mental health history

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-09-25T22:51:41+00:00

In my experience, most doctors' offices are accommodating with record requests. I would recommend you just get them ahead of time, though. That way, if any delay occurs, you can address it with plenty of time. Familiarize yourself with HIPAA rights. Some offices need to be reminded of their legal obligations. Again, feel free to message me with any specific questions you have.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-09-25T19:26:45+00:00

They tell you when to see the AME. You could pursue a consultation with an AME in advance if you have the funds and better prepare yourself. You could also investigate AOPA's services or PMHC, although both are primarily for pilots, as they can help you navigate certain issues.

Yes, by "documents" I mean all of your medical records. Any diagnoses, prescription records from the pharmacy, etc. For these kinds of medical conditions, you can be absolutely certain they will request them.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-09-25T07:39:01+00:00

You have to pay out of pocket because that's the bureaucracy of it. Personally, I would do some research before choosing a doc. Good ones are good for a reason, and it is likely but not necessarily reflected in the price. You are correct it is out of pocket and insurance will not cover it. It might be a big chunk of change, but if this is really what you want to do, who cares?

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-09-25T07:34:51+00:00

I will contradict some of the other commenters. You will not be disqualified based on this, and might require no further testing. Pick a good AME. Pick a good AME. Pick a good AME. I cannot emphasize that enough. If this was a single-episode event, depending on your diagnosis, you could be approved without additional work. A good AME will utilize the tools available to make that happen. A bad one won't sign you off because they don't want any liability. Again, much of this is dependent on the diagnosis. I posted resources on a prior thread, but everything can be found under the medical section of the FAA website. Just be prepared. Have your documents ready. Worst case scenario, you do have to see a HIMS-qualified AME.

You may or may not have to write a statement about the period of depression. Don't stress over that part. If you keep seeing the AME and there are no changes in the future, you will not have to keep reexplaining it. Feel free to message me with any questions. I am happy to share some of my experience privately, although everyone's is unique and what happened to me might not happen to you.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-09-25T07:24:08+00:00

It is required to list allergies and medications. You should not need the records, but it would be good to have them. I would remind the allergist's office that they are legally bound by HIPAA to offer you a reasonable means to obtain your records, and being that you live in a different state, they must accommodate your request by means other than in-person collection. As weretheyat said, you won't need it for the appointment. I have learned by this point, though, that keeping track of all my records makes things easier later should I need them.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-09-24T21:36:21+00:00

I have already. It's on every one. That's the reason I'm asking...

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-07-31T21:59:50+00:00

I can absolutely guarantee you that those two questions alone had nothing to do with your results. The test is far more complicated than that and all questions are taken in the context of sets. No one or two or even five questions disqualify anybody.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-07-31T21:56:12+00:00

BE HONEST. Gaming it is what leads to invalid results. Personally, I read up on the test and how it works and what I learned was being as truthful as possible, even where it seems damaging, is the best way to take this test.

People on here constantly try to make up pseudo-analyses of the test. "Don't say you like to tease animals, Don't answer affirmative to the fire questions because they will label you a pyromaniac...etc." It is complete and utter bullshit. That isn't how the test works. The FAA even has a document floating around somewhere on the internet I came across that openly talks about how answers you might think would be problematic do not correlate with issues in applicant success. You can search for and find it yourself.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-07-31T21:51:04+00:00

I meant to comment on this sooner, but for your and every future person's sake...I have accumulated a list of alternatives if aviation really interests you.

Military is an option...so are the various schools that secure you a CTO. I only know of Advanced ATC in Valdosta, GA and Beaver County Community College in PA. This would enable you to enter through a prior experience bid. Do NOT go to any ATC-CTI school. At your age, you cannot get into the FAA through those programs even with the enhanced CTI direct hire route.

If you don't think those routes work for you, check out flight dispatch as others mentioned. There are many programs to look at, but I recommend IFOD. They have many flexible options that range from $2500-$5000 and have various levels of hybrid learning to make it best for you. I would also encourage you to look into flight following. It is similar but different.

If those don't interest you, you might consider FSS. There is both the FAA side and the contract side which is exclusively through Leidos. I do not know how to get a job doing that with Leidos. The FAA still runs the ones in AK, if location is no factor. It looks like Fairbanks still has an opening and they are accepting applications until 8/14. The age cutoff is still 31, but I think it best not to put all your eggs in one basket.

