CPAP and physical question..

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by aml1984, Feb 16, 2019.

  1. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    Okay, I'll ask again, what did she say you need to do in order to get "back in compliance"?

    Also, how long have you been required to use the CPAP machine?

    When you were first issued the machine did they tell you what the minimum requirements were in order for you to remain in compliance? CPAP use is written by prescription only from a doctor. On the prescription it spells out usage requirements the same way a prescription for an antibiotic or any or any other prescription would.
     
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  3. aml1984

    aml1984 Bobtail Member

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    She basically just said that I need to be at 70% or better compliance over a 90 day period. Mine was at a 66%. I've been using it for a few years now.. I'll admit that I don't use it every night, but before I would still pass, though. Sure wish we could go back to the old days where we didn't even have to worry about this crap. .
     
  4. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    You need to download a free software program called, SleepyHead. You can install it on your laptop or home desktop computer, or both.

    Once a week, or month, take the sd card out of your machine and download the data via the SleepyHead software. It will show you exactly where you are in compliance target range.

    The compliance standard most doctors use is a minimum of 4 hrs a night, 70% of the time in a given 30 day period.
     
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  5. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    If you failed to get a card your current status is you have no med card. The old one is superceded by the new exam. I've been given conflicting information on if a roadside will be able to see the status though.
    You need to stop driving and find a company that doesn't require that scam.
     
  6. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    From DOT withdraws rule to set sleep apnea screening criteria for truckers

    In the notice published Friday, FMCSA says the current protocol in place for apnea screening is sufficient. That protocol, spelled out in a bulletin issued in January 2015 by FMCSA, puts the onus on drivers’ medical examiners, encouraging them to refer drivers for apnea testing if they “believe the driver’s respiratory condition is in any way likely to interfere with the driver’s ability to safely control and drive a commercial motor vehicle.”

    You will be asked on any pre-physical exam form you fill out if you have ever been diagnosed with or treated for sleep apnea.

    What my doctor said was that certifying/registered examiners put that information into a database. Are you willing to roll the the dice that if you respond NO and it is discovered you lied, you will have to deal the potential consequences?
     
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  7. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Yeppers. Someone in FMCSA has a hard on for testing. As they cannot find even one wreck blamed on apnea and definitely no scientific basis for requiring CPAP's they have simple made it a recomidition. Heck, even Congress made them stop pushing it without studies. So far FMCSA has not complied as it's still recommended to medical examiners.

    Sleep apnea bill becomes law, FMCSA can’t use guidance to address driver screening
     
  8. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    The FMCSA has put the onus on the certifying examiners.

    Examiners that have to pay to be registered certified examiners to do DOT physicals at $90 +/- a pop.

    The litigation consequences are too high for them NOT to use the guidelines issued in previous protocols regarding sleep apnea, even though the FMCSA withdrew from enforcing those guidelines.

    However, I go back to the pre-physical questionnaire that clearly asks if you have ever been diagnosed with or have any symptoms, of not only sleep apnea, but a whole list of other medical conditions.
     
  9. booley

    booley Road Train Member

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    Seems pretty bogus that the medical examiner won't at least give you a 3 month card to allow you to get back in compliance. After all, you say that you are using the machine, just not enough. Maybe explain this to your employer, if they want to keep you, they might let you go to another doctor?
     
  10. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I think the entire doctor community in any given area say DOT Physicals that might not be given a second glance at in our Nation very much. If you for example lived in say Seville OH and have trucks coming out of your ears with DOT related doctors waiting on thir roosts for you to show up... guess what.. they all will be complaint to whatever the CDC thinks necessary, not what you might have passed back in 1948.
     
  11. Omega1

    Omega1 Heavy Load Member

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    Listen up folks, OSA is serious. If you are diagnosed with it, you have a problem. You stop breathing while sleeping, and the oxygen levels in your blood drops. Here is what to do. Use the dang machine anytime you sleep. Then you are in compliance, and your health will improve dramatically.
     
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