Going for my first physical soon.
I've been given advice to not say I'm taking any medications, blood pressure meds in my case, or they might fail me even if I pass the BP check and require extensive notes from my prescribing physician (which is really hard to get from the VA).
Specifically I was told to not mention -any- meds that they don't test for in a standard drug test...? So is this like how you don't tell the DMV you wear glasses as long as you can pass their vision test without them?
(I was also told to not use the VA doctors for the exam, even though it would be free, because then they'd have direct access to my entire medical file and could search for little insignificant things to fail me.)
I don't have any significant health issues other than BP, which is sitting around 130/(85-95). Not mentioning a med I'm taking seems like it would quickly be discovered and I'd be banned...or am I just used to the military where everything can and will be double-checked?
DOT Physical -- Do you really not divulge all medications?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Marbles, Sep 27, 2020.
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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.UsualSuspect and Marbles Thank this. -
But if I don't mention them and they find out I'm on bp meds later, it would be a loss of license, right? Or is the chance of them finding out just so improbable it isn't worth concern?
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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.Moon_beam and UsualSuspect Thank this. -
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.
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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! -
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. -
ZVar Thanks this.
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ZVar Thanks this.
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