The DOT Physician is NOT your Friend.
Posted by geneticdeadender@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 322 comments
Took my physical yesterday. My card expires on the 7th. I thought it wasn't until October because that's when it was issued, but there was a month delay in getting it so it's the 7th this year. Anyway....
I passed everything but since I have diabetes she wanted my blood tests which I didn't know I needed to bring.
She also said that since I said I had depression she needed a note from my doctor saying I'm okay to drive.
Since I had said I had a blood clot a few years ago and 15 years ago I needed a note from my doctor saying I'm okay to drive.
And since I'm taking a drug for my psoriatic arthritis that she had never heard of that I need a note from my dermatologist that I'm okay to drive.
I'm like, WTF? I've disclosed those same things year after year and never been asked to get a note from my doctors.
I asked if she could give me a 1 month certificate so I'm not out of work and she said, "No".
A year ago I had hypertension, high blood sugar, high protein in my urine and ALL the same things listed above. They gave me a month to get treated and get my BP down. I did all those things and they gave me a 1 year certificate (technically 11 months).
But this year it's, "Fuck you, driver. Be unemployed".
Next year I'm treating my physical as an interview with the cops. I don't answer questions and I don't volunteer info. Everything on that checklist is a "No". I never get sick. Never been unhappy. Never even stubbed my toe. Never had a single problem. Prove me wrong.
CardboardCutoutFieri@reddit
Went to some shitshow of a clinic for my yearly reup physical for EMT work. They pulled same bullshit. I declined their offer. Had them write they refused service and got a refund for the visit. Then visited my primary doc who has 20yr experience and is also a surgeon and ER doc(didnt go to him out of laziness to drive over a ways on my day off.) And sure enough he found none of the issues that place did.
Same place called me "little miss" "girl" and asked me if I was aware that really only men should do this work as its very hands on and heavy lifting. This is not my first job with patients. Nor first physical for this kinda work. And am a muscular but short man. Took everything in me not to tear him a new one verbally. Just stayed toxicly kind and subtly implied he was a dense and idiotic sonuvabitch and moved on.
Wish these piece of shits choked on their fat wallets already. Why dont they upsell some karen and not the folks just tryna work who aint even got any real issue
SidheDreaming@reddit
Seriously, talk to a lawyer. You can sue for malpractice and misogyny.
I'm a woman in the field. I need a yearly physical. Less of these types of asshole doctors in the world can only be good foe this profession.
There is proof you were there, proof you did the tests. Doesn't matter how long ago it was.
skinny08910@reddit
There's a question I've been wanting to ask women in the industry for some time now, but you guys might find it offensive so I'll keep my mouth shut... š¤š
SidheDreaming@reddit
Ask. If it's offensive, I'll tell you.
skinny08910@reddit
When you guys are on the road and get your cycles, what do you? You guys get cramps right? Do you take some time off, a week, a month or can you still stay on the road with it?
SidheDreaming@reddit
It doesn't matter what industry we, as women, are in, we all do what we have to in order to survive. I had endometriosis, which caused heavy flow periods to the point that I would bleed through even the heaviest of pads and even adult diapers. I didn't take time off, I just learned to use a blanket and bag under me when driving. If my cramps got too bad, I would pull over for a few minutes to an hour until I could focus on the road again. Usually through the pain. Thankfully, through this industry, I was able to make enough money to get the help I needed. Now I don't have terrible periods anymore. But that's my story. Every woman has different obstacles they need to deal with in regard to their periods. Just like every person has their own health care journys to make.
Your questions aren't offensive.
ResidentInner8293@reddit
Hi can I PM you to ask some questions about trucking?
SidheDreaming@reddit
Sure! I'm fairly new, only 3 years under my belt, but I'll help where I can!
BusSerious1996@reddit
Where is this guy based out of? Serious question.
CardboardCutoutFieri@reddit
Texas
BusSerious1996@reddit
You willing to share his contacts?
