HIMS-Approved Aviation Medical Examiner Directory
Find qualified HIMS-approved Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) across the United States for FAA medical certification consultations, comprehensive evaluations, and ongoing HIMS program monitoring support. Updated directory for 2025.
What is a HIMS AME?
A HIMS Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is an FAA-designated physician with specialized advanced training, certification, and extensive experience in substance abuse disorders and aviation medicine. HIMS AMEs are specifically authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct initial comprehensive evaluations of pilots entering the HIMS program, provide ongoing medical monitoring throughout program participation, submit required detailed reports to FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division, and guide pilots through all phases of medical certificate reinstatement process toward successful return to flight operations.
How to Find a Qualified HIMS AME
Finding the right HIMS AME requires research and consideration. The FAA maintains an official searchable list of currently certified HIMS-approved AMEs on their website. Pilots can search by geographic location, medical specialty, and availability. When selecting a HIMS AME, carefully consider: Extensive experience specifically with commercial and airline pilots, convenient geographic proximity to your location for regular appointments, availability for timely consultations during critical program phases, strong professional reputation within aviation medical community, comprehensive understanding of airline and corporate aviation requirements, commitment to serving as long-term medical advocate, and positive recommendations from other pilots who successfully completed HIMS under their guidance.
HIMS AME Consultation Process
Initial HIMS AME consultations are comprehensive and typically involve: Detailed review of complete aviation history and medical records, in-depth substance use assessment and timeline development, comprehensive physical examination and medical evaluation, psychological screening and mental health assessment, discussion of all FAA HIMS program requirements and procedures, development of personalized treatment recommendations, creation of comprehensive monitoring plan tailored to individual circumstances, cost estimates for program participation, and answering all questions about HIMS process, timeline, and expectations. Initial consultations are confidential and specifically designed to support successful program entry and completion.
Regional HIMS AME Availability
HIMS-approved AMEs are located throughout major aviation hubs and metropolitan areas nationwide including: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC. Many HIMS AMEs maintain practices near major airline crew bases for convenient access. Additionally, many experienced HIMS AMEs now offer virtual telehealth consultations for initial assessments, follow-up monitoring appointments, and ongoing support, expanding access for pilots in locations without convenient local HIMS AME availability.
Cost of HIMS AME Services
HIMS AME consultation and monitoring fees vary by location, AME experience, and services provided. Typical fee ranges: Initial comprehensive HIMS evaluation including history, examination, assessment, and treatment planning ($500-2,000), follow-up monitoring appointments during active program participation ($300-800 per visit depending on complexity), report preparation and FAA correspondence ($200-500), psychological evaluation coordination ($500-1,500), and ongoing monitoring support services. Many experienced HIMS AMEs offer flexible payment plans and work collaboratively with pilots to manage program costs throughout the multi-year HIMS certification process. Some insurance plans cover portions of AME services.
Selecting the Right HIMS AME
Critical factors in HIMS AME selection: Current active FAA HIMS certification status verified on official FAA website, minimum 5-10 years experience specifically with HIMS program participants, extensive track record with commercial airline and corporate pilots, strong understanding of major airline medical policies and procedures, excellent communication and responsiveness to pilot concerns, commitment to serving as long-term medical advocate throughout program, willingness to collaborate with treatment providers and monitoring services, positive testimonials from other pilots who completed HIMS successfully, and compatibility with your personal situation and recovery needs for optimal support throughout program journey.
HIMS AME vs. Regular AME
Important distinctions between HIMS AMEs and regular Aviation Medical Examiners: HIMS AMEs have completed specialized advanced FAA training in substance abuse evaluation and monitoring beyond standard AME certification, possess extensive experience with addiction medicine and recovery, maintain specific authorization from FAA to evaluate and monitor HIMS participants, submit required detailed reports directly to FAA HIMS program office, provide ongoing monitoring and advocacy throughout multi-year program, and have demonstrated expertise in successfully guiding pilots through complete medical certificate reinstatement process. Regular AMEs cannot provide HIMS program evaluations or monitoring services.
Connect with Experienced HIMS AMEs
Our professional aviation community includes experienced HIMS-approved AMEs and pilots who can share detailed recommendations based on firsthand program experience. Join our forum to: Connect directly with HIMS AMEs who are community members, ask specific questions about the evaluation process and program requirements, get candid insights about AME selection and what to expect, receive guidance on preparing for initial HIMS AME consultation, learn from pilots' experiences with different HIMS AMEs nationwide, and access up-to-date information about AME availability and geographic coverage for convenient access to qualified HIMS medical evaluation and monitoring services.
Need Help Finding a HIMS AME?
Connect with experienced pilots and aviation medical professionals who can provide specific HIMS AME recommendations based on your location, airline employer, and individual circumstances. Our community members have worked with HIMS AMEs nationwide and can share detailed insights about evaluation processes, monitoring approaches, costs, and success in guiding pilots through complete medical certificate reinstatement. Get personalized guidance on selecting the optimal HIMS AME for your situation.