WhisperJet

I need a new primary care doctor. One of the better guys in the area happens to also be an AME. Not my AME as I have one.

Would there be any reason not to see this guy as long as I only use him for primary care and not my flight physicals?

TiredSoul

That could be a conflict of interest, not your interest.
I’m saying no.

JohnBurke

I don't have a primary care doctor. I don't think I've had one in the last 45 years or so, but on occasion with simple stuff (sinus infection, etc), I've consulted with my AME, and he's written a prescription. I was carrying a high workload during the pandemic, and he was extremely busy with a high caseload of Covid patients, many of them critical, in addition to his AME work; we talked at length about his observations. vaccines, etc. When I began wearing prescription glasses, he was nearly apologetic when he said he was sorry, but I'd need a limitation on my medical. I feel comfortable working with him, as I did with his predecessor. That is NOT the case with some AME's.

I wouldn't be uncomfortable using him as my primary care physician, if I had one, but he's too busy doing medicals and his other duties. There's a lot to be said for separation in keeping your FAA medical life isolated from anything else. I'm not suggesting one shouldn't be honest or transparent, but pick the wrong AME and what might have been handled easily could turn into something else. Conversely, an AME can address your treatment (and diagnosis) with an understanding of where you're coming from as a pilot and your needs regarding medical certification.

Years ago I had an issue with kidney stones that resulted in surgeries, etc, and during that period, I was medically grounded. I worked directly with the AME (two of them), and coordinated with the surgeon, other specialists, etc, to get all the paperwork done. It took several months, but keeping everyone in the loop prevented it from being longer.

For simple things, I'm comfortable seeing my AME and asking. Generally, I'd advise keeping your medical treatment separate from your FAA exams, however. Chest hurting a bit lately and you think it's prudent to see a cardiologist for a consult? Own time, own dime, and when the cardiologist tells you to take some antacid and see if it goes away, you're not stuck into a year of tests and exams to document your concern. You had nothing, it was nothing, became nothing. Handle that through your AME, and it could have. That said, you are required to report any interaction with medical professionals or medical services. I will simply say that discretion is the better part of valor, and leave it at that.

ugleeual

I had the same question years ago… called the Internist Primary Care Doctor (also an AME) and he said a very bad idea… one or the other.

Brickfire

If you NEED a good pcp - diabetes, htn, osa, cardiac history and already on an SI - maybe go for it

Otherwise no

TiredSoul

Hehehehe,
My previous AME recommended against it also.

WhisperJet

im talking about seeing a dr who happens to be an AME. I still use my AME for flight health stuff. But the doc I want to go to happens to be an AME as well. Hell i don’t even need to mention to him I’m a pilot. Right?

rickair7777

They ask your profession on the admission form you fill out at every doc I've been to. If you leave it blank, the doc will probably ask.

And you may have medical care complications related to pilot schedule/lifestyle. Simple stuff, such as diet.

Would seem awkward to try to conceal or lie about your profession. The FAA might take that as a sign of intentional deceit if there were every any issues.

If the guy found out, I don't know if his capacity as an AME would allow or obligate him to report suspicious issues to the FAA... he's operating under federal auspices so it might supersede HIPAA.

TiredSoul

It’s like asking your girlfriend to be your wife.

WhisperJet

I'm not advocating deceiving anyone.

The situation is this. My current PCP sucks and I can never get ahold of him for appointments, results, questions, etc. I want to establish a relationship in my golden years with a good PCP whom I can do annual physicals with, discuss concerns, etc. Most of the good ones have moved to fee-based concierge service. One guy is highly regarded and is local who is still in insurance network. He also happens to be an AME but I already have a great AME and I don't want to change, as he is aware of all my history.

So, I guess my question is if I have an issue with something that comes up on a routine physical, or through other ways, I discuss it with my PCP, who is an AME but not my AME, is it a positive situation in that he would better know how to address any future potential issues as the FAA would want to see them presented and be able to provide the correct type of documentation/tests/etc that I could provide to my AME?