CardboardCutoutFieri@reddit
I would irl but not on reddit. Since I aint about doxxin myself haha. Nothin personal
WolfRCS@reddit
A girl emt. I was in that industry for over 10 years. I know exactly what issues you have lol
Middle-Fix-45n@reddit
Shitshow indeed. Got pissed just reading this
thebugman40@reddit
you are allowed to go to someone else.
Todd2ReTodded@reddit
There is a chiropractor near me that does them
Dakota_Decker@reddit
I just got mine today at a botox clinic around the corner from my house. The drug test and the physical for eighty five dollars.
eitsew@reddit
Yep and I've seen a bunch of truck stops that have a guy onsite to do them
gunsndonuts@reddit
Yep, I just got mine at the Petro in Atlanta on Friday. I was in and out in 15 minutes with a 2 year medical card
eitsew@reddit
Oh man is the petro any better than that atlanta pilot on 285? That is the single worst truck stop I have ever been to
gunsndonuts@reddit
A little better. I still typically avoid it. You have to pay for parking if you're there more than 2 hours and it's strictly enforced by security who check you in and out at the entrance. You have to pay extra on top of that for reserved parking.
Marvin2021@reddit
Why is it better to have a chiropractor do it compared to a regular dot doc?
Todd2ReTodded@reddit
Because they're not a real doctor lol, he just wants to make money
Saint_Dogbert@reddit
Same with "Urgent Cares"
Greta-Iceberg@reddit
Except Concentraā¦ Iām convinced Concentra has a back room with wall-to-wall glucose test strips they keep as trophies for all the drivers theyāve failed.
kanofcorn@reddit
I was failed by CONcentra because I was still doing physical therapy. My specialist gave me full release to go back to work. I had the option of relinquishing the remainder of my PT or lose my CDL.
The new company policy is fuĀ©k CONcentra. Go to a chiropractor
PartySausage69@reddit
Concentra was sued over the ridiculous amount of drivers they failed for sleep apnea. I didn't know that when I first got my CDL and they got me too. Thankfully my company offers us a choice and I go elsewhere.
crxdc0113@reddit
They own the company that they send you to for sleep apena
busman25@reddit
Oh great, that's the place my company forces everyone to go to
Few-Acanthaceae264@reddit
This happened to me. They told me I had sugar in my urine and did a finger stick test and came back 200. I went to an actual diabetes doctor and I had an A1c of 5.3 Took the results back to them and they didnāt want to even look at them. Told me I had to provide 3 months worth of blood tests. I honestly felt like they were proud that they caught me. Iām not even cdl driver, I just drive a box truck.
Saint_Dogbert@reddit
Fair, but we all know that.
Marvin2021@reddit
I went to an urgent care last year and the gave me the hardest time on my DOT. I passed everything but they were the longest dot test I ever had.
Saint_Dogbert@reddit
"well now" just rubber-stamps it
cnash@reddit
Only if you go to an Urgent Care that does DOT cards, if you know what I mean. If you go to one that does medicine (ugh), they look up the rules and follow them.
NoBandicoot8047@reddit
Chiropractors just want to get paid, they give literally no fucks. Places like concentra act like they gonna go to jail or some shit if they give you a pass.
JustLTL@reddit
I once had concentra threaten to give me a one year because you have to much ear wax, I was like wtf dudes calm your tits.
They told my short stocky co driver he was fat and needed to lose weight. Dudes like 5' 8" and yes he's stocky but you look at him and it's pure muscle dudes built like a bull. He was furious they told him he was fat. His biceps are the size of mid sized tree trunks and just pure muscle, he was all they said I'm fat because my necks to big wtf look at me I'm not fat.
Concentra is literally the fucking worst when it comes to physicals, everyone hates them and for good reason they are dam tyrants.
One time I bent over to touch my toes for one of their stretches they make you do, I'm fucking late 30s, I was half a centimeter from touching my toes bending over without stretching and the Concentra nurse was like tsk tsk that's not good at all. I was like shut the fuck up lol. Fucking hate Concentra so much!!!
