Posted on Apr 17, 2023
SPC Human Resources Specialist
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My PCM referred me to an off post doctor. After an MRI, the civilian doctor is saying that I need more treatment but my PCM is saying that I don't. If I continue treatment, it will delay my PCS.
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Responses: 9
SGT Christopher Hayden
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Why would your PCM refer you off post and then just ignore what the guy off post recommends? That doesn't make much sense, but then again it's the Army, soooo.
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SPC Human Resources Specialist
SPC (Join to see)
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Tell me about it, SGT. I needed this laugh in the midst of my frustration.
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SrA Ronald Moore
SrA Ronald Moore
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Thanks for sharing
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SrA Ronald Moore
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SSG John Gillespie
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Edited 1 y ago
The short answer to your question is absolutely not.

Your current PCM could not delay your PCS unless there was a compelling medical reason to do so, such as lack of access to adequate medical treatment services at your next duty station, regardless of whether or not you begin or continue treatment based on consultation with a civilian doctor.

Your treatment would be deferred during PCS travel and resumed upon arrival at your next duty station. It is not necessary for you to complete duty station in-processing in order to receive routine care at any Military Treatment Facility, provided you plan ahead. Your treatment records are fully digitized and it is possible to request assistance from your current PCM to establish continuity of care while in a transitory status.

Plan to PCS normally. Be proactive with both your own healthcare and with getting your orders issued. Do not wait until the last minute for things to come to you. There is a whole lot which you can do to set yourself up for success, even as a SPC. If you need assistance, engage your Chain of Concern and Chain of Command, as appropriate.
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SSG John Gillespie
SSG John Gillespie
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SPC (Join to see) - I admit that I'm ill-prepared to speak to the specifics of your case, though that's horrible. I hope that you can get some relief.

I saw, based on other discussions which you've recently engaged in, that there may be a temporary profile which may hold up your PCS. A word of caution in that regard: I do not expect that the regulations have changed since I retired, and I have not checked, but there are some interdependent provisions which require certain administrative actions for temporary profiles which extend past 90 days. Read the regulations yourself and understand the framework within which you will be serving with a chronic injury. I did and had to as well.

I got injured in late 1997, was dismissed by my unit medical personnel and struggled with it but was still able to pass an APFT until I had a major reinjury setback in 2005 and finally started getting rehab and physical therapy nearly 8 years after the initial injury. I was rated with a P2 in 2007 and retired in 2015, having moderately improved year by year from that devastating setback in 2005. Today, it's still an issue every day but is nothing like what you describe, though it was for the first few years.

My point is, read. Learn the regulations and what is expected of yourself and everyone else involved. Profiles WILL complicate matters where it comes to PCS in a timely manner, and that's partially to protect the Soldier on profile and partially to protect the Commander who is responsible for that Soldier's health and welfare. The PCM in this equation acts as an agent of the Commander and has no real say in the matter of reassignments, just advice to the Commander unless certain conditions exist.
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SrA Ronald Moore
SrA Ronald Moore
1 y
Thanks for sharing
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SrA Ronald Moore
SrA Ronald Moore
1 y
SPC (Join to see) Thanks for sharing
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SrA Ronald Moore
SrA Ronald Moore
1 y
SSG John Gillespie Hang in there
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SFC Marc W.
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Anecdote: This happened to me once before as well. I needed a MRI for an ongoing shoulder problem, but I was close to PCS, so the unit PA just ended my profile right before my PCS date and I moved stations. Got to my new duty station, went straight to sick call to continue treatment, got the MRI, major problems, needed surgery. My new unit was furious because now they have a sergeant they couldn't use for at least a year in a line unit and they were deploying shortly.
No, they're not supposed to do this, but they do so they can pass the problem off. Having a fresh PA may help you get what you need.
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