Does a civilian doctor override an Army PCM?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 21:35:51 -0400

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.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Apr 17 at 2023 10:59 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 22:59:03 -0400

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.

Response by SSG John Gillespie made Apr 18 at 2023 1:05 AM

SSG John Gillespie — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 01:05:30 -0400

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.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Apr 18 at 2023 4:41 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:41:54 -0400

Keep us posted , great to know how this turned out

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Apr 18 at 2023 10:02 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:02:52 -0400

Makes one wonder why PCM referred you to a doc whose opinion is not valued.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Apr 18 at 2023 11:05 AM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 11:05:08 -0400

Not necessarily and it depends on your clinical presentation and the specialty of the MD. It also will be contingent on who pays for the care.
Rich

Response by CSM William Everroad made Apr 18 at 2023 12:02 PM

CSM William Everroad — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:02:24 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member In this case, did the civilian doc make the recommendation for more treatment and then the PCM said you don't or did your PCM say they don't think you need treatment but referred you and then the civilian doctor recommended treatment?

As SSG John Gillespie indicated, it may not delay your PCS. But, it also depends on the condition and whether you are going OCONUS. Your PCM may not change your physical profile, but if you have a medical condition that needs treatment, may need to address that unless there is a compelling reason not to delay your PCS.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Apr 18 at 2023 2:20 PM

SFC Marc W. — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:20:57 -0400

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.

Response by LTC Lance Headrick made Jul 10 at 2023 2:21 AM

LTC Lance Headrick — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 02:21:23 -0400

I think I am missing something. It sounds like you don't want to PCS?

Your PCM is the final authority if you let them be. You are entitled to ask for a second opinion. I can not imagine the PCM would blow off a significant issue, but it can happen. Is your PCM a Doctor, Nurse Practioner, Physicians Assistant, or what? That might play a part in it.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 10 at 2023 5:48 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:48:30 -0400

Your Military PCM holds the cards. It does not make sense that you went from one doctor to another, unless the referal was for a specialist, in that case your PCM should be acting on the civilians recomendation.

What makes more sense here is that you are due to PCS and your PCM believes the problem can be delt with at your new duty station, choosing not to delay your move.

You should take this to your Company Commander and 1SG. Treatment can be transferred as well, unless you have a compelling argument prepare to PCS.