LO-T3K@reddit
The chiropractor I went to must've been a one off because he gave me a spiel about sleep apnea and how the FMCSA has guidelines. I said they are exactly that, guidelines, and if your going to require me to get a sleep study I'm out. He said he'd only give me a 6mo and I walked.
flockofseagulls42@reddit
This is the only correct answer.
There is no world were the dot physical keeps anyone safe, it is another tax system.
Dont break the rules, just bend them to keep on working.
ChipChurp@reddit
Same in Omaha off 96th area and L lol speaking off I gotta go in before December get mine renewed lol .last time the chiropractor had a scooter with a broken leg
elguereaux@reddit
Girard?
bloopie1192@reddit
WHAT?!
Cubsfan11022016@reddit
Itās kinda common. I go to a chiropractor too for them.
ItsMrAhole2u@reddit
Same, 30ish minutes in and out, never an issue.
h2-0h@reddit
I was surprised too. The cheapest and easiest option in my area. Half the cost of going to a physician.
ScottyCoastal@reddit
This. Is the answer.
LoopDoGG79@reddit
Same. Guy asks very few questions
MostOriginalNameEver@reddit
Yep. Good time to find a chiropractor that does physicals....
Marvin2021@reddit
Why is it better to have a chiropractor do it compared to a regular dot doc?
Chaddie_D@reddit
Well, a friend of mine went to a chiropractor for his DOT. He asked my friend to fill out a form saying "just check no for all those boxes" While he was filling it out, he asked my friend "do you see that eye chart over there?" Friend said yes, chiropractor said "ok, you passed." Friend then went in the bathroom, closed the door behind him, and filled the pee cup.
flockofseagulls42@reddit
Dot doc will want a note for ur moms stubbed toe she got back in 1974. Just because.
A chiropractor just want your check to clear.
robexib@reddit
Because they don't immediately demand three months' worth of blood tests and a sleep study before they even look at you. They also don't get kickbacks from shilling overpriced CPAP machines to people who probably don't need nor want them.
Their 2-year cards are as good as any real doctor's, with none of the bullshit and cost.
Uknow_nothing@reddit
Because they gave up cracking backs for a living to charge $100/person to open a DOT medical card mill at a truck stop. They literally do it for the money.
MostOriginalNameEver@reddit
Read between lines.....
Filmfan7427@reddit
Not if his company directs him to a certain clinic (F U Concentra).
yoda417@reddit
It really does depend on the Dr.
robbdogg87@reddit
For real. The place I went just asked a bunch of questions checked my blood pressure and said your good to go
Willing-Sympathy-112@reddit
Go to a chiropractor that is licensed to give the physical. They check eyes and blood pressure, fill out a question form and check urine for protein. That's it. In and out in 20 minutes.
Educational_Sock2409@reddit
You say a lot
roblee2824@reddit
Go to a different Physician
truthseekr88@reddit
I got denied at my first doctor without a note, my second doctor gave me a 2 year
LargeAd857@reddit
Go to the grimiest place you can find. Theyāll pass you
Time-Lapser_PRO@reddit
Not a trucker, but in a position needing a DOT card. At 18 the physician gave me a one year card. No preexisting conditions, everything tested AOK, the doctor was just having a bad day and was snapping at me the whole time. It wasnāt until the next year when I got it renewed that the typical expiration is two years! I think they can just have a stick up their ass sometimes.
FarCryptographer4343@reddit
Give them the no info. It is your right. Check no for all the boxes. That is how I get s 2 year physical and have hypertension and open heart surgery several years ago.
Majestic-Condition26@reddit
Sounds like you told them way too much
ConwayHGV@reddit
Why didnāt you get medical with your GP, heād have been able to confirm everything then and there?
Bamfurlough@reddit
You sound like you shouldn't be a driver.Ā
Btomesch@reddit
Sound like a ticking time bomb behind that wheel
ElectronicMath6032@reddit
Thatās why I go to the guy in town who is cash only $120 in and out usually 15 minutesĀ
pmmemilftiddiez@reddit
I mean I'm getting a BJ and a CDL and my guy only charges for the condom
SamuraiJono@reddit
You're getting a BJ?! I had to GIVE one to get my CDL!
