Will the Military Access My Complete Medical History Before Enlisting?

Enrolling in the military is a significant step, and many applicants have concerns about the thoroughness of the pre-enlistment medical examinations. Specifically, you might wonder if the military will access your complete medical history, especially if an injury or condition is unrelated to the injury sustained during boot camp.

Review of Full Medical History

When evaluating an injury or a medical condition during boot camp, military personnel will indeed review your entire medical history, not just the records pertaining to the specific injury. This approach helps them understand your overall health profile and any potential risks or implications for your service.

For instance, if you injure your knee during boot camp, the military may review your civilian medical records to understand any relevant health issues, such as previous injuries or conditions like asthma. Even if these conditions do not directly relate to the knee injury, they can provide context and help determine your overall fitness for service.

Military Standards and Protocols

Military protocols for medical records may vary, but the general principle is to ensure a comprehensive understanding of an individual's health background. This is crucial for assessing fitness and identifying any potential health issues that could impact performance. While concerns about privacy are valid, it's important to recognize that your medical records are highly confidential.

Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), your medical records are confidential, and the military will only have access to information you provide or authorizes them to access. They will not obtain your medical records unless you give permission or assist them in obtaining them.

For example, if a family doctor treats you for asthma, the military cannot access this information unless you give explicit consent. This protects your privacy and ensures that your medical records are only available to those you authorize, including military medical professionals who need this information for your care.

Enlisting and Pre-Enlistment Medical Exams

Before enlisting, you will be required to complete a MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) exam, which includes a thorough medical history. You can choose to disclose your medical history, but concealing conditions can lead to complications later on. Many service members have reported being diagnosed with asthma after enlisting, and the military's response is to provide support, such as inhalers, or options like medical separation.

The military's approach is not to punish concealment but to provide the necessary support for your health and wellbeing during your service. It is your choice to disclose your medical history, and by doing so, you ensure that the military has the complete picture of your health background.

Confidentiality and Control of Medical Records

Your medical records are as confidential as your civilian ones. They are only accessed with your permission or when you are present with your provider. The military maintains strict confidentiality to protect your personal information. Unlike some other systems, there is no nationalized database of healthcare or patient records, ensuring that your medical information remains secure and private.

During boot camp, a new medical record will be created and maintained in your official military medical record jacket. These records are updated and kept confidential, ensuring that only relevant and authorized personnel have access to your health information.

By understanding the military's approach to medical records and your role in controlling your health information, you can ensure that your enlisting process is smooth and secure.