Should you reveal medical condition?

[Deleted]

This is a question for my SIL. Please don't quote
She has been offered a job overseas pending a medical. Her medical is finished. She said she passed (I have no idea what this means)
She just sent me an email saying that in the letters and documents she is submitting (including her physical results) she had to check a box whether she had ever seen a neurologist (part of the physical ? Likely) because of that question she thinks she should add a small letter explaining why.

The why. She was in a car accident a few years ago and now walks with a very slight limp. This is an office job but it is in a third world country. (I don't think that matters but that's all the information) she may have to do offsite work but probably not and she would drive to another office not off in the jungle etc.

I think the neurologist appt is none of their business. She walks with a limp but it won't impact her work in any way. She is perfectly healthy. This just gives them an excuse not to hire her, IMO. Her interview was over the phone so reading about a car accident and neurologist and limp may make them wary. I would also assume any physician notes would include the limp thing.

What say you smart ladies? Add a small note? No explanation required? Avoid?

[pixy0stix]

She should not lie to her employer.

[msmerymac]

I would say that it's probably not a complete no-go if she answers affirmatively. In fact, if she checked yes, they might just want some supporting documentation.

Anecdote: I have a friend who served in the peace corps. They ask a lot of stuff about your medical history, because medical facilities where you are serving might be not great for those who need consistent care. My friend has really bad teeth. Like, at least 12 fillings, 6 rot canals, cleanings every 3 months. This is not something that happens where she was going to be stationed, so she had to be okay with knowing that she would have less dental care for the 2-3 years she was gone. She did need to have a root canal while she was there, and had to be flow to a neighboring country to have it done, but it was less of a big deal than it sounds.

Basically, they've come this far. They might not be looking for a reason to deny her - they just want to cover their bases, make sure she'll have access to what she needs, and perhaps assign her appropriately.

[alleinesein]

Not disclosing it can also lead to her being terminated if they discover that she lied about it on her paperwork. Plenty of people have been in car accidents and seeing a neurologist isn't that rare of a thing. I've seen one and I am perfectly healthy albeit a bit clumsy!

[busybodyk]

I agree she shouldn't lie.

[sonrisa]

If the evaluation was for peripheral nervous system to her legs only, I would specify that. They are probably including it to screen for neurological problems that affect cognition or behavior.

(ETA: I'm assuming this job isn't with the US government or a US company and she doesn't have the protections that would apply to an employer in the US). 

[origami]

IMO - Don't explain and don't lie. If they want to know more, they'll ask. We had to submit medical questionnaires before we went overseas too. They just want to know if you are at risk for a serious issue, esp ones that can't be treated well in the location. Our forms asked a doctor to sign off that we were healthy enough for this assignment. DH had a concussion a few years ago and saw a neurologist. He also recently saw a psychiatrist for anxiety. He checked a whole bunch of boxes on the form. But his doctor signed off on him going and that's all that mattered. Hopefully your SIL's employer does things the same way.

[orangeblossom]

I would disclose. Lying may come back to haunt her. If they need to ask more questions they will.

It's for her benefit and theirs.

[Deleted]

So she isn't lying.
The question said 'have you seen a neurologist?' She said yes.
But they did not ask for supporting documentation. She just wants to tell them. I said wait and see if they ask you.

[orangeblossom]

Jul 30, 2015 18:45:49 GMT -5 @hannymaren said:

So she isn't lying.
The question said 'have you seen a neurologist?' She said yes.
But they did not ask for supporting documentation. She just wants to tell them. I said wait and see if they ask you.

That is good advice. Hopefully, nothing more will come of the question and she'll be on her way to her new job.

[omgzombies]

Jul 30, 2015 18:45:49 GMT -5 @hannymaren said:

So she isn't lying.
The question said 'have you seen a neurologist?' She said yes.
But they did not ask for supporting documentation. She just wants to tell them. I said wait and see if they ask you.

That's exactly how I would advise proceeding.  Giving too much medical information without being prompted can potentially make you sound like your world revolves around being sick/your condition.  I wouldn't necessarily read into it that way, but I know plenty of employers who would.

[rugbywife]

If they haven't asked, I wouldn't be providing more details.

[Deleted]

Jul 30, 2015 18:59:16 GMT -5 omgzombies said:

Jul 30, 2015 18:45:49 GMT -5 @hannymaren said:

So she isn't lying.
The question said 'have you seen a neurologist?' She said yes.
But they did not ask for supporting documentation. She just wants to tell them. I said wait and see if they ask you.

That's exactly how I would advise proceeding.  Giving too much medical information without being prompted can potentially make you sound like your world revolves around being sick/your condition.  I wouldn't necessarily read into it that way, but I know plenty of employers who would.

This will be my reply to her. Thanks!

[mlt]

I def wouldn't disclose it voluntarily. Only if asked for more info.

[PandaPear]

I would simply check the box truthfully, but not provide any additional information unless requested.

[rupertpenny]

I had to answer a lot of medical questions before coming abroad too, some for Immigration and some for my employer. It felt kind of weird because I would never have seen these questions in the U.S., but it wasn't a big deal. I didn't provide any information that wasn't specifically requested.

My H's employer even asked his references about whether or not he was sickly or had ever taken extended sick leave and they all declined to answer the question because they did not feel that it was legal or appropriate for them to do so. No one cared. I think it's just a routine, if weird and invasive, question in some places.

[kirra]

I say this as someone who had been blatantly discriminated against in the hiring process because of my disability.

I wouldn't hesitate to check that box, and only in part because of you shouldn't lie to your employer. I wouldn't give a damn bit more information than asked before the screening, but I'd check yes without hesitation.

Our medical system has become increasingly specialized, and at the same time doctors have been more concerned about malpractice and more likely to make a referral just in case.

If an athlete had a bad concussion, there was probably a neurology referral. Migraines? Tension headaches? Car accident where there's the slightest possibility of injury? They refer to a neurologist. Many many healthy people have seen a neurologist.