OFFICE POLICY for Walk-Ins

THERE are NO MORE Walk-Ins anymore - NO Exceptions

 

AS of Aug 19, 2022 - I will NO LONGER allow Walk-Ins, I have tried some exceptions, and even charging a fee to prevent walk-ins - however, after having had my staff abused, and all kinds of other issues I have decided absolutely ZERO Walk-Ins - there are ZERO Exceptions to this.

 

Here is WHY I am NO LONGER doing anymore Walk-Ins

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• In our Ft. Lauderdale Office we schedule many appointments each day.

• Each Pilot file must be reviewed prior to the appointment.

• Some Pilots have extensive medical issues that must be satisfactorily reviewed in accordance with FAA standards.  This requires planning on my part prior to the appointment.  This includes New Pilots, Pilots with Special Issuances as well as many, many other medical situations.

• Prior to starting the day we make sure staff needs are met, open early because pilots show up early, we also stock supplies and make sure equipment is working prior to 8AM.    

• My day interacting with Pilots via appointments runs from 8 AM until 2 or 3PM with ZERO break.

• My day concludes at 2 or 3 PM and then FAA phone calls about problems are made.  Plus, Pilot correspondence, FAA correspondence, Emails from Pilots and other physicians and answered.  In addition, consultations with other physicians regarding Pilots are conducted.

• Numerous Pilots have complained about waiting - so HENCE Appointments!

 

Even with meticulous planning, issues during the day arise.

 

• Emergencies arise: Some Pilots have major problems with their EKGs for example.  For example,  a consultation with a Cardiologist at the FAA Board sometimes have to be made.  And, every once in awhile a Pilot needs to go to the Emergency Room.

• Problems with Paperwork/Lack of Labs, etc: Other issues arise with Pilots as well.  For example, one comment I hear routinely is My Doctor said it was OK for me to Fly.  As you are aware, although a person’s doctor may give their approval, the FAA still expects compliance with their rules and regulations and this takes time to explain to each Pilot.  That is why reviewing files PRIOR to Pilots coming into the office is so important to make sure issues are identified beforehand as much as possible.

 

Hence I STRONGLY recommend & suggest as a Pilot you put your Medical as a priority, even if you have to cancel or not take a trip.  MY schedule is out 3 months in advance and this gives you PLENTY of heads up and time to schedule your medical accordingly.   Please do NOT call to complain or request an exception - the answer will be no.  If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance and/or you No-Show for an appointment - do not plan on getting seen at your convenience, I have heard every excuse in the book - I Make your medical a priority, I bend over backwards for all of you, so please make sure you do the same for me. 

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Sincerely, Dr Brad