Getting the CPAP Machine req removed from DOT Physicals

Maybe some ME won’t accept that but the one I use has never had a problem with a report I generate using a program called “sleepyhead”. It pulls all the data off the card in the cpap machine for a given time period. I usually print a 30 and 90 day report. I don’t have a pulmonologist or a sleep doctor.

 

Mine has to come from a sleep doctor, but the ME allows me to bring the print out to the physical. They don't have to fax it.

 

Tell your friend that he may think he doesn't have it but the only way is a controlled sleep study and that will clear him of using the machine if he doesn't actually have it. ALL of this is really bullsh**** that was started a while back based on a very flawed study.

My sleep doctor was on the FMCSA board before she moved back to Michigan and she said it was all about politics and nothing about medicine.

 

Politics and medicine. The CPAP machine does work though, Ridge. At least for me it has.

 

I have sleep apnea and use a cpap. I did an at home sleep study and got a prescription for the machine. And maybe I feel better when I use it, I definitely snore less.
But anyway when I go and get a physical and the Dr asks about apnea the answer is NO I don't have any problems with sleep apnea. He doesn't know and doesn't need to know

 

For me personally the CPAP changed my life. It sends the data over a cell phone signal to the VA and I just have them send it to the clinic for the DOT physical. I understand why some think it's a PITA having to get a one year card, but I already have to do that for other reasons. Whatever.

 

Sooo if my medical card doc doesn’t ask about a CPAP and I don’t say anything about one then there shouldn’t be an issue right?

Like there’s not some CPAP database for cdl holders?
Unless your doc doing your medical card reports it?

 

Biggest Scam put onto CDL Drivers. It will be on your record forever once you have taken the sleep test. I will never take the sleep test. If a examiner wants me to take a test I will walk out. The question on a new medcial ask if you have ever taken a sleep study, so at this point you can walk out on a physical and go somewhere else. Most of the time you kind of know what different places are before you go, like Concentra your odds ar 95% they will reccomend a sleep study, So do your home work and don't go there.

 

I could be wrong but I really don't think there's this national database of Information of truckers and their dot physicals. Wouldn't that be against Hippa rules?