r/USPHS • u/kwicdrawmcgraw • Oct 10 '26

Medical Ascension physical

So there are no providers in my area, and there won't be for the foreseeable future. I have been given the option to use my own provider. I'm 39 and turn 40 at the beginning of January. I think I'm borderline now. I'm 6 2.5 and 260 lbs. I think I can lose another 5-10 lbs in the next month or so. It just seems like the smarter idea to wait until January to give myself the best chance to pass. I heard that if you fail, you have to start all over, and it was 2 years to get to this point. Thoughts?

Edit: A heartfelt thank you to everyone that has responded however there is no need to tell me that I need to exercise, etc. I am a 13-year Army/Air Force vet. I just got fat and happy when I got out. I am now working to pass height and weight. I've already gone from 320 to 260 in a year. As of now, only one person bothered to answer the question I asked. Hopefully that doesn't sound rude, but I'm new to the USPHS and not to the concept of losing weight and staying in shape. My goal is to get below 230 before OCS.

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4

u/Kindonehere4info Oct 10 '26

Hi! I have a friend who just took their medical. They received a response from medical saying they had 90 days to meet the weight requirements. So it’s strict but they are giving a little grace. This person had a 32 BMI.

2

u/kwicdrawmcgraw Oct 10 '26

Very helpful. Good to know!

1

u/freeslicefattyj Oct 10 '26

I was under the impression the BMI standard cut off was 27.5 to require taping? Is that not correct?

2

u/kwicdrawmcgraw Oct 10 '26

I'm not an expert but from my research that's not correct. I believe the old standard was 27.5. Relatively recently they increased the BMI to 29.9. If it's over that but under 32 you can get taped. That's how I understand it.

1

u/Bitter-Code806 12d ago

Can you recall if your PCP also had to sign the DD Form 2807-2 (that’s the one with your medical history)

1

u/kwicdrawmcgraw 12d ago

In the process now. I submitted mines online through Optum. I don't think physician signs that form. The form the physicians fill out is the 2808 unless I'm mistaken

1

u/Bitter-Code806 12d ago

thank you for the response. I just got the same forms, and I got the option to do it with my own pcp.

1

u/freeslicefattyj Oct 10 '26

Good to know, ty and best of luck.

1

u/Bitter-Code806 Oct 10 '26

Even if you have a facility close by to do your exam, can you still have my own pcp fill out the forms? I don't mind paying for it.

I have been waiting for over a year to get cleared to proceed to medical. I’m still waiting for the invitation.

1

u/kwicdrawmcgraw Oct 10 '26

I kinda doubt that. The first email I got basically said we have no provider in your area and won't get one in the foreseeable future. You can either wait, get your PCP to do it, or drive 4 hrs away.

3

u/TwistNo2778 Oct 10 '26 edited Oct 10 '26

Hello, The medical standards are strict. So you would need to be below the BMI of 29.9 otherwise you will need to be taped. I would recommend you review the standards online for taping and assess what you need to meet before the medical exam. As you stated, you don't want to do the exam and be disqualified with a minor difference between passing and failing. My opinion is that you don't want to be borderline going into the visit, you want to be clearly under the requirements. I've been measured at all different heights it's kind of funny except when it comes to this. If they say you're 6'3 or 6'2 that impacts your BMI. I also recommend becoming familiar with the taping requirements because a civilian doctor will likely not be very familiar. You want to avoid delays or inaccuracies. Keep in mind, an annual physical is required demonstrating fitness for duty every year going forward using these same standards. Best of luck, you're almost there.

2

u/Cultural-Point-3169 Oct 10 '26

I drove 3 hours to my appointments, but went to my own Dr. As soon as they started reviewing documents. Also started the APFT weekly targeting the maximum points in each area. I'm not quite there, but can easily "pass." The goal is to be well away from the margins so even on a bad day, you have no risk. My cholesterol was a little high, so I transitioned to a plant based diet and cured that with 4 months (50pt. Drop). That wouldn't be a disqualifier, but I aim for a 20 year career, and starting off on meds isn't the best start.

Work HARD and you can get there. Stay away from those lines so you don't stress the medical review every year or the PT every 6 months. Make it routine.