Question about medical Dot card

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by usewhataname22, Oct 20, 2014.

  1. usewhataname22

    usewhataname22 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 20, 2014
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    I have been lurking around this forum for about two years now. Very good forum and lots of valuable of information here. I really have been seriously considering getting my CDL and pursing a career in trucking. My main concern is if I would be able to obtain a medical Dot card, and even if I do, could I get hired? My issue is that I had an organ transplant 20 years ago, and take medication for it. I have no restrictions at all. No restrictions on my driver's license. I am in perfect health, and I work. I am just worried that trucking companies would be scared away about my situation once they review my medical history. The reason I am asking on here is for I could maybe get an idea of what others think before I invest my time and money into trucking. Thanks.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If you can pass a DOT physical, companies will hire you.
    Get a DOT physical on your own; they are relatively cheap; maybe from $75.00 to $140.00 and if you pass, you're good to go.
    There are only certain doctors registered to give DOT physicals now that are acceptable for obtaining a CDL. Maybe ask a trucking school to recommend a doctor on the list. Don't mention anything about your transplant to the school; only to the doctor.
     
    lcfd15 Thanks this.
  4. usewhataname22

    usewhataname22 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 20, 2014
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    I will do definitely do that. Thank you.
     
  5. AppalachianTrucker

    AppalachianTrucker Heavy Load Member

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    And don't mention it to the companies to which you apply, but only to the doctors who administer the company physicals you might need to take for them before you get hired.
    Shouldn't be a problem.
     
  6. XFM2013

    XFM2013 Light Load Member

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    A guy in my barn had an organ transplant 12 years ago and works everyday. He only is able to get a DOT physical for 1 year at a time, but gets it every time. Good luck.
     
  7. Victor_V

    Victor_V Road Train Member

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    Find your certified medical examiner in your area here: https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/home.seam

    As mentioned, prices vary and likely the clinic with most certified examiners will be most reasonable $$-wise. A clinic with only one certified examiner has to carefully manage their time. Also, many Nurse Practitioners as well as full M.D.'s can examine you. You'll find those at larger clinics, too.

    Sometimes a sole practitioner, though, is your best bet. Had a pharmacist refer to Concentra in Indy as 'Sleep Apnea Nazis'--meaning that they'd try get you referred out. Don't know if that's true, they have the most certified examiners in the area.

    Also, the list is not as up-to-date as should be. In one case, the physician's office had moved 30 miles away a year earlier and still listed his old address in different city. Phone number was still good, though.

    Whether your company is privy to you medical background, I rather doubt they get any more than what you provide on your long form. The company gets that, you get it and a card and they fax the info to your Department/Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

    You probably want to ask just for the physical to see if you pass first. If it were me, I'd request that it not be transmitted to State unless you pass because this is a trial run for you. There are lots of reasons to do that, too. Merely losing some weight, getting BP under control with exercise can mean the difference between a 2-year and 1-year card.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2014
    XFM2013 Thanks this.
  8. cdlrentaltx

    cdlrentaltx Bobtail Member

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    Oct 19, 2014
    Weatherford, Texas
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    Here is a link that will take you to the list of medical examiners. https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/home.seam
    Type in your zip code, and a list of them should come up in your area. The exam should be between you and the doctor.
    There are not many private physicians that are on the list, but you could ask your personal doctor if he is on it.
    Good Luck.
     
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