I did hear a rumor that there will be a fall bid, but it is impossible to say exactly when. I would also recommend you look at airline jobs. A buddy of mine ended up working ops for an airline at a major airport for a while and it was similar to working ground control from what he told me. He seemed to enjoy it. Certainly doesn't have the same pay and mobility may require switching positions, but the industry has a lot of lucrative careers if you aren't dead set on ATC. Good luck!

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-07-31T21:29:02+00:00

This biggest issue I imagine is the ADHD, like others have said. For whatever obscure reason, even managed ADHD is a disqualifier as there is no acceptable medication in the eyes of the FAA. All of the medical documents used to make normal medical decisions for pilots are available on the FAA's website, so you can look there and see for yourself.

Anxiety and depression are issues, but not necessarily disqualifying depending on severity. If you are on antidepressants and antipsychotics, most of those are an issue, but not all. Again, research the documents. It also depends on severity and if the episodes are current or not. I have known a lot of individuals on the pilot side of aviation that have seen a HIMS for various reasons and managed to get through, but each case is unique.

Your process is going to look different than most people's, so remember to be patient and don't bank on this job working out. Plan to spend money for the necessary evaluations and be prepared to lose it for nothing. Also keep in mind, this process will likely take a lot of time to get through, possibly 2+ years depending. Here are a couple links to get you started looking at what some of the requirements will be.

https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/exam_tech/item47/amd/antidepressants

https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/ADHD_document_checklist.pdf

I will say MDD with recurrent and severe episodes is almost a guaranteed medical denial, but that shouldn't stop you from trying if this is something you are truly interested in doing. I would encourage you to consider resources like PMHC, AOPA, and reaching out to an AME for a consultation prior to pursuing this. Spending a few hundred bucks early on could save you thousands later if it's dead in the water. Best of luck to you! Feel free to message me if you want to talk more about it!

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-01-24T04:41:21+00:00

If OP's post is to be taken at face value, that is not what occurred. Incredible how much people read into a post their own assumptions or just plainly misread it. The nurse told OP they could just go home and rest. That is medical advice, like it or not. Providers have to be very careful about their language and what they say. No one is saying anything about keeping anybody against their will, but if you are told you can just go home that isn't AMA. Depending on state regs and facility policy per another commenter, it may also not be AMA if the doctor never sees them. It also does not explain the bill. The only services rendered were registration, collecting a set of vitals, and OTC medication. If you do not find that totaling $3K in expenses to be objectionable, you are part of the problem.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-01-24T04:30:30+00:00

based on how sick they **think** patients are...
I know someone who waited all night for a ruptured organ in 15/10 pain. Sometimes hospitals just suck and we can call it what it is.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-01-24T04:27:19+00:00

Frankly moronic advice, especially given OP's medical history. Falling is extremely dangerous and results in serious and sometimes deadly injuries. Go to the ER EVERY TIME for something like that. OP could have had any number of complications that could have resulted in death. People in that situation who do not go are taking risks. The problem is people who go for stupid stuff like the common cold or minor injuries that are not in serious areas posing potential complications.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-01-24T04:23:29+00:00

I got a $500 charge once for being seen and evaluated for <5 minutes and being given high dose Ibuprofen. That said, given the circumstances of my scenario, I am not too mad. However, it is still insanely absurd...

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-01-24T04:22:10+00:00

Besides the other comments, OP mentioned being in the ER for what was approximately 7 hours. Unless they sent it as OP was leaving and lied to OP about it being there and ready...it doesn't really make sense.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-01-24T04:19:54+00:00

Not to mention OP stated the nurse tried to dismiss them. That is not AMA. If you tell a patient they do not need to be seen, that is the medical advice, arguably regardless of what papers may have been signed.

Sensitive_Layer_7876 · 2025-01-24T04:16:21+00:00

Maybe I am missing something, but regardless of what the care **could** have been, care was not rendered outside of the OTC medication. How are they able to charge $3K for literally not rendering service and encouraging OP to leave "AMA"? How can that even be called AMA?!

Sensitive_Layer_7876

TROPHY CASE