DOT Physical -- Do you really not divulge all medications?

Blood pressure meds will get you a 12 mos. medical card.
If you're not on blood pressure meds, you get a 24 mos. medical card.
The difference will be getting a new DOT physical every 12 mos. or every 24 mos.

 

Worse than loosing your license. If you get in a bad wreck your medical history will be checked. If you should not have been there because you lied on your physical, you will end up in jail.

Like said, all putting down you take bp meds is you will have to get a physical twice as often. As most companies pay for it anyway, thete is no downside to admitting you take the meds.

 

I take 2 different BP Meds, just go once a year and get a new card, not that big of a deal. As long as your Meds are controlling your BP the DOT Dr won't care.

 

Actually getting healthcare information from the VA is VERY easy. Go register for access at the HEALTHEVET website then go get the premium account. Once you do this go get the blue button report. You can get the information formatted by the date and by the type of information. You can also communicate with your VA providers through this website.

As to your other questions. If you have blood pressure issues it's wise to get a physical every year. As far as medicines taken go I can't advise you. I will just say IF you are taking any medication that is being used to control a problem that can affect your driving I advise rotating it on the long-form. In the end, this protects you!

 

DOT/FMCSA rules are above HIPAA since it’s public safety. You have to disclose everything man.

Blood pressure isn’t really a problem because it’s been shown statistically that most people are able to function at dangerous levels. High blood sugar and low blood sugar will get you on their radar, especially low blood sugar. This is when drivers go into shock or suddenly fall asleep while driving in the left lane doing 70mph. I have seen dot cards that require renewal every 1-3 months for blood sugar but most providers wouldn’t even risk it.

So yes, disclose everything and be honest with your situation just to be safe.

 

I agree what you posted except... the downside is, just like Chinatown said, is you need to get a dot physical every year if you take BP meds.

 

ON TOP of this, part of the FAST ACT section 5403 signed into law is allowing VA medical providers to do physicals. This is a great thing once it happens. Getting a physical by the VA would be really easy. ALSO in some places the VA also provides sleep studies and CPAP machines!

 

@Marbles I am glad you started this thread. I try my best to get ALL truckers that are Honorably Discharged Veterans to give the VA a chance. The VA does have a lot of problems. However, where the VA is good they are VERY good.