Cowboysfan95@reddit
The local chiropractor
beastlike@reddit
This is the way. Blood pressure was slightly too high at the place my company sent me. They tried to do the one month card and send me to a doctor. I said sure thing, left and never went back
I went to a chiropractor next to a truck stop the next day and was 6th in line. $75 and 40 minutes later I was out of there with a 2 year card lol.
SirKevin_Xx@reddit
Oh ok so what does your truck stop doctors tests include?? š
spuck98@reddit
Sounds like it just includes payment.
bytecollision@reddit
Hey now! He gave me a receipt too
Catch_ME@reddit
A prayer, a shot of fireball, and a slap on the butt with a "now go on out in to the world young blood"Ā
Middle-Fix-45n@reddit
Made me laugh out loud, touchƩ
United_News3779@reddit
Ask if you can upgrade to "Go get'em tiger!"
If it's a few extra bucks, it's well worth it. I feel doubly motivated when I hear that.
Lol
beastlike@reddit
Blood pressure (old school way with a wink), vision, hearing. And a finger up the butt if you pay extra.
Added cost is listening to him go on an anti Vax rant while he takes your money.
Emergency_Ad1152@reddit
I just renewed mine and was in and out within 10 mins. I was surprised how fast it took, read your comment then rechecked who signed it.. it was a chiropractor š¤£
Mavil161718@reddit
Stay away from chiropractor. They are getting dropped by FMCSA. PA, Doctors, nurses.
WolfRCS@reddit
You don't have depression. You have normal everyday life which is absolute trashbfor almost everyone. If you are on meds for it just stop taking them and do 100 push-ups every time you would have taken a pill because you don't actually have something a pill cures.
Texanakin_Shywalker@reddit
Bad advice. There are many medications you cannot suddenly stop taking including antidepressants. Anyone who stops taking them puts their body in more danger.
Worldly-Pea-2697@reddit
I got a one year cuz I have ADHD. š¤£š
Imaginary-Onion-1877@reddit
I got a one year because I have public speaking anxiety š
Emergency_Ad1152@reddit
Aye man just put no next time, then when you pop hot just send a picture of your med prescription. Been doing this since I started medicating.
Worldly-Pea-2697@reddit
Oh, I can't take meds. That does NOT turn out well. Kinda suspected that I'm on the spectrum lol. Might well explain why I get the urge to hurl shit if I take those meds and go ANYWHERE loud. š¤£
Emergency_Ad1152@reddit
I started using Loop experience earplugs. They cancel out sharp loud noises while still being able to hear conversations really well. I also suspect Iām on the spectrum lol
Worldly-Pea-2697@reddit
I lost a pair in a truck the other weekš but I've also got active noise cancelling earphones, headphones, earplugs, AND ear defenders. š¤£ Plenty of backups. I'm kinda a fan of the jbl noise cancelling earbuds tho, ngl. Got an app on my phone I can adjust the noise cancelling. 3 modes, including talk through with adjustable voice aware. š¤
bytecollision@reddit
If you donāt take meds then they donāt need to know about it btw.
Worldly-Pea-2697@reddit
Ohhh. I misunderstood the instructions then. I thought they meant if it was diagnosed. That makes me worry less about my autism evaluation coming up. There are no meds for that. So no need for them to know XD
Little_BallOfAnxiety@reddit
I don't even take meds. Is this really something I can do, or are there consequences if they find out you lied?
Emergency_Ad1152@reddit
I donāt think I ever disclosed I had ADHD, just mentioned I took Adderall. I told them I stopped taking it and they gave me my 2 yr cert instead. HIPPA protects you from them going through your med records unless given permission. Check what you disclosed on your med cert and see if you can revert it.
Little_BallOfAnxiety@reddit
Same here. I was pissed when I had to get letters from my doctor and go find a damned therapist just to get a letter from them
Worldly-Pea-2697@reddit
Iām lucky then. I have t seen a doc in years. Minus the DOT physical.
