It's DOT physical time again

you can get your physical anywhere in the country.

just make sure EVERYTHING is properly filled out. cuz you need to take those papers to your local dmv so they can input it on your driver license.

last 2 times i've had to go back to clinic becuase the cards were missing ONE thing.

 

While you can get A physical anywhere in the country.. if the carrier doesn't recognize the clinic.. you just wasted your time and money

 

didin't know that carriers don't recognize clinics.

the requirement is that you have a current card. didn't think carriers had any say as to WHO does the card.

now, i can see if the carrier is paying for it. then you'd have to go where they have a payment system set up. but if YOU pay. i don't think they can say yes or no.

i've never had a problem going where ever i wanted.

 

They certainly do... this keeps unfit people from doctor shopping until they get a doctor that can / will pass them. Doctors who are under contracts with certain carriers gives the carriers a bit of protection from liability.

I'm sure there are some carriers who do not care.. but even when we had O/O we sent them to our clinic or they simply didn't work for us.

 

If you go to a terminal you dont pay a dime I have high bp so I have to take one yearly I took mine last yr went to Edwardsville thwy had me drive 10miles to the clinic aand was charged a dime I think it was concerta and only took maybe a hr with the drive there and back

 

I always wondered how many people have got screwed with the eye test. Everytime i'd get mine they always told me I failed cause my eyes was 20/70. Wrong! I do have a lazy eye, i'd go to my eye doctor and tell him whats happening and he'd check my eyes and the always was 20/30. Doctor told me the charts they make you read are not accurate and the people that has you read the chart are not Doctor's!!!!

 

You call your Safety Dept and go where they tell you. They might have some specific medical requirements they want you to pass. Like a lifting test or such that isn't required elsewhere. When they pay for your physical and get you to sign a release of medical records in orientation they can hold your long form hostage. That's why some physicians will give you a sealed envelope and tell you to take it back to your company. Most don't know you can request your own copy and they'll play dumb and not give you one. That holds true at not all but most companies. Little outfits (usually) and owner operators have their choice.

Truth be known the company has an agreement with the doctor. We'll send you patients and you do these tests we want in addition to DOT regulations.

There are companies out there pinching pennies and make you go pay for your own. That's the kicker. In that case it's open season and you go where you want when you pay for it. Walkin clinics tend to be the cheapest in the $40-50 range. Google "Your Town DOT physical" and you'll get a list of potential places near you.

Because of some company requirements I have had 3 medical cards in my wallet. The most recent one prevails.

 

Wombat, if you get your physical outside of CA make sure they use the CA medical form.
It is different than the standard form most states use, and CA only accepts their own forms.