Keeping PTSD Secret for Life

[dozitgetchahi]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm actually still thinking maybe you were right about the definition of disability through the VA. Your service connection percentage is supposed to capture how disabled you are -- so if you are 50% disabled, you're somehow 50% impaired (I need a better word here) in your occupational abilities. That was also my understanding from working with veterans -- otherwise, comp and pen wouldn't periodically re-evaluate you. I don't want to be disrespectful of the op, but I'm still troubled by the notion of collecting "disability" payments when you are able to work without any impairment. If all of your PTSD symptoms have resolved, you shouldn't need to be receiving these additional payments.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/types-disability.asp

I agree, and I don't like this either.

Feel free to hurl insults at me and declare that I'm 'not in medicine for the right reasons'.

 

[Crayola227]

I will say I'm really against docs making these sorts of judgements. We should fill out paperwork objectively regarding a patient's condition.

A lot of docs think it should be their common sense that dictates but we of all people should understand why the beauracracy exists. Fill out the damn paperwork and let the VA and SSA figure out what to do with it.

 

[Mass Effect]

At least in my state, the above is wrong- licensing board asks specifically if you have ever been diagnosed with or treated for xxxx conditions. So you would have to answer yes; if it didn't significantly affect your ability to function as a physician that would not be likely to be a problem. But you are still asked the question and need to answer truthfully. Maybe mine is just one of those "1 or 2 states", but I'm not so sure it's that few.

If this is true, you should name your state as they are breaking the ADA. Every state I'm familiar with asks if you've been diagnosed or treated with a condition that affects your ability to function as a physician.

 

[2010houston]

Texas- and I agree. I think there is something in the works to change it.

 

[Crayola227]

Yep reality is the medical profession is one of the most hypocritical out there. We claim to care and respect health and confidentiality and it's total bull.

 

[keifernny2]

Just so we're clear, this same logic could be used to justify blind / Epileptic persons driving cars and claiming that ADA protects them from having to reveal their disability to the DMV (ie: another state licensing board). Practicing medicine is a privilege granted by the licensing board. It is not a right.

 

[rokshana]

Yep reality is the medical profession is one of the most hypocritical out there. We claim to care and respect health and confidentiality and it's total bull.

if you TRULY believe that...you need to get out of medicine...now.

 

[WingedOx]

The biggest mistake that posters here are making is assuming that the VA comp+pen system actually makes logical sense. Once you drop that assumption, things start getting easier to comprehend.

 

[Crayola227]

Just so we're clear, this same logic could be used to justify blind / Epileptic persons driving cars and claiming that ADA protects them from having to reveal their disability to the DMV (ie: another state licensing board). Practicing medicine is a privilege granted by the licensing board. It is not a right.

What's funny is in some states you DON'T have to disclose the nature of the disability. Law often allows driving tests and vision tests. Often you can check the box yes you have a condition that may affect driving. Often in that case you will need to provide a physician's filled out form/note that indicates what driving restrictions must be, but does not have to give diagnosis. Physicians also should be mindful of how dx impacts driving and contact DMV if there are concerns as patients don't always report. Not a HIPPA breach. Some states will demand a diagnosis. I don't know what happens in that case and how ADA law plays into that.

Similarly, some state paperwork for practice will ask if you have have med condition that currently affects your ability to practice med, if you have a history of that, and if it is controlled if answered yes to either. Most I've seen have not asked if that were true for ANY employment you have had. One may have a history of mental illness and honestly answer no, no, no. Some may also want medical eval but often that is a doc looking at the "job description requirements" and checking off if you can do it with or without accomodation, and what the accomodation might be. So sometimes depending on the paperwork, how much it is legal and conforms to ADA law, and depnding on specifics of one's med history past and present one can keep "PTSD secret for life."

As I have said, I haven't done much for credentialing as an attending, it was not long ago I interviewed and researched potential programs in many states. As is required by NBME or ACGME, I was given the standard resident contract at each program, and often additionally state licensing paperwork and hospital paperwork to review. I also reciewed licensing paperwork for states where that was not provided to me. I have some idea of which programs/states were more nosy about medical conditions vs not. I estimate having done this for approximately 10-15 states, maybe more.

ADA is a federal law. Some states have additional laws, and have to comform to that.