Little_BallOfAnxiety@reddit
They wanted a letter saying I was ok to drive while on Adderall from my Dr and one from a therapist saying I was ok to drive with ADHD
Outside_Squirrel_839@reddit
I tell them as little as possible other than Iām on bp meds and I make sure I take extra that day also donāt let them measure your neck sitting down they can and have done mine standing w no issues sitting down the fat ass doctor talks talking trash about sleep apnea test at place they recommend what a scam Iām a 60 year old lot city driver 6 ft tall 227 lbs. my pulse is 60 bpm they say I should weigh 155 lbs. gtfoh. Iād be a stick man
santanzchild@reddit
Never volunteer info they can't deduce with testing. You sleep fine you don't snore and have never been depressed.
bitesizebeef1@reddit
I was taking a medication when I last got mine renewed and she was like I have to talk to your Dr about this before I can sign it, so I just stood up walked out and found a chiropractor to do it cause they always seem to just sign it if you can see and hearĀ
smellyjerk@reddit
You tell him about the meds or did/can they look it up? My physical is coming up, and I'm pre-diabetic working on getting my blood sugar down. I doing really good on it, but I'm kinda regretting agreeing to take blood sugar meds when my doc left it up to me as to whether or not to take them.
bitesizebeef1@reddit
An actual Dr office can see your medical chart, chiropractor can't so they only know what you put downĀ
Late_Temperature_388@reddit
My old company had an in house Chiropractor for physicals !!!
jimthefte1@reddit
Never need a nap, can drive at night, never get tired behind the wheel. Iām perfect doc.
bobbiew74@reddit
If your over weight like (17 in or bigger neck) they will not give ya a card until u do a sleep study. Happened to me.
jimthefte1@reddit
Mine is 20 inches and Iāve never had to go for the test. Guess Iāve been lucky
Avato12@reddit
Shit man you don't even piss or shit you simply convert them into uranium and keep going like a nuclear submarine.
AaronTuplin@reddit
He's like Nibbler from Futurama, he just keeps compressing it into dark matter
CliffsNote5@reddit
āBut itās warm!ā
belikeron@reddit
Tis but a scratch!
Successful_Amoeba509@reddit
My body processes my food so efficiently I don't even poop or pee.
jadedshibby@reddit
Underrated comment, I'm using this next time my med cards up š
Successful_Amoeba509@reddit
Have at it, my pleasure. Also be sure to tell him when you wake up in the morning you piss excellence-Ricky Bobby.
Todd2ReTodded@reddit
How would you even know if you snore, you're asleep
santanzchild@reddit
when you do it so loudly you wake yourself up on occasion...
Todd2ReTodded@reddit
I would wake up and say damn what was that?? And then go back to sleep
AaronTuplin@reddit
I don't snore and the few times I have that's actually one of the things that has happened to me. Woke up like the fuck was that noise? The other indicator that I had snored the previous night is that I would wake up with a really sore dry throat
Aware-Apple-8363@reddit
Yeah I don't snore either , stayed awake one night to find out and not a single snore
robitt88@reddit
If you present that argument to them, they'll recommend a sleep study since you can't be sure.
Oersch@reddit
Thatās exactly how pilots treat FAA medicals. āNo mental issues, doc. All good, all happy.ā Then off to the bar for a bit of self-medication.
NoBandicoot8047@reddit
yeah, it's a scam, but politicians can be like, "Yay, we're doing things!"
madd-martiggan@reddit
Yeah ā¦. First rule
KeyTheZebra@reddit
Naw this is true.
It asked āhave you smoked anything within the last 2 years?ā
I put yea and handed it to the nurse before the DOT physician came in.
The nurse adamantly told me āhey, if I were you, I would destroy this paper and come back tomorrow . Anything within the last 2 years will most likely fail you. Even if it was 2 years ago.ā
So I destroyed the paper, and came back the next day per the rules, and skipped out on telling the doctor about my 20 months clean. They are NOT your friend.
ChainedFlannel@reddit
Do they drug test you?
KeyTheZebra@reddit
Yes they did. I peeād in a cup. But I was going to pass the drug test as I had not smoked anything illegal in over a year.
