Medical questionnaire .. err.. question :)

[Agathorn]

First off, yes I know no one here is going to give legal or medical advice, but I am hoping maybe some of you instructors and/or PADI people might be able to help.

Every course I take wants me to fill out the medical form again. I get that and in principle I have no problem with it. However the issue I do have is that technical I have to answer YES to the "Heart Problems" question as I have a heart murmur. Now the first time I ran into this, my doctor sent me to a specialist who evaluated it and determined it was 100% benign and would cause no issues. In fact it is so minor I don't even need to worry about medication before the dentist like many do. So I got my all clear and everything was good.

The second class I did they asked for a new form, I brought it to my doctor again and since she already knew my previous results, so signed it off. All good.

However I have since moved, and looking to get back into diving again. I want to take a refresher and then some new courses, which is going to require new forms. But I don't have that doctor again so I am going to have to go through the whole routine of doctor, specialist, doctor again which takes time and especially now that I am in Canada it could take a LONG time.

Was my original clearance for the heart murmur put in a file on me somewhere with PADI? Is it possible I could re-use that or something?

 

[uncfnp]

I believe the form asks if you have heart disease. A benign cardiac murmur is not heart disease.

 

[Agathorn]

I guess you could look at it that way couldn't you. Originally I didn't know if it was a problem or not, so I checked yes. But now that I know it isn't an issue, you do raise an interesting point.

 

[mselenaous]

Was my original clearance for the heart murmur put in a file on me somewhere with PADI? Is it possible I could re-use that or something?

Forms are not filed with the agency. Forms are the instructor's responsibility.

I have a set of completed medical forms signed by my MD, no instructor name on the front & make a copy for each different instructor when I take a class. Usually as long as nothing has changed and it's within a few months most instructors will accept it. I need a new set for something about every 6 months.

FYI it must be an MD or DO. PA & nurse practitioners signatures have not been recognized as acceptible in court cases.

 

[Hawkwood]

...

Was my original clearance for the heart murmur put in a file on me somewhere with PADI? Is it possible I could re-use that or something?

As mentioned, PADI will not have that. Whoever (or wherever) you take your courses through keeps those on file.

With respect to PADI, the doctor's clearance is valid only for a year, unless there are changes to one's condition in that year. After a year, and you take another course, you will need another clearance.

 

[Agathorn]

Thanks all. I will see my new doctor and talk it over with her, but probably just mark everything as NO this time around unless she advises me differently.

 

[uncfnp]

If at all possible get copies of your past visits and ideally a copy of the written interpretation of your cardiac echo and take that with you. Almost any new provider will appreciate records of your past medical history, especially any test or specialist visits to evaluate a specific issue.

 

[Hawkwood]

Thanks all. I will see my new doctor and talk it over with her, but probably just mark everything as NO this time around unless she advises me differently.

I'm very curious, if you are seeing a doctor because of your "yes", and the doctor says you are good to go, why would you then say "no"? Wouldn't you simply have the doctor sign the form clearing you?

 

[TMHeimer]

I'm very curious, if you are seeing a doctor because of your "yes", and the doctor says you are good to go, why would you then say "no"? Wouldn't you simply have the doctor sign the form clearing you?

Yes, that was my question. At any rate, it would be practical to always have a blank form so you could bring it to a doctor if need be (assume you can print one out somewhere if need be). I haven't taken courses for 5 years, so I guess I could have some problem I don't know of. My Dr. knows I dive, so I trust him to inform me during a regular bi-yearly checkup.I believe the form is for the dive op- in that if you have an injury because of a condition and you answered "no" for that, it is not negligence on the part of the op.

 

[Hawkwood]

Yeah, when ever I go in for my annual, or to get meds changed, I get the clearance signed.