Need Advice for DOT Physical with taking Lithium

My last physical was performed by the company doc, and she was an MD. The form also says to list ALL medications prescribed or over the counter. If you take a medication and don't list it that's falsification. If you have an accident and the find out you were on a medication not listed on your physical it's suddenly your fault because you were not driving legally. Seen it happen. Don't lie on the physical.

 

I'll do whatever I want on MY physical.

 

I didn't mention anything about my BP or prescription. On my last physical.

 

Always remember, YOU CAN BE TOO HONEST.

 

Is it true though that if you get into an accident, and lawyers search your medical history and see you lied, you could be civilly or criminally liable for the accident?

 

Yes

 

Your medical records are supposed to be protected by HIPPA but you know how that goes. You also do not have to use an MD for a DOT physical. I've seen PA's and Chiropractors nearly exclusively for 24 years.

 

If a judge signs off on a discovery, HIPPA doesn't come into play. As long as an attorney can show probative value, they can subpoena almost anything. Then it's up to your lawyers to prove that the non-disclosure of a medication or illness/disability is not germane.

 

I'm aware. Medical privacy, or privacy in general means very little in this country anymore. Just like the rest of our rights and liberties.

 

The real problem with any diagnosis for so called mental disorders, is that they are driven by pharmaceutical companies. Every time a new drug is released, the target diagnosis goes up. The statistics prove it. Notice how things seem to run in waves. Depression, Anxiety disorders, OCD, Bi polar, now it’s #1 and #2. Not to worry, we have a brand new drug for that. It’s always been that way. 50 yrs ago, the US had twice the % of Schizophrenia diagnoses that England. Coincidentally England had twice the % of Bi Polar diagnoses. Someone was being Mis diagnosed. More than likely many Bi Polar patients were Institutionalized in the US, being treated for Schizophrenia. They didn’t have a chance. Nowadays General Practitioners are prescribing psycho active drugs to people that don’t really need them. It started with drugs like Ativan for anxiety in the 80’s, then Prozac in the 90’s, that’s evolved into tailor made Bi Polar medication. It’s good for Authentic Patients. Too bad the drugs are being pushed by the Medical System. It usually starts with “Free” samples. Big Red Flag!!