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-   -   Any cardiologists who are pilots or AMEs in Austin? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=186400)

jasonb478 08-31-2020 09:42 AM

Any cardiologists who are pilots or AMEs in Austin?
 
Hi,

I'm being referred to a cardiologist to check some things out. Would prefer to have one that is at least a pilot, if not AME in the Austin area, since they understand the intricacies of FAA medicals and cardio-logical health. If anyone knows of one, please let me know. Finding good medical providers is tough. Figured maybe I could narrow it down if any are in the aviation community.

Thanks!

Mike S 08-31-2020 09:45 AM

Welcome to VAF
 
Jason, welcome to VAF:D

Have you tried AOPA medical? They might be able to give you some guidance here.

jasonb478 08-31-2020 10:14 AM

Hi, Thanks!

Yeah, interesting for a first post, huh? I do have an RV7 kit being shipped as we speak, so not just a lurker. Finally decided not to proceed on a Cozy. Been working on one on and off for ten years and it hasn't got far. Realized for my mission that an RV7 is the perfect match. Not sure how I missed them before, or I'd already be flying it.

Doesn't have to be an AME. FAA AME database doesn't have any near me that are cardios. As difficult as it is to find good providers, I figured I start by narrowing down by if they were at least a pilot first. Been running a ton of names through the FAA databases. No luck yet. Could have been a couple, but several folks withhold their address from the pilot database. Haven't been an AOPA member in years. EAA has been receiving all of my charitable donations for the last few years.

markrettinger 08-31-2020 11:02 AM

I'm an anesthesiologist in Dallas. I fly with a couple of fellow docs. I'll ask them. Would you be willing to drive up to Dallas if I found a good one up here?

markrettinger 08-31-2020 11:05 AM

Also-are you being referred to a cardiologist by an AME or just by your primary doc? If it's a complicated case, you might want to talk to someone like me about it. You don't want to end up with a denial, so I would consult someone before going to an AME. I'm not an AME because I don't feel like dealing with the FAA bureaucrats, but I have helped a lot of fellow pilots with their complicated cases.

rv8ch 08-31-2020 11:22 AM

Listen
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by markrettinger (Post 1458816)
Also-are you being referred to a cardiologist by an AME or just by your primary doc? If it's a complicated case, you might want to talk to someone like me about it. You don't want to end up with a denial, so I would consult someone before going to an AME. I'm not an AME because I don't feel like dealing with the FAA bureaucrats, but I have helped a lot of fellow pilots with their complicated cases.

Jason, I think this is some excellent advice, if it's not already obvious to you. Awesome offer, Mark!

David Paule 08-31-2020 11:45 AM

You might discuss this with your regular AME, who might be fully able to advise you. In addition, a decent cardiologist should be able to set tests up so that they are covered under your insurance and meet the FAA's requirements, if the situation goes that far. In some cases, the AME can confer with the cardiologist to help explain the FAA's requirements.

Dave

azonic75 08-31-2020 11:47 AM

Something to consider
 
I am an AME and tell people to try and separate "church and state".

If you have any issues you want a reasonable AME to work with you. I don't like also being the primary treating physician for pilots if I'm also doing their exams.

Its a bit like getting pulled over by the cops, be honest and give them what they need.....but don't offer up extra info!

You can easily look up anything that AME's/FAA will need to clear most issues yourself by doing a quick google search.

jasonb478 08-31-2020 12:16 PM

Mark - PM sent

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I too believe in separating primary care doctors from my AME. It keeps from putting both of us in an awkward space due to their obligations as an AME, and how so many things are very subjective in nature. My medical expired a few years back because I've been out of the game, but getting back in soon.

Thanks Again! Looking forward being in the RV community.

Mike S 08-31-2020 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonb478 (Post 1458836)
My medical expired a few years back because I've been out of the game, but getting back in soon.

Over ten years?

Have you looked into Basic Med?


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