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Physician Offce Visits and Medical
Testing
Prior to visiting a doctor, it is highly recommended
that a diver review his or her log to refresh one’s
memory as to the symptoms suffered and improvement
experienced prior to the visit. On the evening prior
to a doctor visit, discuss with your spouse, girlfriend,
boyfriend, family members or associates their
observations of problems, both physical and mental,
which have surfaced since the accident.
It is important to review and practice the discussion
with the doctor before walking in the room. A diver’s
recollection of the doctor’s visit and of the exam may
be completely different than that which was dictated
into the physician’s report to the dive company and
its insurance company. It is up to the diver to properly
communicate his or her problems and leave no stone
unturned.
Should the diver not be happy with the medical care
and treatment afforded by the company physician, he or
she is entitled under the law to have a second opinion.
Included in that right is the right to be transported
to any facility within the reasonable proximity of the
diver’s home for further care and treatment. Obtaining
treatment at a hyperbaric facility of the diver’s choice is
within one’s rights under the law.