HeywoodJaBlowMe123@reddit
The fact that you would even tell the truth and put āYesā is outstanding and a little funny. Not bashing you btw. Seems like you have great integrity and youād be one of those people i could count on to always tell the truth/give it to me straight if asked.
AreaCode757@reddit
heās the one you can count on to tell ON you
WIbigdog@reddit
This is like my roommate. He's a welder. Somehow at work, I shit you not, he got bit by a muskrat. Well they drug tested him because it was an injury at work and he had eaten some edibles sometime prior to this (long enough that it had no involvement on why he got bit by a small woodland animal at a fabrication shop). So he tested positive and got fired.
For a month afterwards he was applying to all sorts of places and couldn't get hired, which I found very odd. Well, it turns out this dude was telling everywhere he applied why he got fired. ā( ā_ā )ā® I told him to cut that shit out and practice a little dishonesty and once he stopped telling them he got a job a week later. Some people are just way too honest for this world.
bytecollision@reddit
It just wanted some love maybe
KeyTheZebra@reddit
Lol thanks. I just figured I needed transparency.
UhOhAllWillyNilly@reddit
Hey, congrats on the 20 months.
SeaRow556@reddit
Smoked anything? Illegal? Or tobacco as well?
KeyTheZebra@reddit
Illegal, marijuana to be exact.
SeaRow556@reddit
Ah shit man! Hahaha that shit dies with with you no need to have it on file aswell. I was thinking about getting a medical card but was like nah i might end up working a job which requires specific clearances, and that could f it up.
THExPILLOx@reddit
Smart move. I was honest and all it got me was an extra class at every company about dot and drugs, and usually a phone call with safety about drug usage.Ā
Needless to say, kept my mouth shut and havent had an issue since lol
Bojack341@reddit
I made a mistake and told them I had sleep apnea(I do use a cpap machine). They then wanted a sleep analysis from the doctor that prescribed me my machine and refused to give me a new card until I show them Iāve been using the machine smh
grassman76@reddit
I had the same thing happen. Had to go back to my sleep doctor, get reports, etc. before they would issue a card. Now I just stop at the medical equipment company office and get them to print out a compliance report and bring it with me to the physical. It seems like if I bring it before they have a chance to ask about it, they barely even look at it and issue a 1 year card.
thatzmatt80@reddit
And whose fault was it that you didn't bring the required information? I bet you blame the cop for giving you a ticket for speeding too. š
Bojack341@reddit
You seem the type that enjoys being a dickhead. Congrats
igetstoitasap@reddit
Just checc no on everything!
CowThatJumpedTheMun@reddit
Usually I pay 60 bucks, look at a couple charts on the wall, and piss in a cup. That being said I go to chiropractors at truck stops to do them so š¤·āāļø
FitAd6371@reddit
Go to a different doctor. You probably will still recent blood work but ya it's getting bad. I've seen some fat 400lb drivers and I have no idea how they do it.
I'm luck I found an old doctor that barely checks my BP and renews me every year.
pyratelyfe4me@reddit
Anybody with dot in front of their name DOT COP DOT DOCTOR CAN FUCKING SUCK IT . There is literally a 500 pound dude next to me at the truck stop that has his cdl just fine
RandomMansThoughts@reddit
Always check NO on everything. They'll tell you you're fat, measure your neck, and sign a 2 year card. Happens every time.
I don't admit to anything. I have a 17" neck and they try to say "oh you're close to 18, might have to do a sleep study". š¤£
LezTheBlueBird@reddit
Trying to get a non-CDL commercial driving job and learned this the hard way weeks ago. In the weeks since, I studied up on relevant regulations (the actual law) and FMCSA's bullshit guidelines (not legally binding). It's absurd that they allow corporate CMEs to basically play god with the livelihoods of blue-collar workers. What they do is not necessarily legal but none of that matters unless you take things up with the FMCSA.
