new DOT sleep study requirements

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...-to-stick-it-where-the-sun-dont-shine.310429/

This is my story of my most recent physical. I agree with the advice already given, avoid the big clinics.

 

Although I am retired this is an issue that still pisses me off. At its heart this all started with FMCSA bureaucrats with nothing else to do to justify their government jobs. (Another thing that pisses me off about the VA). Even after Congress slapped their hands I have seen news articles where the FMCSA are still defiant towards Congress. I also don't need to read any posts about how bad sleep apnea is either. I spoke to my primary care doctor last month about sleep apnea. She asked me several questions in regard to my sleep and sleep habits. Then told me it was her opinion I did not have obstructive sleep apnea. I think this whole issue could be solved by the FMCSA developing a series of questions for medical examiners to ask, then based on these questions seek a sleep study.

Another aspect of all of this is the relationship between the medical provider and the patient is something the government should stay out of. When an examiner basically calls a driver a liar when told they sleep well and awake refreshed and demands a sleep study anyway it drives a wedge between them. I often wonder who is more dangerous behind the wheel of a CMV a driver with sleep apnea that don't use a cpap machine or a driver with maybe 3 hours of sleep because they were playing video games or watching TV. I would love to see a federal study done on the actual amounts of crashes and incidents arising from sleep apnea not all the hype.

Now to answer the inevitable I got sleep apnea and my machine saved my life reply. I know sleep apnea is dangerous. I know people with it need the machines. I just have some cynicism with respect to all of this the sky is falling crap going on with it.