ATP Medicine, LTD
2000 W. International Airport Road,
Suite B4
Anchorage, AK 99502
ph - (907) 868-2961
fax - (907) 868-2962
atpmedicine@gmail.com
Message from Dr. Thomas
November 15, 2022
Although I was hesitant to make this announcement on social media, as it can be fleeting at times, there is no denying that it’s quite effective in reaching everyone.
Beginning next year, I shall be out of town briefly each month to support my wife as she is moving to Phoenix, Arizona for medical and family reasons.
Please be assured that I have no intention of closing ATP Medicine. Words cannot express the utmost gratitude I have for the Alaska aviators and other aviators that see me. Not only have you built a great practice for me, but I have become very good friends with many of you; you have taken/taught me flying above the Arctic Circle, float flying, ski flying, off runway flying, instrument flying, acrobatics, given me great flight instruction, shared meals with me, and offered a laugh or two in my office.
You have been friends, colleagues, instructors, advisors, and been like my family. Therefore, it is my goal to maintain care of this great community, and to reciprocate all you have done for me. I shall endeavor to always be here to help as long as you want me.
Sincere thanks
Bob
Veteran - 10% discount
CAP - 10% discount
Patient Resources and Q & A's
MOST RECENT:
NEW Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Requirement
March 2015, FAA requires AME's to screen for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
You will need to provide these documents every year
- Downloaded sleep report.
- Prescribing sleep specialist current status report.
FAA Flight Physicals
Dr. Tilton, the Federal Air Surgeon held a conference on 12 December concerning this. After the first of the year, FAA aviation medical examiners must list a BMI (body mass index) on FAA flight physicals. An aviator who has a BMI of 40 or greater will need screening for sleep Apnea.
ATP Medicine, LTD would like to avoid discussions about the politics of this and leave that to ALPA and AOPA.
Our proposal to you is this:
Let us avoid even going near the BMI of 40. Sleep Apnea is only one of the problems associated with BMI of 40.
Additionally, sleep Apnea is closely associated with the following:
1) One ominous consequence of sleep Apnea is atrial fibrillation (Afib). With this condition, the cardiac output is decreased by 10-15%, the risk of stroke increases, and one must be put on anti-coagulant medication. Needless to say the FAA looks at this condition very seriously and a special issuance is required.
2) Diabetes is a complication of sleep Apnea. With sleep Apnea, Diabetes also requires a special issuance and close monitoring.
3) Obesity is also a consequence of sleep Apnea and vice versa, sleep Apnea is a consequence of obesity.
4) Sleep Apnea can be a cause of hypertension.
5) Sleep Apnea itself directly causes daytime drowsiness goes without saying.
There are more complications of sleep Apnea not listed.
These are just a few of the reasons to prevent sleep Apnea due to increased BMI from ever occurring. The evaluation and monitoring of person with a BMI greater than 40 and sleep Apnea required by the FAA may be the least of the pilots problems.