Changing Providers for DoD MERB Exam

[GAROTC]

My DS just received a 3yr AROTC scholarship. Two questions.
1. Does he need to complete asap given next year as a freshman he will not be on scholarship?
2. Is it difficult or negative to change providers to his current Pediatrician (17yr old)?

Thank you.

 

[Nomad@heart]

You will not be able to see your doctor for the medical exam. You will be assigned to a doctor for the exam, as well as for vision and hearing.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

My DS just received a 3yr AROTC scholarship. Two questions.
1. Does he need to complete asap given next year as a freshman he will not be on scholarship?
2. Is it difficult or negative to change providers to his current Pediatrician (17yr old)?

Thank you.

You MUST use the government assigned doctors. You can request a switch to a different government contractor, but not to your personal physician.

As for timing, no it is not critical. As you note, you won't be contracting in the fall. So, if it drags on it's not the end of the world. That said, DODMERB medical approval is good for two years, and the sooner you get it done, the better. Let's say, for example, your son does really well his first semester and they offer a campus-based scholarship for spring semester. If he's not medically qualified, he can't sign his contract. And if he can't sign his contract, he can't receive scholarship benefits.