NS-13@reddit
Duh
notbannd4cussingmods@reddit
I went to a place I had never been to and I almost failed the fucking color blind test because they used some kind of colored dot test then they insisted on feeling my balls and I almost failed the blood pressure test because they stressed me tf out. Two young bitches with a point to prove I guess. Went to the chiropractor for my next one and I was in and out in 5 minutes. Left a nasty review and warning for other drivers on google though.
Marvin2021@reddit
What truck stops in NJ/PA/NY that has a dot doc there giving physicals? Inquiring minds want to know for my next dot checkup
BigDikus69@reddit
Yeah learned that myself used to go to a place called concentra but they kept talking about how I'm obese and I need a sleep study and all this other shit yet the 500 pound trucker before me was in and out in seconds with his new med card. They pick and choose who to fuck over, so I went somewhere else now I have no problems at all with them.
Expensive_Abies5992@reddit
I drive almost 3 hours to see my dot doc. He is becoming my friend.
aslexgivessex@reddit
Find a chiropractor that does physicals.
CapitanObvio0084@reddit
Donāt lie itās a federal offense one of my coworkers said he never had previous breathing issues, sleep apnea they ok ed him for 2 years got a letter from DMV stating he was ineligible to drive they saw he had previously wrote down that he had sleep apnea the company fired him. Stay safe.
sheffmeister62@reddit
Thatās because he made the mistake of telling them he had apnea. Once you say you have it, they know.
ipogorelov98@reddit
I didn't disclose anything.
I didn't know that they have access to my prescriptions from other doctors.
They found out about my depression drugs themselves.
So, I had to spend a few weeks to obtain a letter from a doctor about these drugs.
Now I have a DOT card for one year, instead of two.
moldschlager@reddit
You can only get a one year card from now on?
ipogorelov98@reddit
I haven't tried to renew it yet, so I don't know.
Little_BallOfAnxiety@reddit
The same thing happened to me. I must have signed a release by accident, and then the doctor wanted to talk about the insomnia I had years ago lol
AndromedanPrince@reddit
1st mistake: She. Go see a male doc, he will get what he needs from you then send u on your way. Women are very detailed n by the book, and more judgemental and u will more than likely take an L.
SkinnyG80@reddit
Not really true, I was in pain management, taking 5mg hydrocode twice a day, which if you know anything about opiates is miniscule, anyways had to go to a different doc under the same practice because the female dr I was seeing was leaving, the other MALE was some Indian dude and said he wouldn't give opiates to ANYONE with a CDL, so took that from me. Thanks for the 3 days of withdrawals while trying to work. Wouldn't even prescribe me something for a week to help with that.
AndromedanPrince@reddit
i wanna some something about what u said as a red flag but ill dm you instead.
SkinnyG80@reddit
Sure, soon as I figure out where my DMs are
AndromedanPrince@reddit
on mobile its at the bottom where it says chat.
Captain_Wag@reddit
The answer to all of their questions is no. Don't tell them shit other than your name.
kaiju505@reddit
Cdl physicals are a joke, just go to someone else.
FutureCorpse699@reddit
It sounds like you have a lot of medical issues. Iām glad sheās doing her due diligence. Thereās a lot of people on the road that shouldnāt be.
ndarmr@reddit
Exactly 3/4 of the dry and Reefer drivers... Are so morbidly obese these days
SkinnyG80@reddit
Don't tell them anything! I remember I put that I broke my arm when I was like 10 amd the doctor questioned me for like 5 minutes just about my arm and hand, being numb, does it ache, does it cramp etc. Same questions but worded them differently. Some docs feel like it's their job to take your CDL away and make 'roads safer'. It's a power trip thing for them. Don't tell them anything, lie! Especially do not tell them about any medication. 100% of medication says it could make you sleepy, they will want notes and tests and all kind of bullshit. If you are taking a medication that you know will trigger a positive drug test do not tell them. They might just deny your medical right there. If it triggers a urine test they will call you, you give them the info off the bottle, medication name, dr info, etc. They will verify it and you are good to go. If you disclose before that you are on opiates or something they will want a dr note, have your dr call them, etc. I went thru all that bs, trust me, do not give them any 'evidence' to use against you, cause they will use it.
