Good afternoon all,
I'm currently a ROTC Midshipman who is undergoing his SNA physical. I was able to obtain one prior to service selection (am currently a 3rd year) if that matters. I was told that I needed to get a methacholine challenge and pulmonary function exam in order to get a waiver for childhood asthma. My LT told me that to get an exam at a Naval Medical Clinic, you will need a referral from your tricare PCM. However, I am not in the tricare system, but he also said they are supposed to make an exceptions to this for someone like me undergoing a commissioning physical.
When I called my local clinic, which offers the exam, the lady said she only knew how to make an appointment for me if I had a referral. Should I call back and ask to speak to someone else if I get the same response or have some extra information to back up my claim? My only other option is to pay for them out of pocket at a civilian doctor, which is quite expensive. I do not know much about Tricare, so any help or information on this will be appreciated because I got limited information from my LT.
On a side note, I have no history of asthma, simply a bronchitis diagnosis, with an inhaler perscription and failed breathing test as a direct result at a young age. The waiver guide says I only need a waiver if I have "Any history of asthma", which I do not. I was unable to protest this when I was speaking with the flight doc as I couldn't read the description of the waiver due to pupil dilation. Is there any way that I can protest the need of this waiver in my current position?
I'm currently a ROTC Midshipman who is undergoing his SNA physical. I was able to obtain one prior to service selection (am currently a 3rd year) if that matters. I was told that I needed to get a methacholine challenge and pulmonary function exam in order to get a waiver for childhood asthma. My LT told me that to get an exam at a Naval Medical Clinic, you will need a referral from your tricare PCM. However, I am not in the tricare system, but he also said they are supposed to make an exceptions to this for someone like me undergoing a commissioning physical.
When I called my local clinic, which offers the exam, the lady said she only knew how to make an appointment for me if I had a referral. Should I call back and ask to speak to someone else if I get the same response or have some extra information to back up my claim? My only other option is to pay for them out of pocket at a civilian doctor, which is quite expensive. I do not know much about Tricare, so any help or information on this will be appreciated because I got limited information from my LT.
On a side note, I have no history of asthma, simply a bronchitis diagnosis, with an inhaler perscription and failed breathing test as a direct result at a young age. The waiver guide says I only need a waiver if I have "Any history of asthma", which I do not. I was unable to protest this when I was speaking with the flight doc as I couldn't read the description of the waiver due to pupil dilation. Is there any way that I can protest the need of this waiver in my current position?