HIMS Psychiatrist Question

[FiguringItOut1982]

So I was recently deferred for a medical and the FAA letter says I need a HIMS Psychiatric Evaluation (not an neuropsych) and I have 60 days. They listed a few HIMS Psychiatrists; one of them answered and the other I can’t track down. This made me go hunt down the approved Psychs on the link the FAA suggested searching in the letter which was also included. Which led me to three possible doctors: Riordan, Huff and Lifschutz. The Price tags vary from $2875 to $7000. How do I pick the “right” one? Is there a “right” one? Has anyone worked with any of these doctors? This is my first time applying for a medical.

 

[UTLonghorn_1979]

So I was recently deferred for a medical and the FAA letter says I need a HIMS Psychiatric Evaluation (not an neuropsych) and I have 60 days. They listed a few HIMS Psychiatrists; one of them answered and the other I can’t track down. This made me go hunt down the approved Psychs on the link the FAA suggested searching in the letter which was also included. Which led me to three possible doctors: Riordan, Huff and Lifschutz. The Price tags vary from $2875 to $7000. How do I pick the “right” one? Is there a “right” one? Has anyone worked with any of these doctors? This is my first time applying for a medical.

Do you absolutely need a class 3 or higher?

If not, just operate under sport pilot/MOSAIC.

 

[DaleB]

Do you absolutely need a class 3 or higher?

If not, just operate under sport pilot/MOSAIC.

He can’t, now. He’s been deferred.


Edit: Well… he (or she) can, eventually, but not until after s/he gets the psych stuff done and a medical issued.

 

[UTLonghorn_1979]

He can’t, now. He’s been deferred.

I thought as long as it hasn’t been denied, he can pull the application and still operate under sport pilot??

 

[DaleB]

I thought as long as it hasn’t been denied, he can pull the application and still operate under sport pilot??

FAA won’t just drop it once the fuse is lit. My understanding (and I could be wrong) is that they’ve said they won’t issue without X. If you don’t give them X, then they deny the medical and you’re screwed. Of course if you do give them X it may lead to the same outcome.

I’m absolutely certain someone will correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[UTLonghorn_1979]

FAA won’t just drop it once the fuse is lit. My understanding (and I could be wrong) is that they’ve said they won’t issue without X. If you don’t give them X, then they deny the medical and you’re screwed. Of course if you do give them X it may lead to the same outcome.

I’m absolutely certain someone will correct me if I’m wrong.

I’m not certain either.

 

[Daleandee]

FAA won’t just drop it once the fuse is lit. My understanding (and I could be wrong) is that they’ve said they won’t issue without X.

I started to reply as you did but deleted the post as I was certain but wanted to follow up and see what clarity I could find. There's this:

(From the link below):

"We ultimately concluded that, in those cases where the FAA has existing knowledge of medical ineligibility, we need the affected person to address it and, hopefully have it resolved. To meet the intent of the rule, the affected person should apply for reconsideration of their eligibility."

https://www.faa.gov/faq/why-cant-airman-current-and-valid-drivers-license-medically-self-certify-exercise-sport-pilot

So, now that you've started down the road, you have to follow the directions or walk away without the ability to fly (unless you go with gliders or ultralights). After you get a medical you can go basic med or revert to MOSAIC but not until this is cleared up ... as I understand it.

 

[FiguringItOut1982]

Do you absolutely need a class 3 or higher?

If not, just operate under sport pilot/MOSAIC.

I’d really like to get my PPL. For me it’s worth the fight…I’m just a little intimidated annd overwhelmed, and afraid to pick the “wrong” HIMS Psychiatrist. Those three are the ones who I’m hoping to choose from. Not sure how to pick the right one though…

 

[bbchien]

You're in the East coast corridor. I have used Dr Riordan. 7K is wayy over the top, at the 99% percentile but I don't know Dr. L's costs- he is in NYC for heaven's sake. Don't know Dr H. And none of mine have complained as to Dr R's cost through I don't knwo the number. My suggestion is go there.

 

[RussS]

You're in the East coast corridor. I have used Dr Riordan. 7K is wayy over the top, at the 99% percentile but I don't know Dr. L's costs- he is in NYC for heaven's sake. Don't know Dr H. And none of mine have complained as to Dr R's cost through I don't knwo the number. My suggestion is go there.

Dr R was in the ballpark of 2k about 5 years ago