Posted on Apr 13, 2019
After multiple delays, what can I do to get PRK before my ETS?
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Dropped PRK packet in AUG2018 and it got approved. I received the packet back in SEP2019 and scheduled my appointments. By November I was getting ready to schedule my actual surgery. COC told me not to schedule it because we had a NTC rotation in JAN2019. Was told they really needed me for NTC, my PSG suggested I could do the surgery and put in White Cell for NTC. The commander and BC said no. Was told to schedule it for FEB2019, at the clinic they told me I had to submit another PRK request paper signed because the paper is only good for three months. I sent it up again in DEC2018 but was told by my commander to wait till after NTC to submit it. Fast forward and I got back from NTC submitted the paperwork 11FEB2019 and was told no because of the recovery time (which is three months for PRK). He then said he'll sign it, I just had to change the date I would be deployable(we have a pending Korea rotation beginning in JUN2019) I've submitted the paper 11FEB2019 and got it back in 26March but with a stipulation from my commander and Battalion Commander. Commander - must be deployable by 8JUN2019. BC - must clear SRP by 26APR2019. (I cleared SRP 7MAR2019) Clinic wasn't able to schedule a surgery date because of the stipulations. My PSG has been very vocal to my commander in letting me stay on Rear-D to be able to get this surgery done. I ETS in Dec2019. What are my options and what should I do if anything?
Surgery
ETS/EAS
Commanders
Enlisted
Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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If this is an elective surgery your unit has every right to continue to have you postpone for rotations and deployments. If it is not and there is some medical reason for the surgery then your unit has to allow it based on the physicians recommendation. Either way speak you your doctor and ask him to advise the command. If it is required it is likely that you will receive it, if not, you will deploy. Thank you for your service.
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PRK is elective surgery, the hospital has to prioritize who receives the surgery. The priority will be Soldiers who remain in the service, not someone with an approved ETS date. The Military offers PRK as a way to reduce costs, less glasses, inserts, etc. while this may be a benefit it is NOT and entitlement. You may need to accept the fact that you’ll not receive PRK surgery before you leave the service. I recommend you start saving now, PRK costs about $6K or more. Good luck.
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PRK is elective. Those awaiting the procedure are backed up forever. Mission comes first, If you can make it happen, good luck
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