Physical

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

I'll caveat by saying I am not a recruiter and have limited knowledge on this. I understood any MERB to be a board that looks over your physical packet and votes to approve/disapprove it - which could then result in applicant seeking a waiver. The MERB was something wounded Soldiers go through when active duty and having to re-evaluate their physical status and if it impacts their board.

Based on that I would think you get all the same tests that MEPS station would conduct but your packet is then submitted forward from there. This is the process that I believe rotc and academy and health professional physicals are routed.

I'm contributing to add some feedback - I'm sure some others have some more concrete knowledge then this.v/r

Staczse7 · Jan 11, 2009

Hey alll my fellow nurses who really care enough to take care out our countries heros.
I am scheduled to take a DODMERB physical, has anyone any input as to what the doc will look for or ask.
I heard it is different than the MEPS physical but I would like any info from my fellow people.
Thanks

Hi :wink2:

I had the DODMERB physical done in the Fall. The DOD had a outside contractor do mine so I don't know if someone else will have other input put here was my experience.

Uponj my arrival, I gave them my forms that I had previously filled out and they gave me more forms. :chuckle I completed them and I was taken in. I peed in a cup which was not used to test for drugs but for sugar/ protein. Anyway, standard physical exam stuff applies here--vitals, balance, snellen eye chart (more elaborate vision exam was a couple days later for me), neuro, cp exam etc. The doctor reviewed the paperwork w/ me and asked about my abx. alleriges, but could ask about whatever you put down if you have any medical conditions/ medication allergies etc. After, I had to do a audiology exam (hearing test). That was pretty much it.

Oh the next day, they had to call and I had to describe the tattoos I have--they forgot to put what they were and where they were the day of the exam. I guess if you think about it tattoos could be considered birthmarks or moles and the DOD just wants to know about them. Also I had one that needed a waiver, as its on the side of my neck (its just a small symbol of a girl running w/ the number of 26.2) and if any of them were gang related symbols that were visible above the clothing line it may have been enough for my not to be Commissioned.

iToniai · Jan 12, 2009

I also went to a private doctor and it was much easier than going to meps ( I thought about enlisting before nursing school). Anyhow, I went to see the optometrist first and he checked my vision, nothing elaborate just a regular eye check. Then I went to see the doctor down the street, I was asked to void in a cup, vital signs, medical history, hearing exam, weight/height, and he took a look to make sure I was really female. Didn't do any blood work, no voiding in front of another person, no being in a room with just underwear on with others of the same gender, no duck walk, no jumping up and down and all that other stuff that I remembered having to do at MEPS. Going to the private doctor was definitely less stressful and took a shorter time than when I compare it to my MEPS experience. And there was no yelling either!!!

Jams95 · Jan 12, 2009

I have seen posts about an individual electing to goto their own MD. Is there a military form that the MD needs to fill out, or is the typical H&P acceptable???

gizarnmedic · Jan 12, 2009

I dont know about the forms for that I know my recruiter emailed me the link and password for the DODMERB site, I then went on line and filled out the questionare then the site gave me a physician and eye doctor close to home to call and schedule the physical and eye exam. I go the end of this month and with any luck I will have that past me and on to the actual board.

Jams95 · Jan 12, 2009

I got it - military approved MDs. Ok, good info. Thanks. And good luck to you - I think its great

lahlee · Jan 12, 2009

I thought that going through the DODMERB with a contract Doc was just like getting a check-up. Just to add to the earlier posts there was a hearing test, a measurement for moles/tats, and you had to read a passage.

The only issue that I had with them was that after my med info was submitted they requested my charts for LASIK that I had done 5 years ago. So I submitted the chart and they wanted more info which of course was non-existent. So I was required to take a second eye exam which the eye doc just laughed and checked the boxes off. That process took me about two months to clear.

Just a heads up: if you get a request for documention for any condition/surg make sure that you have all the charting to include follow-ups. It will make the process easier. Oh, and keep in contact with your recruiter, they can work things from there side as well.

Staczse7 · Jan 13, 2009

I dont know about the forms for that I know my recruiter emailed me the link and password for the DODMERB site, I then went on line and filled out the questionare then the site gave me a physician and eye doctor close to home to call and schedule the physical and eye exam. I go the end of this month and with any luck I will have that past me and on to the actual board.

that was the setup I had. It's not a big deal... just print out the forms beforehand to save time.

Good Luck!!!!

I really got nervous about nothing