This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[drms81]

Hello all,

I have a quick question for anyone that can help.

I am starting a new job in a few weeks and have to undergo a pre-employment physical with the organization's "employee health" department.

The last time I underwent a pre-employment health screening, I was forthright about my diagnosis with MS and subsequently was given some trouble over concerns that I wouldn't be able to perform the duties of my job. I was forced to meet with the head employee health physician prior to receiving full medical clearance.

At this point, I do not have any obvious disability and so I am tempted to withhold the diagnosis from employee health simply to avoid the trouble. Legally, is it OK for me to do this? Would it present problems with the insurance company when I am prescribed treatment by my neurologist? What have been your experiences?

Thanks!!!

[jimmylegs]

hey there, i got dxd under my employer's nose and they were amazingly cool about it. i was afraid they wouldn't even let me work (highly physical job) in case something happened while i was on their time. but no.
i'm sure that there are places where it's a much bigger hassle. i don't know if it's a *legal* issue to leave ms out of it, but if they find out after the fact will they consider it a lie of omission?

[Punchy]

That's really risky business, I think it might be worth the cash to consult a labour lawyer for advice.

I can't suggest anything as the laws vary from country to country, province to state, and of course so do company policies.

The idea of a mandatory health exam gives me the willies!

[Terry]

I don't know how thorough those exams are. I think if it were me, I'd tell the truth to any question they ask, but I would not give any info that they didn't ask for. I think I'd go with "let fate take it's course" on this one. If I lied, I'd have the whole issue hanging over my head. If they didn't ask, it must not have been important to them.
All that said, I have no experience with this... just my gut feeling.

[AllyB]

Hi there

Got no real experience with this. Like JL, I was diagnosed while employed, and my employer (who was also my health insurer!) went through the whole thing with me & were very supportive.

Your previous experience could have been a one off (is there not a law in the USA to prevent discrimination on the grounds of disability?), and maybe these folks will be a bit more supportive, especially as you are not going to have any specific special needs. At least this way, if you do need time off for a relapse or doc visit, they will understand. It just feels a bit off to actively withhold the information - your health insurer will know....Maybe just stress how well you are currently - a letter from your neuro might help.
I don't really know though - just my instinct, please go with your own and make sure of your legal standing before you do anything...

All the best