic Med exams, I have decided to apply to renew my 3rd class medical. It expired in 2021 after I got my basic med exam. I had an elevated A1c on a physical and was a little bit freaked out about reporting that at the time.

Now, almost 4 years later, I've got a pretty good history of controlling my A1c with just diet and exercise. The AME has reviewed my EHR and says everything looks good and I should go ahead and complete the MedExpress application.

Have any of you seen first hand that insurance companies want older pilots to have an FAA medical over Basic Med? This is a rumor I heard. But, I've never been able to confirm it.

 

[wellknow]

I have heard that as well.

 

[bbchien]

Certainly true if you have a retract. less true is you are in an RV-x.
But diabetes controlled by diet and exercise is a non-condition @ FAA. The AME just has to document it

 

[MountainDude]

After being told by an AME that he won't do Basic Med exams, and being told by a primary care provider (ARNP) that she's not sure her practice will do Basic Med exams, I have decided to apply to renew my 3rd class medical. It expired in 2021 after I got my basic med exam. I had an elevated A1c on a physical and was a little bit freaked out about reporting that at the time.

Now, almost 4 years later, I've got a pretty good history of controlling my A1c with just diet and exercise. The AME has reviewed my EHR and says everything looks good and I should go ahead and complete the MedExpress application.

Have any of you seen first hand that insurance companies want older pilots to have an FAA medical over Basic Med? This is a rumor I heard. But, I've never been able to confirm it.

Congrats on managing A1c with diet and exercise.

 

[WDD]

Congrats on the improved health! If you want to keep Basic Med, find a facility that does DOT physicals (Doc in a Box). They usually will also do Basic Meds. Might have to call around a few places.

Before I do anything I'd check with my insurance company or broker and ask them directly your Basic Med vs Class 3.

 

[TCABM]

Until two years ago when our UFO self-grounded, he was flying under BasicMed just fine with our basic Avemco club policy.

I won’t second guess anyone’s decision to seek a third class medical, but for those already on BasicMed, I encourage them to find an eligible physician to continue BasicMed with unless required to get a third class SI.