Form OF178

As part of my application for the Logistics Management Position, I have to have a Form OF178 filled out by my doctor saying I am physically capable of performing my job tasks. Bear in mind that this is an office job, and I've been doing office jobs continually since my MS diagnosis -- nevertheless, I still have to have this form filled out.

The problem I've been having is that my primary care provider (PCP) won't do it, and pushed it to my neurologist. However, in my 10:00 appointment today, my neurologist refused, saying she wasn't qualified to fill out the hearing and vision portions. I would have to have my PCP do it.

Then I spoke to my primary care provider's assistant again, who said I could drop off the forms with the PCP. OK, great! That was 2:00.

But then they called me back, saying they -- oops! -- my PCP wasn't going to fill it out after all. At this point, I called Patient Advocacy. A short time later, my PCP called me, and explained that I would have to go to audiology, optometry, and neurology (again) before she'd sign the form.

Then it occurred to me -- why do I need to have audiology and optometry sign off on this form at all? The job requirements that are checked off as critical are:

• Can carry 15 pounds.
• Use of all fingers on both hands.
• Use of both legs.

There's nothing about vision or hearing being necessary at all. So why is everyone telling me I have to get their signatures?

Of course, these conversations are all happening on Friday afternoon, so I'll have to wait until Monday to deal with the issue further. And naturally, I'll be thinking about this ridiculousness all weekend.