Parent Accompaniment for DoDMERB
- Thread starter Jupiter1
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Thank you!
eljay60
AFROTC parent, former ANC in USAR
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For DS last year (he was 17 at the time) I signed the forms, both vision and medical, then took a seat in the waiting room. I did not accompany him to the exam room. Hearing test was done at the same time as medical for DS.
My DD wanted to just drive herself; it's about 100 miles to the testing facilities. I was pretty sure a parent had to be there to sign forms. Thanks for all the confirmations!
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Those 100 mile trips to soccer tournaments were the best bonding times for my DS and me.
The 'exam' is cursory at best. For my DD's exam, the time with the doctor was 90% a paperwork review based on what had already been submitted to DoDMERB. If you are in the room with your DD/DS just don't over elaborate - be honest but your answer should be enough to answer the question. If you are not in the room just make sure if your DD/DS has checked 'Yes' on any of the DoDMERB boxes, they are prepared to have a clear/concise explanation. (There are a number of horror stories where the responder was trying to be 'honest' (which is important) by elaborating on a point that just creates more unnecessary follow-up.)
If for example your DD/DS had a broken foot 3 years ago, the doctor will ask - 'any problems with it?' If the answer is 'No' answer 'No' (and maybe add they have resumed a full active schedule including sports). If you answer 'yes' and 'yes' means that his/her foot hurts occasionally after running a marathon - the answer should have been 'No'
If your DD/DS had a childhood medical condition they have outgrown - you might want to be in the room to help your DD/DS explain it to the doctor.
My experience - these are government contractors making a few $'s processing paperwork for the DoD. Our's was done at an Urgent Care facility and the doctor had 50 people in the waiting room. The doctor was in a hurry to get it done and move on to the next patient, DD didn't raise any flags (and she had a few 'Yes' boxes), she could articulate a clear concise answer and we moved through the process - though she did have a remedial regarding a previous bone fracture.
If for example your DD/DS had a broken foot 3 years ago, the doctor will ask - 'any problems with it?' If the answer is 'No' answer 'No' (and maybe add they have resumed a full active schedule including sports). If you answer 'yes' and 'yes' means that his/her foot hurts occasionally after running a marathon - the answer should have been 'No'
If your DD/DS had a childhood medical condition they have outgrown - you might want to be in the room to help your DD/DS explain it to the doctor.
My experience - these are government contractors making a few $'s processing paperwork for the DoD. Our's was done at an Urgent Care facility and the doctor had 50 people in the waiting room. The doctor was in a hurry to get it done and move on to the next patient, DD didn't raise any flags (and she had a few 'Yes' boxes), she could articulate a clear concise answer and we moved through the process - though she did have a remedial regarding a previous bone fracture.
jsteiner
Member
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- May 24, 2017
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DS who is 17 went on his own. The doctors office just called me when he arrived to get verbal consent to do the exam.
When my DS went at age 17 there was paperwork that had to be signed by a parent before they would do the exam. My husband went into the room with him to help answer any medical questions that DS didn't know. He had a drug allergy at a young age and a few broken bones that he didn't really remember any details about. Overall he probably could have handled the exam himself but was happy we were there and we were required for paperwork.
We did remind our DS that this was not the time to bring up minor aches and pains. The Dr did notice a fairly big scrape that was healing on his hip from a XC fall. It had to be documented and explained. In the end, it wasn't a very lengthy or thorough exam so it's too bad you have to travel so far but its another box to check. Good Luck.
We did remind our DS that this was not the time to bring up minor aches and pains. The Dr did notice a fairly big scrape that was healing on his hip from a XC fall. It had to be documented and explained. In the end, it wasn't a very lengthy or thorough exam so it's too bad you have to travel so far but its another box to check. Good Luck.
JDB
5-Year Member
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Just took my 17 year old DS to his medical evaluation yesterday. I did have to sign one of the forms at the doctors office because he is under age. I believe that the DODMERB site does indicate that underage candidates will require a parent at the medical exam to sign the paperwork. I didn't speak with any doctors, nurses or even a receptionist. This was his operation... except for my signature.
Also they required DS to set up the eye exam at least one day before the medical exam. The optometrist's office was about 5 miles from the Doctor's office and both were about 60 miles from our house. Both exams could have easily been given in one day and saved us time and mileage. DS has 7 AP/Dual Credit classes this semester, and that second day of missed classes will be difficult to make up.
