Just wondering if anyone has made their AME also their PCP? Are there any pros or cons to this? My job allows me an HMO plan for the most reasonable price and I want to fire my current PCP. I figured why not go for a first class AME that's in my network because he or she would best know how to keep me out of the FAA's radar?

Thx

Could work the other way, he could keep you in the FAA radar. I am in good health but I've always adhered to the idea the your AME probably should just be your AME. It's not that much more money to pay out of pocket, and it gives you some options if and when you do have health issues. Doctors aren't perfect despite popular belief and if he goes south on your health status for some reason, you now have a hard row to hoe getting another local AME to think clearly about your status should they choose to communicate.

Duly noted... I found an AME i really like regardless, and he just retired from family care, but is going to keep doing the AME gig (he also is a pilot)... Thanks for the advice.

ABSOLUTLE NOT!!

Your PCP should have your health and well being as his/her only concern.

Your AME's only concern should be the appropriate class medical certificate and the issues required to pass.

NEVER should the two meet.

USMCFLYR

as a AME/HIMS i have many combined patient types. It works for us and is 1 stop shopping for the pilot.

Maybe it does work for you, but in my opinion it s lie trying to combine oil and water.

I've had two different AME's tell me specifically that they only want know what it on the form and otherwise I should engage them in discussions about the weather and golf. The first one told me that when I brought in my rather extensive military health record for reference, since I knew I would be requiring a waiver from the FAA. he had ME make the photo copies of what he wanted because he said he didn't even want to go through my medical record.

Sort of the same vein as the VA's doctors. He said, I'm not your doctor. I'm here to figure out what the military broke.

I have come to agree with this division of labor.
YMMV.

USMCFLYR

It seems like you can't get treatment for anything major at all without it impacting your FAA medical and chances at keeping your job. Things such as sleep apnea, depression, etc are best left untreated under the current system. Unless you can do so "off the books". My thinking was the AME (if he also were your PCP) would give you a warning before continuing with certain treatment options... Perhaps by saying "you might not want to take this route because of what it could mean for your medical", etc.

I started using my AME as my primary doctor WHEN I had an issue. Never say never...thats just stupid. For some of us it works. Saying NEVER implies you know or have knowledge of every persons situation and needs which you clearly do not. It my be YOUR recommendation and others to, but I can tell you having my AME be my primary also affords me a treating doctor who understands the FAA and what hoops need to be jumped thru. YMMV.