Unfortunately for you in relation to your enrolment medical, you are mistaken. It's not surprising, many with a similar history would possibly assume the same. And just like you, they would be wrong.
You went to a physician with a complaint. She examined you (i.e., listened to you), reached a conclusion (i.e., diagnosis) and treated you (i.e., counselling and prescription). A complete and comprehensive doctor/patient encounter. The doctor would then have recorded the encounter in your medical record and
she her staff would have submitted the billing to your provincial health insurance plan using a code for the type of visit and the diagnosis using an ICD 10 code..
From the information you've provided on this forum, I assume that she likely used an ICD (International Classification of Disease) code of "F32.0"
Do any of the following symptoms sound familiar?
F32 Depressive episode
In typical mild, moderate, or severe depressive episodes, the patient suffers from lowering of mood, reduction of energy, and decrease in activity. Capacity for enjoyment, interest, and concentration is reduced, and marked tiredness after even minimum effort is common. Sleep is usually disturbed and appetite diminished. Self-esteem and self-confidence are almost always reduced and, even in the mild form, some ideas of guilt or worthlessness are often present. The lowered mood varies little from day to day, is unresponsive to circumstances and may be accompanied by so-called "somatic" symptoms, such as loss of interest and pleasurable feelings, waking in the morning several hours before the usual time, depression worst in the morning, marked psychomotor retardation, agitation, loss of appetite, weight loss, and loss of libido. Depending upon the number and severity of the symptoms, a depressive episode may be specified as mild, moderate or severe.
Incl.: single episodes of:
- depressive reaction
- psychogenic depression
- reactive depression
Excl.: adjustment disorder (
F43.2) recurrent depressive disorder (
F33.-) when associated with conduct disorders in F91.- (
F92.0)
F32.0
Two or three of the above symptoms are usually present. The patient is usually distressed by these but will probably be able to continue with most activities.
When you went back to have her complete the doctor form, as much as you would have wanted her to minimize the importance of you seeking medical attention for an episode of mood disorder, she could only provide the information as detailed in your medical records. And it is that information (as well as any notes, if made, from the PA/Med Tech who examined you for the recruit medical) that forms the RMO's decision.
