Disclosing past therapy sessions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Apparentlyanxious
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Apparentlyanxious

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Hello everyone: question about the best path for disclosing past therapy sessions.

Background: I have held a Class 3 medical for several years. More than 3 years before applying for my medical, I saw a therapist for three sessions (as an objective person to vent to about relationship and life adjustments at the time.) No medications, and (to my recollection) no diagnosis of anything. The visits were billed through my insurance with my employer at the time.

When applying for my medical, I did not disclose this to my AME as it was (1) not within the last 3 years, and (2) I did not believe I had been diagnosed with any mental disorders.

I have since learned it's not uncommon for therapists to "diagnose" patients for billing purposes without telling them, and I recently requested copies of my medical record out of caution. Sure enough, I had been "diagnosed" with "Generalized anxiety disorder" on my first visit.

If I had known this at the time, I would have absolutely disclosed it when applying for my medical (and I expect it would have been no factor based on this guidance.)

My question: what should I do now? AME consult? Lawyer? I'm unsure where this screw-up falls on the spectrum from "mention it to the AME and they'll make a note about it" to "your ass is grass, hope you like wearing orange."

Cheers and thanks for the input, especially from anyone who's had a similar experience.
 
Do you need a Class 3, or can Basic Med cover you? When does your Class 3 expire?
 
If you are worried about it, you can schedule a consultation call with your AME before your exam. I did that recently for a similar situation. 200 bucks to discuss off the record. Well worth it in my case. Sounds like yours is more simple.
 
bbchien said:
Bring the record with you on your next AME visit. If he's got the memo he will yawn, issue, and send it in.
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Thank you for the input, I appreciate the sanity check!

WDD said:
Do you need a Class 3, or can Basic Med cover you? When does your Class 3 expire?
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I'd prefer to be eligible for the traditional medical system. I'm a hobbyist for now, but don't want to rule out flying for compensation in the future. My Class 3 is valid until 2028.

Ed Haywood said:
If you are worried about it, you can schedule a consultation call with your AME before your exam. I did that recently for a similar situation. 200 bucks to discuss off the record. Well worth it in my case. Sounds like yours is more simple.
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Good to note. I might go that route given just to put this to bed sooner rather than later.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Most of the "omission" questions out there are more serious than mine, so I appreciate receiving advice that's more relevant to my situation. :thumbsup:
 
Apropos of nothing, you're required to, and attest that you did, complete the Medxpress form correctly to the best of your knowledge.
 
Apparentlyanxious said:
I'd prefer to be eligible for the traditional medical system. I'm a hobbyist for now, but don't want to rule out flying for compensation in the future. My Class 3 is valid until 2028.
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That's logical. Once you get the discrepancy sorted out, you won't have to deal with it again.
 
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