FAA MedXPress
 

:confused: Has anyone used the online FAA Form 8500-8 at:

https://medxpress.faa.gov ???????

My AME (who's pro-pilot friendly and low threat) want's me to fill it out before coming to the medical. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

gremlin

I would avoid until it's mandatory, unless your medical history is pristine.

If you write something questionable on the paper form, my AME would probably hand it back and suggest that you word it differently. If it's already submitted to OKC, you're SOL.

I have used the system since it was introduced and never had a problem. I would agree that you are entering information that is probably subject to some review if there was ever an issue raised. In my case my medical history is quite significant and the FAA already has its nose in my business, so I've got nothing that's open to interpretation. It sure is nice doing the form online and just taking in a copy with you to the AME.

I've used it. Saves time in the waiting room. It also lets you save the form in a PFD file. Just be careful and make sure everything's correct before you hit the "send" key.

Even if you hit the send key, all that means is it is locked for edit until the doctor opens it up. He can make any necessary corrections during your visit. My AME works in a very busy office and it saved me a huge amount of wait time and didn't have to fill anything out when I got there, just went straight to the eye test. Once the medical is done then the AME submits it to OKC.

I've used it 3x now. Works great, lasts long time. It really only saves you time in the waiting room. It saves your doc admin staff even more time. Just renewed last week(before I knew of the rule change for <40:mad:) Now, they print your med cert off a printer. It looks fake to me... we'll see what happens next time I JS.

Has anyone had any recent complications with MedXPress?

I have never used it and am admittedly reluctant. I am going to a new AME for my first-time 1st Class Medical. I hear the AME is pilot friendly and takes pride in approving pilot medicals even when complications arise. The reason for going to a new AME is because my current AME does not do 1st Class exams.

Here's the kicker, I am reporting a prescription medication for the first time for hypertension. It is a low dose and under control. I have documentation of BP readings, blood work, EKG, and my physician's notes and approval of minimum risk and no side effects. So I think I covered all the bases for the new AME to outright approve me, but I don't want any complications from the FAA via the electronic system.

Am I just worrying too much?

The AME's office recommended the online application and said there was a discount for using it, but I am reluctant to use it for first time medicine reporting because in the world we live in now, who knows if it electronically flags my application at the FAA for review or not? I just don't want any delay...

Your thoughts?

I can't speak to any waiting period the FAA has for hypertension drugs, but it does sound to me like you have your ducks in a row. The electoronic form is not your problem; the problem is if you DON'T report the drug. If the FAA EVER finds out they will yank your license. They have a true "Take No Prisoners" approach to this issue.

BTW, I've been using the form for years. I have no problems with it.

Call the AME's office and ask them what you need; it's somewhat dependent on the drug you're taking. Call AOPA as well (if you're a member). Also, the AOPA medical forum has a lot of information on what you need to submit.

Well, I made a big deal about nothing...

I filled out the MedXPress application online and submitted it. Then printed out a copy to take to the AME along with my physician's letter, EKG, and other information that the office requested. Went in and got it done in under 40 minutes from the moment I walked through the door. Which is unbelievable, considering (get this) when I checked in they said my appointment was YESTERDAY! :eek: Doh! The nurses were getting ready to leave and the AME was walking out the door. I graciously pleaded and the doc was nice enough to do the exam on the spot!

He said that I had prepared nicely for coming to him for the first time and reporting meds for the first time, and that everything was in order. I doubt they would have seen me without an appointment like that if the application wasn't already filled out! The first question they asked after I begged them to do the exam was "Is your application filled out on-line?":D

The AME and nurses were very thorough, but damn they were fast! I guess a warm, sunny Friday afternoon gets the ol' bureaucratic process chuggin' right along!

All my AME visits will now be on Friday afternoons. I'll just try harder to show up on the right day...