Medical form: practical/ethical quandary

[raftingtigger]

It would be really nice if the medical questionnaire had a space for previously cleared with either "no change in condition" or "historical information only" that would negate the need for a new physical.

The OP's situation would be perfect for this. He has a stable, historical, orthopedic issue. Once he is cleared to dive, until and unless the condition changes, there should be no need for yearly clearance.

Other situations, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc. should get a periodic assessment for dive fitness whether or not anyone requires it. This is for the diver's safety.

 

[Ricky B]

But, from a medical perspective the medical questionnaire is actually designed to protect you as the diver, not the dive op. Think of it this way, if you die in a training accident and you lied on your medical form it is likely if not probable the LDS would bear little or no responsibility and would continue business as usual. Your family however would then have the unpleasant task of planning your funeral.

Just to be clear, that's why I stated in my post (which you quoted), "In my circumstances." These circumstances include being physically fit and having been checked out by an MD who specializes in dive medicine, having discussed my history with him, having had various tests by him (and other doctors), having discussed my medications with him, and having been cleared by the physician (not by a dive op) for diving. I realize that you were not directing your comment to me personally, but I just want the record clear. I certainly agree that any diver who has to answer "yes" to any question ought to consult with a physician qualified in the area in question regardless of how the diver answers the questionnaire, but that's simply my advice.

As further clarification, I am not making any recommendation to anybody as to how he or she should answer the questionnaire. I am simply stating that I have no problem with answering NO to all the questions without regard to whether any answer to like questions from a person who had actually had a right to know my medical history might be otherwise.

 

[DBailey]

Go see the specialist this time. Take the basic medical form and the doctor sign off form with you. Have a conversation with the specialist about your condition and the form. Ask the doctor if in his medical opinion based on your current situation, do you need to answer "Yes" on future versions of the form? From there with a medical opinion, you can decide how to approach the form in the future.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Once upon a time I had an article written for physicians by someone, I thin from Dan, that went over all contraindications for diving and also what conditions, including medications, were not necessarily disqualifiers. I gave it to my them primary physician, who since retired and moved away. Does anyone know if this article ( or an update version of it or something like it, is around? Please advise. I'd like to get one to my current medical providers.
DivemasterDennis

 

[azmodan50]

As far as I'm concerned, my medical history is between me and my doctor. I am an adult and will therefore decide for myself if I think I am fit to dive. I have no problem assuming the risks and releasing any dive operator from liability if I die due to health issues.

 

[lv2dive]

My suggestion is to establish a relationship with a primary care physician, have an annual physical, and get a blank (no instructor or facility) fitness to dive statement signed by the physician / pa, at the physical. I had a spinal fusion several years ago as well and it does not impact my diving. My primary care physician is aware of this and other historical health issues (now resolved) and does not require additional tests on an annual basis.

 

[iztok]

I do have two YES on my form and every year I bring the form to my primary care MD and he or PA sign it just fine. It is valid for one year so I just make copies and keep few in my logbook just in case I am asked to fill in the form somewhere. Problem solved.

 

[Rayallyn]

When I started diving again after 18 years living in the mountains of New Hampshire I needed a signoff because of diabetes. I have it well controlled and only take metformin but the VA Physician declined to sign saying VA officials were not allowed to sign off on diving. I went to a local doctor got a physical and he signed off. Later when I had rectal cancer and had finished radiation and surgery the surgeon also being a diver signed off on the form after I passed a stress test and agreed to dive using a dry suit while I still had an open wound from the surgery. This doctor was also a VA doctor/surgeon. So, I suspect that it is more the individual and his/her knowledge of diving.

 

[flots am]

The form does not matter other than as a means to protect the op. Somehow, when I wasn't looking, I got old. I discuss my ability to dive every time I see my doctor. His input is between he and I and should really be of no concern to some op that has little if any medical knowledge. Heck, I have had impaired hearing for over 50 years now. Wrong answer and the dive op wants a current (1 year) doctors statement!!! They don't care if it is signed by Dr Seuss as long as it is with the last year and says I can dive. So the answer is I have no hearing problems even though they have to look at me when they speak, loudly and clearly.

I see my doc twice a year for BP check and blood work and to make sure my meds are tuned correctly, and each time check with him to make sure I'm still OK to dive.

As long as he continues to say yes, I'll continue to ignore the dive op medical forms and check all the "I'm healthy" boxes. It's none of their damn business if 20 years ago I had hypertension, that's been perfectly controlled since then. Nobody is more concerned about me being safe on a dive than me or my wife.

They can damn well drive the boat and let me worry about my health.

flots.

 

[iztok]

I seem my doc twice a year for BP check and blood work and to make sure my meds are tuned correctly, and each time check with him to make sure I'm still OK to dive.

As long as he continues to say yes, I'll continue to ignore the dive op medical forms and check all the "I'm healthy" boxes. It's none of their damn business if 20 years ago I had hypertension, that's been perfectly controlled since then. Nobody is more concerened about me being safe on a dive than me or my wife.

They can damn well drive the boat and let me worry about my helath.

flots.

You are actually exposing dive professionals to additional risk by doing so. It is a YES/NO question and if you see MD then have him sign you are clear and be done with it.

If I knew any of my students has done that I would certainly not be taking him/her under water.