Medical questionnaire .. err.. question :)

[Ting Tong]

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.

I would think that the medical advice would only be good for a certain amount of time. I am not sure if heart murmurs can get worse or lead to other complications over time.

If I want to participate in dive training or dive with an operator I fill the medical form. I tick yes to pneumothorax as I had a collapsed lung due to an accident 10 years ago. If I am in Australia, I have to do a dive medical to Australian standards and see a doctor trained in dive medicine. I can not see any doctor. My dive medical only lasts 1 year. Although it can be a PITA, it is cheap insurance for the operator and me! I would hate to be the cause of an incident whereby somebody put their life at risk because I ticked no on a medical form. If an incident did occur I would want the paramedics to have the most up to date information about me.

I have done some of my diving and training in Thailand, and some of the operators have been astounded when I pull my Australian dive medical out. It is certainly more comprehensive than if I ticked yes and they sent me to a local Thai doctor.

Like I said cheap insurance for all involved.

BTW I just wanted to add that I keep my dive medical, the operator or instructor just takes a copy of it.

 

[Agathorn]

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?

I guess what I really mean is leave it up to her to decide if I need to get another followup or not,

 

[uncfnp]

Yep. Went back and looked at the form. Absolutely nothing on there specific to benign murmurs. The closest is history of valvular regurgitation. Regurgitation causes murmurs but murmurs are not necessarily reguritation.

 

[lowviz]

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

The OP may wish to check. I believe it to be a very regional thing. In Delaware (USA) an APRN can be one's PCP and sign death certificates.

Anyone know the various agencies' stand on that?