An Upload Feature To AMCS

by Dr. Bill Blank, MD
© Copyright 2022. All rights reserved!
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2022/January 2023 Digital Issue

Where did I come up with this title? Why would I write about it? In a way, it’s one of the most significant articles I have written. The title of this column is “High On Health.” It seems like most of my articles are about how to navigate the slow and cumbersome FAA aeromedical certification system. In my opinion, most of the time, the FAA gets the certification of airman with health issues correct, but it takes much too long. The development of electronic records systems began in the 1960s. It has now evolved into a highly practical, speedy system. When I was in medical school, it was necessary to see an x-ray image in the radiology department. Thanks to modern technology and changes in policy and procedures, it is now available at your workstation on the computer and can be sent securely, electronically elsewhere as needed.

Until recently, any request for additional medical information requested by the AMCD (Aero Medical Certification Division) required the records be mailed to FAA headquarters in Oklahoma City. When they arrived, they first went to the mail room, then to security where they were inspected for safety. After that they had to be scanned into the medical record before ever being evaluated by anyone. This process usually takes between one to two weeks. It was over six weeks during the COVID pandemic.

AMCS stands for Aero Medical Certification Subsystem and is the computer system which handles FAA flight physicals. The FAA form 8500-8 which you complete on MedXPress is downloaded and completed by your AME at the time of your exam and submitted electronically to AMCS. The FAA physicians and staff use it to process your exam and communicate with you. The upload feature is big news and long overdue. Now your AME will be able to upload additional medical information at the time of your flight physical or later. It will go directly to your record. This should definitely speed up the certification process and should be operational by the time you read this article.

Sometimes the FAA requests additional information. Frequently they want a current detailed clinical progress report. Your AME will now be able to upload this. There is often confusion regarding what they are requesting. An After-Visit Summary you print from the patient’s portal won’t be sufficient. They are looking for specific information. Current means within 90 days. A summary of the condition; medications including dosages and side effects, if any; clinical exam findings (an exam must have been done); diagnosis; assessment (prognosis) and follow-up are needed. The After-Visit Summary is not acceptable. There is detailed information on this subject in the AME Guide. Search Clinical Progress Note. Show this to your physician to be certain you get all you need the first time. This will save you and your AME time and money!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Columnist William A. Blank is a physician in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and has been an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) since 1978, and a Senior AME since 1985. Dr. Blank is a retired Ophthalmologist, but still gives some of the ophthalmology lectures at AME renewal seminars. Flying-wise, Dr. Blank holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and has 6000 hours. He is a Certified Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) and has given over 1200 hours of aerobatic instruction. In addition, Dr. Blank was an airshow performer through the 2014 season and has held a Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) since 1987. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame in 2021.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this column is the expressed opinion of the author only, and readers are advised to seek the advice of others and refer to the Federal Aviation Regulations and FAA Aeronautical Information Manual for additional information and clarification.

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