ME requires sleep study but refuses to order it?

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by girlsdrivetoo, Feb 12, 2015.

  1. girlsdrivetoo

    girlsdrivetoo Light Load Member

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    Ok this is stupid! I went for my Dot physical and the only thing "wrong" is my neck size and bmi. No blood pressure, diabetes, vision, hearing, strength or flexibility issues. I was asked the standard question. Do I snore? No, I used to 10 years ago before I lost 100 pounds, but not since I lost the weight. Daytime sleepiness? No. Etc, etc, etc. Says to me, "drivers lie all the time"
    So he gives me a 3 month card and says I need to have a sleep study.. OK. He tells me to call my family doctor and have him order it. He will NOT put the order in for it.
    SOOO, I call the family doctor and after 30 minutes of explaining what must be done, they send the order to a sleep clinic. Sleep clinic sends it to the insurance. DENIED! They require a face to face with the doctor. O-K! Done. Sent back to insurance, Denied again! Reason... BMI and neck size not enough to justify testing without other symptoms.
    Call DOT Doc and ask them if I pay for the cheaper home study and it comes back negative, will they accept that? Answer, we have never seen one come back negative! NOT what I asked you. Simply, If the home study comes back negative, will you accept it? Or do I need to pay out of pocket for the $5000.00 study? It will depend on the doctor of the day. WHAT?! I cannot get an answer from them.
    Again, I say...
    OK... This is stupid!
     
    tnt440 Thanks this.
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  3. Hick

    Hick Heavy Load Member

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    Find a new DOT doctor?
     
    Joetro Thanks this.
  4. Danvitt

    Danvitt Light Load Member

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    Sounds like the simplest thing to do would be to go somewhere else for the DOT physical. Would probably save you a lot of grief.
     
  5. girlsdrivetoo

    girlsdrivetoo Light Load Member

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    Feb 3, 2012
    Toledo, Ohio
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    Company only accepts this clinic
     
  6. Danvitt

    Danvitt Light Load Member

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    Maybe a new company then? I don't know, if i had to pay 5 k out of pocket it would really lower my interest in the chosen company. I guess I would discuss it with them. Maybe ask for permission to go somewhere else.
     
    Joetro and Big Don Thank this.
  7. girlsdrivetoo

    girlsdrivetoo Light Load Member

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    Feb 3, 2012
    Toledo, Ohio
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    Man, that would be terrible! I really like this company, but if I can't get certified, I may have no choice I guess. I have calls in to them now.
     
  8. Meltom

    Meltom Road Train Member

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    Ask the company to cover the cost or let you get your DOT phys done somewhere else.
     
    Big Don, Danvitt and Mattnatti Thank this.
  9. girlsdrivetoo

    girlsdrivetoo Light Load Member

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    Feb 3, 2012
    Toledo, Ohio
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    If they will accept the home study, I can pay for that up front. But they won't give me a straight answer. No one who knows my medical history believes I need this done. IF I have it, I would be glad to know and take care of it. But I honestly don't have the symptoms and this clinic is being very weird about this.

    When I asked the ME if it comes back negative, would he give me a 2 year card? He kept dodging the question. I know he won't even though there is no medical basis to deny me a 2 year card.


    Yes, I understand that I am overweight and I truly do watch what I eat. I have lost nearly 100 pounds, and I am much healthier than when I was younger. I have not seen the Law against being fat though. I am thinking this Doc has a prejudice against fat people.
     
    Big Don Thanks this.
  10. Danvitt

    Danvitt Light Load Member

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    Dec 10, 2014
    Dayton, OH
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    I think I'd let this doc know that I will be filing a complaint. Give him a choice, he either orders the study himself, or he drops the study requirement. If he doesn't wanna do either one then let him know he will be facing a complaint. After all, He is messing with YOUR money, YOUR income. I would at least definitely force yes or no answers out of him. Possibly even let him know your recording it, if its legal to do so.

    you ask, "hey doc will a home study work?"
    his reply, "well i've never seen one come back negative."
    your response, "is that a yes, that you will indeed accept...?"

    another possible question to ask your doc, "should i get a lawyer?" If he's fooling around then it should put a stop to it pretty quickly. In my opinion without knowing what I'm really talking about. You need this doc to order it, then you can possibly get reimbursed for it, otherwise it's something your initiating.

    Become such a pain in the ### that he'll do what he can to get rid of you.
     
  11. texasbbqbest

    texasbbqbest Road Train Member

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    Minneapolis, MN
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    Give your company an ultimatum: Company either lets you go to a different doctor to get a 2 year card or it's sayonara motherTRuckers!


    I guess the sleep apnea stuff is becoming the norm (which is good for people who NEED it), but it sounds like a pain in the butt.
     
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