[Deetonia]

Hey all,
I need help with this. I've decided that I want to join the army nurse corp but I don't meet the weight requirement (I have about 15-20 pounds to go), however, I only need to lose 1 1/2 inches on my abdomen and hips to meet the body fat cut off. So since it should be feasible for me to lose the inches by when I want to be commissioned (Aug/Sept) my recruiter told me it's best to go to a private doctor and get the physical done and out of the way so he then can send in my packet. Does it raise a red flag when a potential candidate go to a private doctor when your packet goes to the board? Anyone know what's the difference between going to a private doctor and going to MEPS?

[athena55]

Hello Deetonia:
Geez, I could be wrong but no matter if you go to your own health care provider or a private clinic in the Swiss Alps, if you are considering going into the Army Nurse Corps (Reserves or Active) you MUST GO through MEPS. Sort of like SRP (Soldier Readiness Process). You will fill out paperwork (DD Form 2807-1 and the DD Form 2808) take a Breathalyzer test, go through varies stations and have blood work done (HIV, certain illegal drugs), have eyesight, hearing checked, give up some urine, then see the Army physician (the infamous "duck walk", the actual weighing-in and the tape - if needed, and the exam to check if you are a 100% biological female) who goes over your medical checklist (DD for 2807-1 and the DD Form 2808) and tells you if you need to go for any type of waivers OR tells you you are a GO/NO GO.
I guess you could bring your medical records with you, or give them to your Health Care Recruiter, but like I stated above pretty sure you would still have to go through MEPS. Unless you are prior then the Army would have your medical file on hand.
It makes for a very long day
Hey, let us know when you are going! OR if you don't have to go!
athena

[Deetonia]

Thank you for your input. I'll double check with my recruiter but he made it seem like I wouldn't have to go to MEPS. So now I'm confused on why I would need to go see a private doctor (my recruiter have already set-up the appointment) when I don't have any conditions that would disqualify me. He did tell me that I would have to meet the weight requirement before I can be commissioned though, which I knew; but I thought the private doctor was saving me some time to get down the weight as oppose to going to MEPS and being told no. To clarify when I say private doctor, it's actually a doctor being provided through the Army, it's not my own physician.

[olderthandirt2]

Hi Deetonia,

I was just commissioned AR / ANC. I did not go to MEPS, actually I was kinda of looking forward to it. But apparently, rather than MEPs, they sometimes use DODMeRB https://www.dodmets.com/Dodmerb/WebD...tud/Login.aspx

My recruiter lined up the MD and Opthomologist, then I made the appointments with the offices. Both were brief examinations. At the MD, they weighted, took blood, urine, performed a physical exam and hearing test. Yes, I did have to walk on my toes, too. The eye test was standard.

It took 2-3 weeks to get the results to "the military office". In the meantime, you can check the status of your exams online.

I think once you have been assigned an MD/Optho--- you have a few weeks to complete the exam.

Good luck

[olderthandirt2]

Hi Deetonia,

I forgot to add---my only "medical wavier" was hearing. I had other waivers, but my packet went through in 5-6 weeks---which is pretty quick.

I don't think seeing a private physician "puts up a red flag" !!---at least not for me

cb

[Deetonia]

olderthandirt2,
Thanks for clarifying for me. I do appreciate it, I have a few more questions so I'll be sending you a pm

[athena55]

Hello Deetonia, OTD2:
I stand corrected! Gosh, somethings change and others things stay the same! I wonder why I had to go through MEPS?? Dang, could have saved myself a whole mess of trouble and time (smile)
I didn't realize that it was a physician that does contracted work for the Army. I mean, when I went for waivers those were the kind of doctors I had to see for the "waiver consult" but I didn't realize that some can "Pass GO and go directly to the MD"
What a relief that would have been, for me. Sitting in the various rooms with lots and lots of 18,19,20 something year olds.
As for the weight, and again this is my experience when I went through MEPS, a few of the younger people were told that they had to lose "x" amount of weight before they were given the green light...The SSGT that did part of my physical (the urine test and the weight/height/taping told me "Now don't you go eating any 4th of July BBQ" because I had just made the BMI! Whew!! And, needless to say, I did NOT HAVE ANY 4th of July BBQ (2005)
Stay Safe Y'all.
athena

[olderthandirt2]

Hi Athena,

Sounds pretty fun! My "contracted MD and Optho" were none to pleased to do the exam. Both were pretty abrupt and the MD was horrified that he might have to do a pelvic exam!! (He actually "drew back in horror") ---I said, I didn't think they wanted that much done.... Much to the relief of both of us

He looked like Liberace--really.http://www.reagleplayers.com/Images/...libfur2004.jpg

cb

[athena55]

OTD2:
HAHAHAHA.....Gosh, I am still giggling over the picture in my mind and the picture you provided!
Thanks!
athena