Office of Medical Services September 27, 2010 “Oh Boy! The Medical Clearance Process”

Office of Medical Services Mission Statement The mission of the Office of Medical Services is to provide and maintain a healthy Peace Corps through the services of a dedicated overseas and headquarters staff. To achieve this mission, the Office of Medical Services supports a comprehensive, accountable, and Quality Volunteer Health Program.

OMS Pre-Service Review Process Each person who applies for Peace Corps service is given individual attention and review appropriate to his or her unique medical history.

Health Status Review (HSR) Each applicant for PC service completes a Health Status Review (HSR) located online (or if necessary hard copy version that uses a special separate form. ~An applicant cannot be nominated for service until OMS has received and logged in an HSR. ~HSRs are valid for a one-year period.

Medical Processing- Step 1 At the time an applicant is nominated for service, the screening team uses the online HSR and an automated computer application to generate requests for medical review information. Each applicant is sent a medical kit based on responses to questions within the HSR, as appropriate.

Medical Processing- Step 2 Medical information is received and reviewed utilizing comprehensive guidelines for review for each condition/diagnosis reported. Medical consultations with the OMS Clinical Advisor or Mental Health Advisors are conducted, as necessary. Further information is requested or a disposition is made.

Step 3 - Medical Dispositions Medically Qualified-the applicant can serve worldwide. Medically Qualified with a support level-the applicant can serve in specific countries where medical support can be provided. Medically Qualified with Medical Accommodation Coordination-the applicant has a specific medical need that requires a specific site placement. Deferred-the applicant has a medical condition that is active and needs to resolve before clearance can be given. Medically Not Qualified-the applicant has a medical condition that cannot be reasonably supported in Peace Corps.

Pre-Service Review Statistics 25% of applicants are cleared after the first review of their medical information. Approximately 35% are medically cleared after their second review (following one request for additional information). The remaining 40% take longer to send their information and receive additional correspondence cycles. There are a variety of causes: complex medical histories, missing information, difficulty obtaining records, completing specialist exams, insurance limitations/expenses; and convenience or comprehension. 60% of applicants are cleared within 6-8 weeks after their physical exam has been received.

Helpful Tools to help MI students Remind students that diligence and prompt address of medical requests helps expedite the medical review process. Remind students to update their contact information via the on-line tool kit. Remind students to thoroughly review all of their medical forms prior to mailing them in and to keep copies of any medical forms mailed in.

Helpful Tools to help MI students If students plan to have their medical exams done overseas please advise them to: Have a liaison in the U.S. Assure that the laboratory studies meets U.S. technology standards. Verify all documents are written in English, or must have a certified translation.

Helpful Tools to help MI students Remind students they can check their Tool Kit on- line. It will show updates in the applicant’s status. While it important that applicants are prompt in returning their medical documents it is important they complete their medical kit correctly. Making sure appropriate questions are answered by their physician, all requested lab forms are included, and that all required immunizations are given within the timeframes outlined on the medical forms.

Pre-service Unit points of contact: Appropriately refer all inquiries involving medical information to the Medical Pre-Service Office. Applicants with: Specific medical questions prior to nomination to the Nurse line at option 2, ext or Applicants who have been nominated should contact their Pre-Service Medical Assistant, listed on their kit, or the assistant will refer them to their Reviewing Nurse, as appropriate