Trying to find anyone (Fedex?) who used Harvey Watt to get their medical back in the past and whether they felt that Harvey Watt provided good service. My other choice is ALPA Medical. First time down this road so I have no idea if there is a difference. Thanks.

I have spoken with both of them, they seem to provide similar services ... but of course, ALPA is 'FREE,' paid for by all of our dues money ...

Had to use them the other day to answer a medical question. Held my nose and expected the worst based on anecdotal reports. Someone, not a doc, got back to me after about 5 hours. I used Dr Kendall many, many times over the years and he would call back personally, not his office admin people, and normally within 15-30 minutes. Deduct one point from Harvey Watt.

Rather than take care of my problem, the person I spoke with gave me generalized advise as to how to take care of the problem myself. After many more phone calls to Oke City, I seemed to have resolved my issue. Dr Kendall always had a direct line to someone to resolve the type of issue I had. Deduct another point from Harvey Watt.


Overall, I got done what needed to be done, but it took longer and was more on me than I ever experienced with Dr Kendall. I understand their purpose is to function as 'aeromedical advisors', but Dr Kendall provided a level of service far above that job description (even to the point of calling and making sure I had certain appointments lined up to get my medical back). I hope the new contract is saving the Company a TON of money, because the quality of service has certainly gone down a lot.

I have used both and had much better support, and more accurate information, from ALPA Medical.

YMMV.

Home, could not get my medical back, but he provided me with excellent service

Doesn't Harvey Watt also provide our secondary loss of license insurance through ALPA? I am not sure I want to share all my doctors visits notes with my disability insurance company.

I have an issue with receiving a medical every year due to an ongoing medical condition that requires annual testing, reports, etc. I would caution against disclosing ANYTHING to the company's medical representative before consulting ALPA medical (or any other unaffiliated aeromedical company) for the same issue. This is especially true when it concerns medical certification, SODA, or SI's. They do not need to be notified until you have exhausted other avenues and quite frankly it is none of their business until it actually affects your medical certification. There has been no disclosure of the types of records HW keeps when you make an inquiry nor the disposition of those records.

IMO, the only people actually in your corner are people you pay, ie. ALPA medical. Just my experience over the years of dealing with this BS.

Age 60 cannot get here fast enough.

I agree 100%, this may not have been started as a FDX only string but everyone at Purple needs to understand that Harvey Watt is the Company provider. The job they are hired to do is keep you flying, which one would think is the shared goal. In almost all cases it is, but the Company adviser also handles cases where you have been "directed" to contact Harvey Watt for an evaluation. I think it is sage advice from MEMFO to use your ALPA paid medical advisor first and foremost and I personally would only use Harvey Watt when it is required or my other options have not resulted in a satisfactory result. I have no experience with HW but I do know we were spoiled with Dr. Kendall, times are changing.

Agree with the above. ALPA Medical is in YOUR corner and YOUR corner only. I have used them and they are very good at what they do. I would recommend them and caution you against using Harvey Watt.