That is a real backward step. It will significantly increase the work of AMEs for, I suspect, no reward. It will increase anxiety for pilots when there is a delay in accessing their AME. And the idea that a cardiologist is going to seek advice from an AME simply isn't going to happen. Most consultants don't even know what an AME is. I know of a number of consultants who have patients who fly. They are happy to ask the CAA or write to the CAA, but if their only contact is with an AME they are more likely to simply send a summary as opposed to engaging in a two way discussion. I can see more pilots running into problems as a result.
I don't for a minute suppose this will save the CAA money.......