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You may need a Dive Medicine evaluation if you require:
An examination before recreational certification: do
you have back problems, gastritis, asthma, hypertension or diabetes mellitus? Having
a disease does not automatically disqualify candidates from certification
An examination for technical diving certification, such
as checking a patent foramen ovale or general health
Rash, dizziness, pain, itch, headaches or any complaint
worsening 24 hours after a dive
Advice for return to diving after illness, injury or
surgery
Advice for return to diving after diagnosed with a chronic illness like
diabetes mellitus
Advice for return to diving after recompression
treatment
FAQ:
Q: What is Primary Care Diving Medicine?
A: Diving Medicine is nearly synonymous with hyperbaric medicine. Hyperbaric
medicine is called upon commonly to treat decompression illness, yet the bends is a rare
event among divers. If so, it can be managed by a
general practitioner versed in the special problems of divers. Most problems experienced by divers involve stuffy ears, stings,
bites, and bruises which resolve with self care. Thus, its more
appropriate to call day to day health needs of divers general or "primary"
care. When primary care is focused on divers, it becomes primary care diving
medicine.
Q: How does PCDM differ from a General Practitioner?
A: We are part of Divers Alert Networks' physician referral system. In addition,
our director is one of a few practicing physicians who is also a technical diver, and with
over 170 dives annually he offers a unique perspective, that of a physician and an
experienced diver. He knows that issues at depth impact one's health. To
insure a long diving career prevention is as important than cure, and that means
considering dive conditions, training, equipment and one's health as a continuum.
Such a perspective can only come from a physician who's done deco, dove regularly to
32F, swam wrecks full of fishing line, gets tossed around in 7' seas, and is ready
for the next dive!
Q: Are you a dive instructor?
A: No. If you encounter skill and gear problems at depth, PCDM may refer you to
divers whose experience and professional training can correct deficiencies.
The rigors of technical diving require dive skills similar to an instructor, but only
instructors are taught ideal ways to train.
Q: What can I expect after a PCDM examination?
A: A written risk assessment and recommendations to understand your
personal risks of diving. Risk does not mean you can or cannot do something, it
states your chances are low, moderate or high. For example, if you are overweight,
you have more chances of getting heart disease, it doesn't mean you have heart
disease. In roulette, low risk is a single number on the wheel, while high risk is
any even number on the wheel. The risk assessment will be mailed to whomever you designate,
with copies for yourself. PCDM infrequently requests additional tests that you can
perform with your own physician or within our hospital. PCDM can help you or your
physician address any new diving health issues by giving us a call from
9am-4:30pm or preferably, email. As
a courtesy and for informational purposes only PCDM will return inquiries as soon as
possible. A more definitive answer to your questions can only be done face to face
with either your physician or PCDM.
Remember: We want most people to enjoy the oceans, its life, and
diving. There are many health strategies that can limit risks for divers or diving
candidates: from the athlete to the quadriplegic, there may be a type of diving for
you.
Q: Can we call PCDM in lieu of DAN or in emergencies?
A: PCDM is an office based consultative service only and is neither an emergency
service or a hyperbaric medicine facility. For diving emergencies activate the
911 system then call DAN. If you don't need emergent care you can ask DAN for a
referral physician nearest you.
Q: How are PCDM fees assessed?
A: Commonly, based on your insurance or fee for service. As there are so
many insurance companies, please call our office for details. Phone calls are
gratis.
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