Neurologic Evaluation

Hi everyone,

I'm applying for a third class medical. It was deferred for a few reasons, one of them was related to a syncope episode that happened to me more than a year ago. My primary doctor thinks it happened because of dehydration. Of course, that is not good enough for AAM-300. They have requested a neurologic evaluation.

My question is, how does one go about getting such an evaluation? This is the second time I've attempted to this.

First, as with all deferrals, I have 60 days to respond to the FAA's inquiry. Problem is, I have not encountered a neurologist who is able to see patients within 60 days. Second, unlike HIMS AMEs, neurologists aren't trained to work with the FAA. The first time I tried to get a neurologic evaluation, I handed the specifications sheet to the doctor, and he had several questions about it that I was unable to answer. Finally, most neurologists require a referral before they will even schedule an appointment. "The FAA asked me to do this" does not count.

This is not even scratching the surface in terms of the problems I've encountered trying to do this, but these are the biggest problems.

 

Your AME can't provide a referral? Or any other guidance?

 

Unfortunately my AME is kind of useless.

 

Search syncope here and look for responses from bbchien. He’s addressed it before.

 

Get a better AME! Your Primary care md can also refer you. Ask for an extension if you need one.

 

time for a new AME. if you have a primary care doc he/she can make a referral. That might get you in sooner.

 

The good news is that I've got to see a HIMS AME for a separate issue on my medical, so I will definitely be asking him about it.

Also, what is the best way to ask for an extension? I know that it's best to wait until the very end of the original 60 days, because the extension takes effect from the day you request it. I've heard that it's very difficult to get anyone on the phone if you call. I worry that if I send them a letter, they won't read it and respond in a timely manner. I guess I could fax it.

 

Just call the number on the letter from the FAA to request the extension. But your primary care physician should be able to refer you to a neurologist. Don't assume insurance will cover it though as it isn't medically necessary.

 

There are AMEs who will not refer you to a specialist for a procedure that the FAA says you need based on medical history?

 

Your rank and file SeniorAME, may not have the tools…..look on the FAA’s HIMS AME list at the bottom of the page found by searching on FAA.gov: “Find an AME”. There’s a link at the bottom the page.

B

 

He probably would, but his office is difficult to work with when I need help or have questions.