RE: DOT Phys. - Will Co.'s accept independent one?

Some companies like Knight have super extensive physicals. I think they do this for workers comp. If they can determine from the get go that there was something wrong with you previously then they are off the hook. I went through the physical that Knight makes you do and it literally took 5 hrs! They drop you off at a chiropractic doctors office and you actually get seen by 4 different doctors! Never seen or been through anything like it in my life!

 

I have three medical cards right now first one from my old job expires in febuary got another at school and started a new job and they wanted me to see there own doctor atlas another medical card

 

I worked for one carrier that required me to pay for my own physical . They let me go to the doctor of my choice and told me I could take the long form with me if I left within 2 years . Some smaller companies will accept an unexpired medical card .

 

Last December when my card expired, and I wasn't driving for anyone, I took it on myself to get my own physical. My Dr. didn't have the card, so I just used the long form. When I hired with my present company, they only sent me for a drug screen, accepted my physical, and even gave me the wallet card so I wouldn't need to carry the long form. I just needed my Dr. to fill it out.
Seems the big companies feel it's their way, or no way. As long as they paid for it, I never cared. But I always wondered what they thought a place they recommended was better than any I could find. With SNI, I had to drive over 100 miles to go to where they wanted, when less than20 miles away was where I paid for it myself.

 

When I started with SNI in March, I just faxed the medical team my long form from my physical that was done at my school and all they had me do was the drug screen which I had to go about 50 miles away because I live in a town that is 50 miles from any other medium sized city.

 

They send you to their own place because there are plenty out there that will pretty much give anyone a card regardless of their health.

 

That will change soon . Before long doctors giving physicals will have to be certified by the DOT . They are going to do away with medical cards . Your info will be sent electronically to your state DMV and linked to your CDL

 

There could be something to that. I was surprised how thorough my PA was compared to any place a larger company sent me.