Forced out of trucking

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by The Digital Mage, Apr 13, 2014.

  1. The Digital Mage

    The Digital Mage Light Load Member

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    Sep 19, 2010
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    Well, sure enough, my sleep apnea test came back positive. If anyone has taken this test and had a negative result please respond. I don't think it happens and I know very well I don't have it. This is just the latest ripoff - they want Americans out of trucks and xxxxxxxxx driving them, for 17 cents a mile....

    After the test I got another shock - I'm supposed to have a "sleep doctor." The dirty SOB that ordered the test will not sign the prescription for me to get a machine. Instead, I'm supposed to have a "sleep doctor" to do that. And I'm supposed to pay for that myself, too!

    I guess I'm done. I sure as he77 can't afford any sleep doctors.

    Does anybody know what to do, here?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 13, 2014
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Some trucking companies will front the money for the machine and do a payroll deduction to recoup the money. I don't remember the names of the companies, but some on here will probably post some names.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  4. EHB

    EHB Medium Load Member

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    Wait a second. He ordered the test and he will not give you a prescription for a CPAP?

    There is something wrong with that. I would get a new doctor.

    A CPAP machine will cost between $1500 to $3000. And will help you sleep and make you stop snoring.


    Some people sell used ones over the internet, but buyer beware of scams of broken equipment.

    I know. I have one. Make you get a better sleep. Sometimes ya wonder if just a piece of tape over your mouth during your sleep time would do the same thing.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 13, 2014
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  5. EHB

    EHB Medium Load Member

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    Your can write it off as a medical expense and maybe get the money back. Most health insurance companies will cover the cost.
     
    Shaggy Thanks this.
  6. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    The whole medical business is like this. It's not just sleep studies. Typical routine is the company or your primary care physician request a sleep study. After the sleep study is done which can be an independent lab then a Respiratory Therapist evaluates the sleep study and writes an order for a Cpap from a medical equipment supply company. So it's not unusual to have four parties involved not to mention the insurance company.

    It is crooked in ways as the same machine can run from $700- $2500 depending how and where you buy it. If it's through your insurance you really don't have a choice. I was forced to rent to own mine with BCBS for 13 months. Why in the heck 13 months I could not figure for awhile then it dawned on me they got me for two yearly deductibles. Since I got it in July I pretty much paid for it even though I had insurance.

    If you have to pay cash then I would look at some of these online medical supply companies. Cpap.com I found my machine the cheapest at 70% less than what I paid for it. Many doctors will work with cash customers. Request a discount and they might even let you make payments. Insurance companies negotiate huge discounts. It's typical for a cash customer to get a 10-20% discount if they ask. I know when I lost my insurance I did some talking. :)
     
    EHB Thanks this.
  7. Shaggy

    Shaggy Road Train Member

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    What companies require this sleep apnea crap? Never had the pleasure of being asked to volunteer.
     
  8. EHB

    EHB Medium Load Member

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    It's not the company that requires it, it's the DOT medical department. If you want to keep your CDL.
     
    Shaggy Thanks this.
  9. Shaggy

    Shaggy Road Train Member

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    Renewed it the past 2 months and another 2 weeks ago ( switched jobs ). Good for another 2 years, Never was asked about this sleep stuff. Interesting to know.. Thanks EHB.

    Is there keywords the physician knows when to do a sleep study? not joking
     
  10. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    A Cpap doesn't force you out of trucking.
    A Cpap is not the end of your life.

    I speak from the perspective of both my father and step father having sleep apnea and can say this much; it's not that big of a deal.

    Machines cost a few thousand and last a long time. Try it a few times and you'll like it once you get used to it.



    Get your sleep test done, get your med card and move on with your life. Once you start using the Cpap machine you'll get the first good nights rest, in a long time. Guys with this don't even recognize they have it, waking up with headaches/migraines, exhausted and annoyed.

    I have sleep apnea. I know it because my whole family has told me, I believe them. Step dad gave me his old Phillips respironics just to try when he got a new unit, I got all new face masks & tubing, and have been sleeping great for over a year with it. Keep mine around .25 lb's continuous.
    Like I said, once you try it- it's night and day.
    You're making way to big a deal over this.
     
    heyns57 Thanks this.
  11. EHB

    EHB Medium Load Member

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    Yes a CPAP is great to have.

    It is even better if you had one for the misses too, so you can stop her from snoring too.

    And she says she doesn't snore...sounds just like a muffled chain saw ... lol...
     
    Derailed Thanks this.
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