DOT Physical question

Hasn't anyone ever told you that the answer to every question at a DOT physical is "No"?

 

I went through the whole sleep apnea thing this spring. My understanding is she has
no real authority over you. The problem is that she does not have to give you a medical
card or extend your current one. If you want to keep your drivers license you have to
keep your medical card. That means you are at her mercy. You can get a second opinion,
but that means starting over. You likely don't have time for that.

Since she entered you in the Federal database; a record has been established that
you have a problem. That means that even if a second doctor works with you, the record
is still there. Good luck.

 

I dont know if she could but since you are in FMCSAs database, Im sure D.O.T. could if they see it? And they probably would if they run your name?

 

If you cannot get a medical card, you have no ability to drive a 18 wheeler in commerce.

Volunteering information or otherwise saying specifically you have a problem to a Medical Doctor is going to fail your DOT test. Leave it to the Doctor to try and detect your issues, if present.

You can however sign a Tier TWO With your CDL when you renew it meaning when something happens to the United States you will be called up to haul mortuary bodies in a reefer. I was under T2 for years as a grandfathered CDL, I finally turned it in because certain situations with me myself is easily detected by a DOT doctor and there is no point in going into a hot zone to get a truck load of deceased.

If the Federals have your information provided by a DOT Doctor for 45 days then you are essentially done. Sit tight until that time period passes and find a doctor in primary care who is interested in rehabilitating you back to possibly good health enough to drive again with a medical card. Some situations are incurable.

It's just the way it is.

 

You have the right to seek a second opinion.
Just make sure you disclose the same information to the second Doc or you will get nailed for "Doc shopping".
If you are able to pass your exam at the second Doc that will take of anything the first one filed.

 

TankerYanker brought up a important thing I will this once be a parrot and echo him. "Doctor Shopping"

The DEA with all the States in their infinite and near real time recording of new patient activity with a goal towards intercepting addicts seeking doctors to get a narcotic for example. If you go through too many doctors too quickly with no long term committment to just one doctor in Primary care and possibly a specailist in a particular part of your body or mind in which you are having trouble in life. You are going to get flagged.

Medical expenses are unwelcome, but it is necessary and possibly a path to redemption to get your Valid Medical card again from a doctor who spends a few months or years working with you for that goal. Im all over it, because I want you to get better.

Sitting at home pouting because the doctors cost too much and the medical world is plotting against you is not a very good mind set. There are probably 1000 more people with common problems visiting your doc and he has no time to prosecute your life. Doctors are there to fix whatever can be fixed and your job is to be grateful and pay them when you are well.

 

What is this T2 designation? Who issues it? Is it some type of military thing? Never
heard of it before. Hope you can take time to explain a little more.

I am middle aged so the "Doctor jungle" is just starting for me. I would like to
buy an older, mechanical truck, clean it up and make a working show truck. One
of my worries is "what if some doctor pulls my medical card?" I don't want to
sign for a truck loan and than lose my ability to drive. I sure don't want to
clean up a truck and than put a driver in it. Sounds like this T2 thing might
give me a second chance if a doctor screws me. For now my family doctor
understands what that little white card means to me and has always been
more than fair in working with my health issues.

 

First, I hope things work out so you can get back in the truck again and soon.

Second, I could see a medical condition being "under treatment", let's say High Blood Pressure, in a generic general form and yet still be a concern for a driver of a CMV.

One could be "under treatment" for seizures but would be disqualified for driving an 80k combo down the public highways.

Maybe that is her concern? Thus getting the letters from specialists saying that you are not at risk to yourself or the public while driving?

Like I said, I hope you can get whatever is needed for her or from another exam so that you can safely return to earning a living!!!

Good Luck and Stay Safe,
MD