CPAP compliance

It's a DOT form the examination is done on... the same form used at Concentra is the same one that "your doc" is required to use. This has nothing to do with "Concentra's rules," it has everything to do with how the FMCSA is running things, and certified medical examiners are now required to do business.

 

I understand that it isn't a regulation. The docs didn't say that but what they said is something to the effect that if I don't do this, he won't sign that. The doc is in charge of my card. The thing about my situation is every year without exception has had a problem of one or another. I have a separate doc (have had for years) who takes care of my treatment and she has stepped in and "talked" to the docs last year to get my card.

No matter what, if the doc says 'get tested', then unless you want to shop around, then it is get tested. Right?

 

Do I detect just a hint of sarcasm here dy?

It may be more of a panaca, (like the little one horse town in NV,) than a panacea. BUT, I swear by mine, I am convinced that I would have been long departed if not for it. No, it doesn't cure everything, but what it is designed to do, it does well.

I am fully convinced that this is another one of those areas of "medicine" that are used by unscrupulous people to wring money out of folks that not only don't need it, but can't afford it. But for those folks that truly need it, like I am, it is a life saver. The thing is, that unless you have been where I was, where I literally could not stay awake for two hours at a time, you don't realize just how bad it can be.

So like anything else, if you really need it, it works. But a lot of "medical professionals" abuse the hell out of it. Sleep apnea is a very real health hazard.

 

I wouldn't bring my dog to concentra..... If you think you're getting a real physical there , well I've got a bridge for sale.......

To the op..... Get a new co- driver......

 

The form my doc uses is the only one accepted by the CA dmv and this is all it says about sleep apnea:

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/forms/dl/dl51.pdf

 

The carrier says use their doctor or Concentra... couldn't get an appointment the last time I was at the terminal, so it was Concentra. Agreed, they do a good job at filling out the form. I've been seeing my personal physician for over 30 years.

When was the last time you were there? Whatever The Communist Republic of California has to say on it does have to comply with federal regulations.

 

Well yeah, BUT. It has to minimally comply with federal regs. That means the federal regs are the minimum that they can require. However, they can require a whole lot MORE, if they choose to. Any and all states can require more than the federal regs.

 

If your co-driver didn't do the full sleep study in a lab, but instead did the home kit i'd be more apt to believe he doesn't really need that machine. I'm not saying Sleep Apnea doesn't exist, but the sharp spike in drivers being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea might lead one to believe its an epidemic among drivers. However, since the machine and all its accessories are classified as Durable Medical Equipment I think money might be the biggest motivating factor.

My brother runs the Best Western hotel here locally, and he says the majority of drivers he sees have those black cpap bags slung over their shoulder when they check in. I'm starting to think now the best way to make money in the freight business isn't deciding who gets to haul it, but instead selling cpap machines. I quit driving a little over 10 years ago because I knew the real money wasn't in delivering the freight, but maybe now I need to open up cpap shop near the Iowa I-80 truckstop.

 

This June for my pre-employment physical (right before giving myself a road rest). It was under the new registry program. Green cards are now white and don't fit in your wallet...

 

Sleep Apnea is just a scam for them to extract more money out of truck drivers and gain more control. You should know by now the DOT nor the trucking companies are interested in safety.

If he though it would benefit him to use the machine he would use it. As he does not feel that way you need to respect his decision and mind your own business or work with someone else if you feel strongly about it.