Did you get a company physical....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by LarryTX, Jul 3, 2018.

  1. LarryTX

    LarryTX Bobtail Member

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    ....or did your company accept your current medical card?

    I took my CDL physical today, and due to high BP, I was given only a 3 month card. Headed to the doctor later in the week to get on some BP meds, and was told by the examiner to come back when I could pass and she would extend my medical card to one year.

    My plans are to get the CDL on my own, then hire onto a company with a refresher program, or just drive for whoever will trust me with their truck. I've driven over a million miles, but been off the road a while.

    My question is: Should i bother extending this 3 month card to one year with my current examiner when I will most likely be given another physical with my company? There are travel and doctor costs involved with doing so.

    Thanks for any input
     
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  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Seems that most larger carriers who hire new[er] drivers require their own medical review be done (and new card) at their expense and at their clinic. Just do as much as you can to try and get your numbers in line in the mean time, whatever that entails. Having to shut down to get another physical only 3 months later, is problematic, and if something comes up and you can't get a medical clearance for ANY length of time, you're stuck and out of work and may or may not be anywhere near home. Most carriers don't mind reimbursing for medicals but limit the reimbursement to once every 23 months, so this could be an expensive process for some with medical issues.
     
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  4. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

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    Do not take a per test for a carrier unless you are 100% sure you want to work there or have committed to it. Or else the cost will go on your credit report.
     
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  5. LarryTX

    LarryTX Bobtail Member

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    I would get my card extended prior to working, if the company asked me to. I'm just trying to avoid the extra expense of it now, if every company is doing their own physicals and medical cards these days.
     
  6. IluvCATS

    IluvCATS Road Train Member

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    I took a company physical right after paying for my own. In my opinion the company doctor was more easy.
     
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  7. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Depends on carrier. Most mega's will have their own doctor.
     
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  8. LarryTX

    LarryTX Bobtail Member

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    What about smaller companies? Will they send you to Concentra, or similar?

    I guess my question is: Are there any companies that will just accept your current medical card? Enough of them to justify the added expenses of getting mine extended? I'm on a tight budget so trying to save some money.
     
  9. shogun

    shogun Road Train Member

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    I would avoid a physical for a few weeks if I were you. I imagine your blood pressure is still high from what “Media Card” Melissa did to you. If a Swift driver’s girl is messing around, what hope do any of us have?
     
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  10. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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  11. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    BEWARE:: Make sure you tell the 2nd examiner of the 1st physical. This way you avoid DOCTOR SHOPPING.. The FMCSA looks for physicals placed in the system close like this. It's called doctor shopping and can get your good physical tossed. I HIGHLY advise you to stay the course with this examiner.
     
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