CDL A physical

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Penumbra, Oct 24, 2020.

  1. Penumbra

    Penumbra Medium Load Member

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    I’ve been out of the game a while, and I need a new CDL physical on file with my DMV before a carrier will put an offer on me.

    based in Michigan, but when I get on the Secretary of State website, i can’t find very much info on it. When I started out trucking, you were able to just self certify that you were healthy. Obviously with everything going on, now you can’t, but I can’t figure out who I need to see, if it’s just a paper my doctor fills out, etc.

    HELP MEEEEE! I need back on the road before I go loco!
     
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  3. Jokee

    Jokee Bobtail Member

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    You get your physical first, then bring the doctor's report to the SOS. Starting a few years ago, not just any doctor could administer a DOT physical. They need to be registered with DOT. Most likely your regular doctor is not. Occupational medicine clinics usually do DOT physicals, are duly registered, have the requisite forms, and experience filling them out. The latter is important, because SOS will scrutinize the form for undotted 'i's and uncrossed 't's. I've twice had to get a second DOT physical. First time because the doctor's registration with DOT was expired. Second time because the doctor signed form in the wrong place. Another time, I got placed out of service roadside, because my new employer fed my medical forms upside down into the fax machine when sending to DMV. It is best to bring them to SOS yourself. They might stamp your forms before giving them back to you to evidence that you self-certified. You then need to carry those forms with you for at least the next 15 days. That I had my medical forms with me, didn't sufficiently matter to scale house officer. The physical process will screen you for sleep apnea by asking a few questions. If you work nights and sleep days, do not answer affirmatively that you can fall asleep during daylight hours. Just let that one go. And lastly, the doctor you do see for your DOT physical, likely won't be an MD - more likely a PA or NP.
     
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  4. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    A DOT Physical DOES NOT include screening for Sleep Apnea. Individual Companies may have their own standards.
     
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  5. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Actually, on questions 25 and 26, they ask about problems sleeping. If you check this as a yes the ME is required to note this. DOT PHYSICAL FORM
     
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  6. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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  7. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    Thanks Moose. I did not remember those questions being on the form. I have heard that many companies seem to go overboard with the sleep apnea thing. Also, Concentra is anal about it as well. I have had a few encounters with Concentra, not sleep apnea related, not impressed with them at all. I would recommend steering clear of that outfit if at all possible
     
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  8. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I have gone into deep detail on this OSA thing In other threads Ad nauseam, so I won't do it again here. In this FMCSA ME handbook, the only things I can find about OSA is on pages 31 and 118/119. In this document, I see NOTHING about neck sizes, etc. When a ME does this they are NOT following the guidance on OSA issued by the FMCSA.
     
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  9. Penumbra

    Penumbra Medium Load Member

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    But it needs to be from a certain type of doctor correct? Having a hard time finding a list of “approved doctors”
     
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  10. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    It does. Just call any quick clinic and see of they do DOT approved physicals. Every single "occupational health" clinic here does, plus a few others.

    What part of MI are you in?

    Edit: Here is a list in our break room, but it's only the ones we can walk in with the form we have. There are more in the area....
     

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  11. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Or you can simply search the FMCSA website! NRCME
     
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