Posted on Jan 2, 2020
Can An Army PCM Refuse a Request to See Medical Specialist?
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So I am experiencing pain in my foot (associated with a popping noise when fully flexed), of which I have been experiencing for 9 months now. My PCM recently prescribed Physical Therapy for me. However, I have several issues about PT and him refusing my request to see a Podiatrist. In the same 9 months I saw a Physical Therapist for my Knee Pain, my foot and knee pain occurred during the same time. However, my first Physical Therapist found my foot pain irrelevant.
Physical Therapy never made my knee pain better, often I would leave Physical Therapy limping as my pain would be severely worse after Physical Therapy, after just getting tired and arguing with my Physical Therapist about Physical Therapy not working, I checked myself into the ER as my last round of exercises left me unable to walk without a severe limp and intense pain.
(I understand that some of you may mention muscle soreness. As soldiers we experience muscle soreness all the time, this was pain that I never felt before and I attempted PT for 9 months, with no improvement.)
At the ER they were surprised that in 9 months I was never referred to Orthopedics and never received further diagnostic examination for my knee pain. They referred me to Orthopedics and after one visit I received a steroid shot that almost overnight greatly lessened the pain in my knee. While I still experience some pain, it is now a go and comes type of pain, instead of a constant pain. I can walk without fear that my knee is going to give out due to pain.
In all, I was hoping for a similar experience with my foot after seeing a Podiatrist, but my PCM has refused my request. I believe it is because I am in the process of a MEDBOARD, he is acting in the best interests of the Army above mine.
My question is, can my PCM refuse my request to see a Podiatrist?
NOTE: A PCM does not have to be a Medical Doctor, a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant can be a PCM in the military. Note I been in the Army for close to a decade now.
Physical Therapy never made my knee pain better, often I would leave Physical Therapy limping as my pain would be severely worse after Physical Therapy, after just getting tired and arguing with my Physical Therapist about Physical Therapy not working, I checked myself into the ER as my last round of exercises left me unable to walk without a severe limp and intense pain.
(I understand that some of you may mention muscle soreness. As soldiers we experience muscle soreness all the time, this was pain that I never felt before and I attempted PT for 9 months, with no improvement.)
At the ER they were surprised that in 9 months I was never referred to Orthopedics and never received further diagnostic examination for my knee pain. They referred me to Orthopedics and after one visit I received a steroid shot that almost overnight greatly lessened the pain in my knee. While I still experience some pain, it is now a go and comes type of pain, instead of a constant pain. I can walk without fear that my knee is going to give out due to pain.
In all, I was hoping for a similar experience with my foot after seeing a Podiatrist, but my PCM has refused my request. I believe it is because I am in the process of a MEDBOARD, he is acting in the best interests of the Army above mine.
My question is, can my PCM refuse my request to see a Podiatrist?
NOTE: A PCM does not have to be a Medical Doctor, a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant can be a PCM in the military. Note I been in the Army for close to a decade now.
Medical
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 10
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Yes they can, in order for you to see a specialist your PCM is required to place a consult. Your PCM may simply not be able to justify the referral. Just because "they" at the ER believe you should see a podiatrist off of one visit, does not mean you should. The job of the ER is to treat immediate injuries, not sustained care.
However, PCMs are not always correct. If you believe that your PCM is wrong, you are entitled to request a second opinion.
Since you are in the Med Board and this could be a potentially disqualifying condition, this is something you could easily bring up with your PEBLO and MEB physician to be evaluated and treated for.
However, PCMs are not always correct. If you believe that your PCM is wrong, you are entitled to request a second opinion.
Since you are in the Med Board and this could be a potentially disqualifying condition, this is something you could easily bring up with your PEBLO and MEB physician to be evaluated and treated for.
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1LT (Join to see)
Thank you, will definitely bring it up. Also the ER sent me to an Ortho for my knees. At Orthopedics, I was told to see a Podiatrist for my feet. Of which I needed to see my PCM first about. I also want to see a Podiatrist because Physical Therapy failed to provide any result after 9 months for my knees and I believe this will be more of the same. The PCM seems to be following the same treatment plan, something that a higher medical professional already questioned.
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I had the same issue before with my right knee. I called TRICARE and changed my PCM. Got the referral to Orthopedic and long and behold I had a meniscus tear and some shredded ligaments in my knee. My surgery was in August and I’m still in physical therapy as of today.
You know your body better than anyone else. You always have an option to change your PCM if you feel you’re not receiving adequate care. The longer you wait the more severe the long term damage can be. I hope this helps. Good luck to you...
You know your body better than anyone else. You always have an option to change your PCM if you feel you’re not receiving adequate care. The longer you wait the more severe the long term damage can be. I hope this helps. Good luck to you...
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Start learning US Code Law.. Army and VA regs on disability and MEB PEB... Knowledge.. If they refuse... pay for an exam yourself and have the Doctor opine within a Nexus letter. Now is the time to LEARN and take ACTION. Everything is found online.
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1LT (Join to see)
CPL Gary Pifer Any tips on where I would look for such information?
I am new to the medical process, in my time in the Army. I mostly avoided the hospitals and doctors like the plague. Ironically I went from "no my broken arm will be fine carrying 40lbs" and doctors wanting to treat me for everything to I cannot get looked at for a cold now.
I am new to the medical process, in my time in the Army. I mostly avoided the hospitals and doctors like the plague. Ironically I went from "no my broken arm will be fine carrying 40lbs" and doctors wanting to treat me for everything to I cannot get looked at for a cold now.
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