DOT Physical and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea won't black ball you from driving as long as you are being treated for it,ie cpap. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 3+ yrs ago. I just needed current documentation that I am using the cpap minimum of 4 hrs a day. I just started my new career as a driver in April with Roehl.

 

Roehl's Health Insurance, in all practicality, really feels like a low-grade HSA. You get the contracted rate between the Insurance company and the provider, you're on the hook for the first $400/$800, then they kick in about 70%, up till you've chucked up like $3,500...

at least.. I think that's about how it works, I haven't hit the deductable yet, but it seems to read as much more of "Big Event Insurance" for broken bones, replacing a liver, things like that. But, you'd be working, so there's a good chance you'd be better able to afford the out-of-pocket expenses.

 

I been lying through my teeth for years. I knew I had it and always ignored it at the exam questionaire in fear of losing my job.

The way things are now and the fact is you/I really need it for better health. I finally broke down and had a sleep study. I'm in the process of getting the CPAP. It's been an experience for sure getting educated on this. This forum has helped alot.

 

without going into a lot of detail, i was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 1998. I use my machine every night. I have another sleep disorder that would disqualify me instantly i will not tell anyone about it.

 

Beg, borrow, or steal the means to get a sleep study and CPAP (if you need one). You will be amazed at how much better you feel...even if you don't think that you feel crappy now. Be prepared to try several different masks before you find one that you like though. I went through about 6 before I found the one that I like. Look for one that touches your face as minimally as possible. If you have sleep apnea you will be amazed at how much better you feel using a CPAP. I find that I now have a hard time getting to sleep without mine, let alone how it helps when I'm actually sleeping.

If it means that you have to lie to get your job to get your insurance, then lie your ### off...THEN get your sleep study done. A CPAP isn't the end of the world, but sleep apnea will eventually kill you, one way or the other.

 

I told them I had sleep apnea when i started a few years ago because it wasn't an issue back then. they didn't care then. last year when i went for my physical, there were new requirements i wasn't made aware of until i got to the doctor. you need your cpap compliance data IF it has a smart card. AND a letter from, not your regular doctor, but a sleep specialist saying you are fit to drive. I had originally gotten a letter from my regular doctor who was treating me for the sleep apnea, as I had been diagnosed 15 years ago and under insurance rules you cant continue to see a specialist once diagnosed and treated. They pass you off to your regular doctor if nothing further is needed. Well I had to find a new specialist and get in to see him, long story short, new sleep study, at my expense 3200.00 and 3 months off work, disability wouldn't cover being off, I'm back to work. Roehl did pay my unemployment, wasn't much, and held my job with seniority, buts that's the law in WI. They wont forgive the miles i missed so I not only missed last years increase but this years as well because I'm missing 3 months of mileage. rules are rules right. bull hockey. almost lost my house, emptied my savings to keep it, and this year they dropped my wife from our insurance forcing her to go back on her work insurance which has a 4000.00 deductible and is 350.00 a month. so you can work here but as with every part of Roehl you have to follow their rule book. I would lie because IF they find out, you'll get a DAC with fired for lying on application on it. then try to find a job.

PS I'm not saying having sleep apnea is the issue. the way they went about the rules was wrong. I didn't need to see a new doctor, which by the way was under their insurance, kickback, or have a new test, I was under treatment and not having issues, it should have been your doctor says ok off you go, which was the final outcome of the new doctor so waste of my money and time. but saved them from giving me raises. hmm wonder if i could sue for the costs as they were unnecessary.

 

I am also a large person. I am 6'3", 350 pounds. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2004 after losing almost 80 pounds. Funny, I know. I have gained most back, and had to increase my pressure from 9 to 11. I was also honest at my physical, and got a three month DOT card. However, once I got the information my my sleep doctor that Roehl wanted, and the clinic that did the DOT, I was able to get a one year card. I have ot been to orientation with Roehl, as this has ben occuring just the last week. I hope to hear soon about a start date. Sleep apnea is a terrible thing. It causes high blood pressure, irregular heart rates, and many other conditions that people do not know about. Since my start of CPAP almost 8 years ago, I sleep deeper, fall asleep faster, wake up rested, and don't awaken during my sleep, or need drugs to help me sleep. I probably get better sleep than most people not using CPAP. When I get my own truck, I do hope to have an APU, and hope this diagnoses will not affect my employment because I am a healthy 40 year old man who's only problem is the need of a device to help me sleep well.

Good luck to the man who started this thread.

 

new requirement:
· If you use a C-PAP machine, please bring a battery back-up for the machine as this is required. Your C-PAP machine must be able to run for at least 10 hours without the use of truck power or an auxiliary power unit.