One final thought, DS marked that he had no allergies. He read the question to mean specific allergies to food, insects or medicine that would cause a severe reaction, as contemplated in the FAQ section on DODMERB. The day before his medical exam, our weather changed; he started showing symptoms of seasonal (once a year or so for him) allergies. After the exam DS told me that the doctor asked him if he had a cold, and he answered,"No it was just allergies." The doctor then asked why he had marked "no" on the allergies question. He explained what he thought the question was asking and said he had no specific allergies, just an annual bout with itchy eyes and runny nose. He said the doctor indicated that she would change the answer and note the type of allergy, but the doctor didn't act like it was a big deal. The lesson learned is make sure that you understand the questions thoroughly and answer them thoughtfully. Evidently the doctor didn't think DS was being deceptive and didn't make a big deal out of it, but it might have had the potential to become an issue.
JB
Also they required DS to set up the eye exam at least one day before the medical exam. The optometrist's office was about 5 miles from the Doctor's office and both were about 60 miles from our house. Both exams could have easily been given in one day and saved us time and mileage. DS has 7 AP/Dual Credit classes this semester, and that second day of missed classes will be difficult to make up.
One final thought, DS marked that he had no allergies. He read the question to mean specific allergies to food, insects or medicine that would cause a severe reaction, as contemplated in the FAQ section on DODMERB. The day before his medical exam, our weather changed; he started showing symptoms of seasonal (once a year or so for him) allergies. After the exam DS told me that the doctor asked him if he had a cold, and he answered,"No it was just allergies." The doctor then asked why he had marked "no" on the allergies question. He explained what he thought the question was asking and said he had no specific allergies, just an annual bout with itchy eyes and runny nose. He said the doctor indicated that she would change the answer and note the type of allergy, but the doctor didn't act like it was a big deal. The lesson learned is make sure that you understand the questions thoroughly and answer them thoughtfully. Evidently the doctor didn't think DS was being deceptive and didn't make a big deal out of it, but it might have had the potential to become an issue.
JB
serviceaboveAll
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DS has his DoDMERB exam this week and I have to say, the questions involved a lot more involvement from my husband & I than I thought! For example, when he was 11 he was checked into the boards during hockey & coaches were concerned about a head injury. We took him to ER, no tests done, DS was never unconscious or dizzy but ER doc played it safe - said mild concussion. DS stayed off video games for rest of weekend, went to school that week but took week off from hockey to make sure. Point is, I didn't know Drs name 6-7 years later. I had to call ER to request copy of medical records. In doing so, totally forgot about another visit to ER regarding knee injury. Turned out to be a contusion but did X-rays & MRI to make sure. Again- no idea what the ER drs name was 5 years ago. There was no way my son would have known either. I'm all for letting my son go through this process independently but I encourage you all to look through the medical paper work since there could be questions pertaining to their earlier years.
I also found we had to repeat information as it applied to a few areas. Example: DS had surgery so they prescribed Percocet. DoDMERB is going to hear about his surgery in 4-5 different sections bc "narcotic drugs ", "any bone problem or surgery", "ever been advised to have surgery", and "ever been treated by hospital ", then there's the orthopedic questionnaire.
Did others find that the case?
I also found we had to repeat information as it applied to a few areas. Example: DS had surgery so they prescribed Percocet. DoDMERB is going to hear about his surgery in 4-5 different sections bc "narcotic drugs ", "any bone problem or surgery", "ever been advised to have surgery", and "ever been treated by hospital ", then there's the orthopedic questionnaire.
Did others find that the case?
ProudDad17
5-Year Member
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Nothing like some uninterrupted car time for bonding. I just drove DS from California to Michigan to drop him off for NROTC and college. I was amazed at some of the questions he had on his mind entering this phase of life and we had some great discussions. We also took in four baseball games, the solar eclipse (through dense clouds) and the Harley Davidson museum. Fantastic bonding time. Then DW and DD flew out to join us and the three of us drove back together. another great bonding time together as we get used to the new family dynamic. I was ready for my own bead and my own shower when we got home, but I wouldn't have traded this opportunity for anything.