None of the above happens as it should at times, yes, then the avenue would have to be court. Some states conform, others don't, haven't had lawsuits. I've had some up close experience with ADA lawyer and have seen some intrusive questions backed off and given what vague information was legal. Med boards and hospital admin is usually ran by docs, and often it's not until a lawyer says "you can't do that" that they contact their legal counsel only to then be told to back down.

I'm not seeing anyone else here claiming up close experience with enforcing ADA rights, just people saying "you disclose all." Maybe you had medical conditions you disclosed all and suffered/did not suffer consequences. Maybe you didn't disclose and got burnt. If that is the path you have chosen to take, that does mean that had you enforced your rights with legal representation, that you could have provided less information and still received a driver's license, medical license, and employment, all of which are privileges. ADA is law, and privileges are governed by those as well.

Anyone will try to get away with anything, even illegal stuff, unless held accountable.

I write large blocks of text because yes I have an issue being concise, yes people can just scroll through not reading, but I want to do all I can to address address other points made by multuple posters, to provide as much reasoned and explained advice to issues, particularly advice on sticky issues that may hurt them. People who are terribly interested can read whatever they are inclined to, considering different poster experience, thoughts, advice, and try to synthesize that however they like. For example, to support my points which were sharply addressed questioning my experience with issues related to mental health, licensing, hospital contracts, I made sure to respond in detail exactly how I came by my opinion via my experience.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

If this is true, you should name your state as they are breaking the ADA. Every state I'm familiar with asks if you've been diagnosed or treated with a condition that affects your ability to function as a physician.

So not licensing, but I came across a credentialing application for a smaller hospital that basically asked if you had ever been diagnosed with any medical, including psychiatric condition and then asked you to provide details. It was really poorly worded, and I wondered if it was enforceable. Like they really want to know I used to have asthma and sprained my ankle 2 years ago?

 

[Mass Effect]

Texas- and I agree. I think there is something in the works to change it.

Actually, you're wrong. At least according to this, the state of Texas asks what most (if not all) other states ask, which is about the correlation between diagnosis and functionality. Here is what it asks, word for word, according to their own sample application on their website:

Within the past five (5) years, have you been diagnosed with or treated for any psychotic
disorder, delusional disorder, mood disorder, major depression, personality disorder, or any
other mental condition which impaired or does impair your behavior, judgment, or ability to
function in school or work?

http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/idl/EE8639CC-3E23-15CC-876A-452F265297CD

http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/full-medical-license

 

[Crayola227]

Actually, you're wrong. At least according to this, the state of Texas asks what most (if not all) other states ask, which is about the correlation between diagnosis and functionality. Here is what it asks, word for word, according to their own sample application on their website:



http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/idl/EE8639CC-3E23-15CC-876A-452F265297CD

http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/full-medical-license

The poster you responded to actually said that yes, Texas is that nosy and they thought that should change.

In my travels, if I had to rate states on a 10 point scale between 1 "hey how ya doin' any problems practicing medicine yes/no" to "I demand to read your personal health record in its entirety" that Texas is like an 8 on my scale, most states a bit below around 4-6, and a good handful that were 2-3. I was definitely looking for programs/states that were more resident health friendly. Scary how bad the health insurance was at some programs.

 

[Mass Effect]

The poster you responded to actually said that yes, Texas is that nosy and they thought that should change.

In my travels, if I had to rate states on a 10 point scale between 1 "hey how ya doin' any problems practicing medicine yes/no" to "I demand to read your personal health record in its entirety" that Texas is like an 8 on my scale, most states a bit below around 4-6, and a good handful that were 2-3. I was definitely looking for programs/states that were more resident health friendly. Scary how bad the health insurance was at some programs.

No, the poster I quoted replied to a post in which that poster said that licensing questions ask if you've been diagnosed with something that affects your ability to practice and said that in his state that isn't the case. It clearly is the case and the poster I quoted was wrong. Most, if not all, state licensing applications ask if you've been diagnosed with something that affects your ability to practice. That last part is important.

 

[2010houston]

I just did the licensing app a month or two ago, and I was pretty sure there were additional, more broad questions other than that one. There are a bazillion questions with various wording. Will try to look it up at some point. Sorry if I was wrong!

 

[j4pac]

if you TRULY believe that...you need to get out of medicine...now.

