I am looking for some advice. I have been a medevac helicopter pilot for over 15 years. Prior to that flew in the National Guard and also have a private license for a small aircraft. 2 years ago at the beginning of a 7 day off stretch on Patricks Day I had an error in judgment and drove home resulting in a traffic stop for a DUI. As a previous retired law enforcement officer in an attempt to avoid further embarrassment to my family and community I settled this agreement without ever having a BAC at the scene. reported this immediately and for over a year continue to fly. The FAA then determined that there needed to be further evaluation and my medical license was pulled. The nightmare began I initially contacted a HIMS physician in the neighboring state and had an initial evaluation with him and his associated psychiatrist. I also was evaluated at the treatment center where it was determined that inpatient treatment was not necessary as it had been over a year since my infraction and I hadn't had any alcohol. it also was not going to be covered by insurance so that would've been $30,000 out of pocket as well as taking a bed for somebody who needed it. I did participate in outpatient treatment and still currently and monitored with random breathalyzers. I tried to switch physicians to one closer but the paperwork stream has been nothing but muddy. He took months for all of my paperwork to be transferred and still she has not noted as my physician of record anywhere that I can find. I have attended over 380 AA meetings, have not had alcohol I started the IOP I had never had any type of alcohol related infection before, have never had any job concerns. Had high readings with every agency yet they have tagged me with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse disorder... All stemming on 14 judgment move. I except responsibility for that move but unfortunately I seemed not to be able to get anywhere to get my license back. I have now had to resign my position at my Company, as I had been out of work for over one year. I have passed and now taken a job at the police department where I had retired from 13 years ago....(yes I am the oldest Rookie) I guess I am asking for advice regarding the next day. I feel like things are just spinning with the physician I am currently attached to as well as the pilot peer. Physical Have any recommendations for a physician who could help me move through this process. I have times of documentation of things that I have done thus far would change physicians if I was not going to be perceived as "Dr Shopping" any help is appreciated
I am looking for some advice. I have been a medevac helicopter pilot for over 15 years. Prior to that flew in the National Guard and also have a private license for a small aircraft. 2 years ago at the beginning of a 7 day off stretch on Patricks Day I had an error in judgment and drove home resulting in a traffic stop for a DUI. As a previous retired law enforcement officer in an attempt to avoid further embarrassment to my family and community I settled this agreement without ever having a BAC at the scene. reported this immediately and for over a year continue to fly. The FAA then determined that there needed to be further evaluation and my medical license was pulled. The nightmare began I initially contacted a HIMS physician in the neighboring state and had an initial evaluation with him and his associated psychiatrist. I also was evaluated at the treatment center where it was determined that inpatient treatment was not necessary as it had been over a year since my infraction and I hadn't had any alcohol. it also was not going to be covered by insurance so that would've been $30,000 out of pocket as well as taking a bed for somebody who needed it. I did participate in outpatient treatment and still currently and monitored with random breathalyzers. I tried to switch physicians to one closer but the paperwork stream has been nothing but muddy. He took months for all of my paperwork to be transferred and still she has not noted as my physician of record anywhere that I can find. I have attended over 380 AA meetings, have not had alcohol I started the IOP I had never had any type of alcohol related infection before, have never had any job concerns. Had high readings with every agency yet they have tagged me with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse disorder... All stemming on 14 judgment move. I except responsibility for that move but unfortunately I seemed not to be able to get anywhere to get my license back. I have now had to resign my position at my Company, as I had been out of work for over one year. I have passed and now taken a job at the police department where I had retired from 13 years ago....(yes I am the oldest Rookie) I guess I am asking for advice regarding the next day. I feel like things are just spinning with the physician I am currently attached to as well as the pilot peer. Physical Have any recommendations for a physician who could help me move through this process. I have times of documentation of things that I have done thus far would change physicians if I was not going to be perceived as "Dr Shopping" any help is appreciated
I am looking for some advice. I have been a medevac helicopter pilot for over 15 years. Prior to that flew in the National Guard and also have a private license for a small aircraft. 2 years ago at the beginning of a 7 day off stretch on Patricks Day I had an error in judgment and drove home resulting in a traffic stop for a DUI. As a previous retired law enforcement officer in an attempt to avoid further embarrassment to my family and community I settled this agreement without ever having a BAC at the scene. reported this immediately and for over a year continue to fly. The FAA then determined that there needed to be further evaluation and my medical license was pulled. The nightmare began I initially contacted a HIMS physician in the neighboring state and had an initial evaluation with him and his associated psychiatrist. I also was evaluated at the treatment center where it was determined that inpatient treatment was not necessary as it had been over a year since my infraction and I hadn't had any alcohol. it also was not going to be covered by insurance so that would've been $30,000 out of pocket as well as taking a bed for somebody who needed it. I did participate in outpatient treatment and still currently and monitored with random breathalyzers. I tried to switch physicians to one closer but the paperwork stream has been nothing but muddy. He took months for all of my paperwork to be transferred and still she has not noted as my physician of record anywhere that I can find. I have attended over 380 AA meetings, have not had alcohol I started the IOP I had never had any type of alcohol related infection before, have never had any job concerns. Had high readings with every agency yet they have tagged me with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse disorder... All stemming on 14 judgment move. I except responsibility for that move but unfortunately I seemed not to be able to get anywhere to get my license back. I have now had to resign my position at my Company, as I had been out of work for over one year. I have passed and now taken a job at the police department where I had retired from 13 years ago....(yes I am the oldest Rookie) I guess I am asking for advice regarding the next day. I feel like things are just spinning with the physician I am currently attached to as well as the pilot peer. Physical Have any recommendations for a physician who could help me move through this process. I have times of documentation of things that I have done thus far would change physicians if I was not going to be perceived as "Dr Shopping" any help is appreciated
Sounds like you have been serious about getting your medical back, good work. Dr Bruce www.aeromedicaldoc.com can help you, his fee to review records is reasonable and well worth it.
The wall of text is difficult to read.... But I think you are seeking the right Aviation Medical Examiner to shepherd you through the process? If that is what you are asking, the members of PoA frequently recommend one of two AME's to manage a case such as yours. Especially if you are (or wish to be) a revenue pilot. Dr. Bruce Chien (Bolingbrook, IL), Contact Info: http://www.aeromedicaldoc.com/how-to-start.html, @bbchien Dr. Lou Fowler (Pensacola, FL), Contact Info: lbfjrmd@gmail.com, @lbfjrmd Both are extremely approachable and extremely knowledgeable in alcohol related cases and how to undo the Gordian Knot that many airmen get tangled up in.
Replied to the same question that was in Medical Topics..... Also pointed the OP to Doc Bruce and Doc Lou
