Is just consulting with a specialist a “bad” idea?

[Max Power]

Two years ago, my father passed suddenly from an aortic dissection at 74. He wasn’t a picture of perfect health, but he wasn’t ill either.Heart disease runs on both sides of the family tree and at 43, I’m not getting any younger.

My non AME PCP has suggested I see a cardiologist to rule out any issues. Is just seeing a specialist possibly opening a whole can of FAA related BS and a detriment to my career or is it a non event?

 

[awair]

Sorry for your loss.

Ask your AME, at next routine check…
Don't ask us, don't ask anyone else.

Not a Doctor, not a Lawyer - this advice opinion is worth exactly what you pay for it…

Good luck.

 

[Pilot Fighter]

Ask your AME, at next routine check…

Not sure that expressing your vague concerns about your cardiac health to your AME is a good idea.

 

[killbilly]

There is an AME near me who does two types of appointments.

Medical exams, and consultations.

The consultations are NOT medical exams.

 

[SteveC]

Go see the cardiologist. It won’t cause an issue with your AME unless something untoward is found, and if that’s what happens you’re still ahead of the game, both in flying and in living.

An AME will never have an issue with you being proactive because of family history.

 

[ASpilot2be]

Sorry for your loss.

Ask your AME, at next routine check…
Don't ask us, don't ask anyone else.

Not a Doctor, not a Lawyer - this advice opinion is worth exactly what you pay for it…

Good luck.

Uh, he is asking an AME. That's what this section is.

 

[Pilot Fighter]

An AME will never have an issue with you being proactive because of family history.

Never?

If I had an issue, I would want to know about it before sharing anything with an AME. I'd be looking for an AME that's more likely to understand the issue.

I have a cardiac rhythm that's perfectly healthy but might look odd to a GP. I don't take my chances that a poorly educated AME might start a Special Issuance •-show.

 

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

IMO I would see an AME only for the FAA medical.

I’d go see the cardiologist amd see what they say. Write it as a cardio doctor exam - general checkup. I don’t really think anyone would have a problem with that. Now if the cardio does find something, then definitely work to get that fixed and disclose the issue. At that point, the FAA medical may not be a high priority if it means saving your life now (or prolonging it).

 

[ASpilot2be]

Also, call AMAS if you're part of ALPA.

 

[FlightSurgeon]

Hi Max,

Seeing a cardiologist alone will not harm your medical. When you list the visit on your application the FAA will want verification that you really did go to the cardiologist just for prevention. This will require you to supply the office notes as well as reports from any testing done at that visit. It is possible depending on region that you will need a letter from the cardiologist summarizing your reason for evaluation and their impression of your cardiovascular fitness. What Cherokee suggests as far as approaching the application is not unreasonable, but an AME will typically ask follow-up questions about a cardiology visit so you should be ready with documentation if asked.

The gray area here may be how the referral by your PCP is worded and how the cardiologist documents in their notes. I have often run into situations where the office notes have diagnoses listed in the problem list that the airman was unaware of and that triggered a request by the FAA for more documentation. Just something to think about, always a good idea to make sure your physicians understand that you are working through the FAA process and that what they write in their impressions and coding/billing may have consequences.

Aaron Florkowski, MD
FAA designated Aviation Medical Examiner
www.kansascityame.com

 

[Plata]

Expect the AME to read the office notes carefully. Therefore, the less said in the notes, the lower the chance of opening Pandora’s Box. Were I in your shoes, I’d just make an appointment with the cardiologist if your insurance plan permits doing so. If the plan requires a referral I’d make an appointment with your PCP to discuss just this one issue: that way the office notes only contain the info related to the referral.

 

[Pilot Fighter]

How about going to one of the diagnostic testing centers where you don't see a doctor or get an evaluation.

Then, post your ECG on HeartCareers.com for comments.

 

[dustoff17]

While prepping for my first single-pilot, over water, packed with 9 passengers flight in the company’s new jet, I started getting what felt like an “extra“ heart beat. Out of concern, I went to a cardiologist and was told it’s a “premature ventricular contraction” brought on by stress. No meds, no follow up required.

Even when not stress out, my AME sees it every once in a while on the EKG; refers to as a “right ventricular bump”. Told me it is a non-issue because I’m otherwise very healthy. He wrote a quick note for the FFA and filled out another form. Turns out it was a non-issue with Oklahoma too. I didn’t need anything from the cardiologist but was willing to provide if asked.

For me, my continued health and spending time with my family outweighs my desire to keep a medical. Determine what is REALLY important to you and go from there.

 

[Max Power]

Had my medical done. I asked my AME and he said go see the cardiologist and have the ECG done. In so many words, if there's an issue, it's an issue. If there's no problem, then it's not an issue. But I appreciate all the thoughts and alternatives offered here. Obviously, none of us wants to jeopardize our health or well being (or that of others) for the sake of a career. But as we are all aware, "it's not that simple" and yet it is at the same time.