For a profession that is based around caring for people and professionalism, it really is quite sad how physicians treat physicians. We don't look out for one another...very "eat your own young" mentality. There is absolutely no leadership...the AMA and other governing bodies are a joke. Physicians have the last say, or no say at all, in important public health decisions. Physicians are high demand in this "doctor shortage" environment...and yet what is happening with reimbursements? What is happening with ICD-10? What is happening to increasing costs of CME, insurance, licensure, and board certification? Every other profession in existence will fight for itself...but not medicine. The mass majority of doctors will bicker...but they won't lift a finger to influence any change whatsoever. We would rather ignore the SERIOUS mental health problems amongst providers and penalize them for finally getting help...and punish them when they finally do snap. It really is quite pathetic.

The medical field is hypocritical...dude just has enough insight to recognize it. I still love my profession and I love caring for patients...but there are many aspects of this profession that I do hate. I have no plans on going anywhere soon. You have to take the bad with the good.

 

[Crayola227]

I'm a lady for the record, and yes, thank you.

I too love love love the practice of medicine ie the mix of science of patient care, and even some of my colleagues are badasses that are super fun to work with.

On the other hand, that's offset by the sheer assholery of some of the condescending sadists with ego issues. The paperwork doesn't bother me too much. The rest of the beauracracy I'm adjusting to.

 

[jakeislove]

I lack the faith in people necessary to believe such a revelation (PTSD) wouldn't affect one's career.

 

[michaelrack]

some licensing apps ask if you have EVER been diagnosed with a psychotic illness or bipolar disorder.

 

[Igor4sugry]

I view that one as scum leeching off of society including myself.

Strong words, strong words. I would say they are uncalled for and ill timed when speaking about American Veterans.
I also encourage to reconsider the viewpoint of "leaching off of society" when someone is receiving government aid. American people in general are very fearful of having any government aid, and actively refuse it or criticize those that receive it.

Thank you for your service, enjoy your benefits and move on with your life.

 

[DCwarVeteran4u]

some licensing apps ask if you have EVER been diagnosed with a psychotic illness or bipolar disorder.

California asks that too. But with a modifier that states "it would impact your ability to practice medicine". Tell me where you found the one that asks only for diagnosis. I am willing to sell that organization to ADA lawyers

 

[hamstergang]

Strong words, strong words. I would say they are uncalled for and ill timed when speaking about American Veterans.
I also encourage to reconsider the viewpoint of "leaching off of society" when someone is receiving government aid. American people in general are very fearful of having any government aid, and actively refuse it or criticize those that receive it.

I don't get why being a vet makes one beyond criticism. I agree that vets should be respected and compensated, but that doesn't mean we should ignore immoral actions they may make or grant them unlimited compensation.

I don't view taking government aid as leeching in the slightest. Unless you're receiving aid you don't actually qualify for. Then you're taking away from a fund designed to help other people and you're doing them a disservice.

Finally, I'd encourage you to read the whole thread before responding to one of the earlier posts. We've already been over much of this.

 

[Igor4sugry]

I don't get why being a vet makes one beyond criticism. I agree that vets should be respected and compensated, but that doesn't mean we should ignore immoral actions they may make or grant them unlimited compensation.

--compensation is not unlimited. see VA compensation tables:
http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp01.asp
--there are no immoral actions committed. The veteran went through a thorough VA process of determining level of disability. Let the VA handle re-assessment of need for ongoing disability compensation.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Strong words, strong words. I would say they are uncalled for and ill timed when speaking about American Veterans.
I also encourage to reconsider the viewpoint of "leaching off of society" when someone is receiving government aid. American people in general are very fearful of having any government aid, and actively refuse it or criticize those that receive it.

Thank you for your service, enjoy your benefits and move on with your life.

At one point the guy basically states "I served my country, I'm getting what's owed to me". He then states he shouldn't have to disclose his diagnosis because it doesn't affect him working as a physician. The OP appears to be working the system...having cake and eating it.

By the way for your reference, I'm an American Veteran, therefore you're not allowed to disagree with me.

 

[michaelrack]

California asks that too. But with a modifier that states "it would impact your ability to practice medicine". Tell me where you found the one that asks only for diagnosis. I am willing to sell that organization to ADA lawyers

Will try to find it. Just looked up TN, and the only "have you ever" psych question it asks is "Have you ever been diagnosed as having or have you ever been treated for pedophilia, exhibitionism, or voyeurism"?

 

[Mass Effect]

some licensing apps ask if you have EVER been diagnosed with a psychotic illness or bipolar disorder.

Which states?