JOliverScott@reddit
Don't ever complain about fatigue, DOT examiner will require a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea (DOT has a hard-on for sleep apnea) but when you go to your PCP and you don't check enough boxes on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale then insurance won't pony up $10k for a clinical sleep study. You can opt for a home sleep study for like $1k but then the DOT examiner is likely to say it's not sufficient which leaves you between a rock and hard place. They can prevent you from working and at the same time you're expected to spend thousands on unnecessary medical tests just to prove you're not the grim reaper behind the wheel just waiting to pop off and wipe out a busload of puppies.
My guess is the DOT is bribing or strong-arming these examiners to find anything to disqualify drivers, especially the sleep apnea. If anyone remembers about a decade ago DOT tried to mandate by regulation every transportation safety worker get a sleep study but SCOTUS shut that down fast as regulatory overreach. But since DOT decides who can issue medical cards they're just making sure anyone who's on the approved list plays ball or their own medical license could be in jeopardy.
geneticdeadender@reddit (OP)
They try that shit. But I sleep very well. 8 hours a night and I only wake up to pee. I only snore when I'm on my back so I sleep on my side. I'm an expert at sleeping. Same time to bed every night and I'm up at 2am or before the alarm.
bloopie1192@reddit
Yea mine didn't know the fmcsa changed the vision waiver situation and wrote up my med card to say I needed a waiver. Sent it to the dmv, they rejected it and told my boss that there are no more vision waivers and my doc had to take off the vision waiver restriction for me to be clear.
Went back and she tried to argue that I needed to call the fmcsa because the only way I could drive was with a waiver... It's on their site. I would imagine they sent out the new regulations to the doctors doing these things but i guess not. They changed the regulations like 2 years ago and did away with vision waivers in either 23 or 24. She was the one that needed to go check up on it. Not me. Ended up being a whole fiasco and I couldn't work for a week.
Her boss actually came and talked to me. I had to explain to her, what the doctor working for her should have known.
My boss said "you should have used our doctor, he already knows about it." Each doctor is different but you're 100% right... they're not your friend.
bytecollision@reddit
Can you explain the vision waiver? Was it like the fmcsa had a requirement that drivers had to have 20/20 vision either corrected or natural but for some reason if they couldnāt do that they could drive legally with worse vision if they first obtained a waiver?
bloopie1192@reddit
Yes. That's exactly what it was.
Ornery_Ads@reddit
You have a history of diabetes, depression, blood clots, arthritis, high blood pressure, sugar in urine, and protein in urine, but you think the medical for you should be as seamless as someone who has no history of relevant medical issues?
Follow through with the doctor, present any required documentation, and get healthy.
jadedshibby@reddit
The day that the DOT doctor or the government pays for all of that treatment is the day they can say a fkn word about it. Anybody could drop dead behind the wheel at any time. That shit is pure gatekeeping. Life's scary, people die, wear a helmet.
I hope OP ends up healthy, wealthy, and wise. Without any government shithead taking money out of their pockets.
Ornery_Ads@reddit
The day that the DOT doctor or the government pays for (my CDL training) is the day they can say a fkn word about it...that shit is pure gatekeeping. Life's scary, people die, wear a helmet.
The day that the DOT doctor or the government pays for (my pilot training) is the day they can say a fkn word about it...that shit is pure gatekeeping. Life's scary, people die, wear a helmet.
The day that the DOT doctor or the government pays for (my ship captain training) is the day they can say a fkn word about it...that shit is pure gatekeeping. Life's scary, people die, wear a helmet.
The day that the DOT doctor or the government pays for (my crane operation training) is the day they can say a fkn word about it...that shit is pure gatekeeping. Life's scary, people die, wear a helmet.
The day that the DOT doctor or the government pays for (my advanced car crunple zones, airbags, seatbelts, and dsc) is the day they can say a fkn word about it...that shit is pure gatekeeping. Life's scary, people die, wear a helmet.
Is any of that reasonable? You want the government paying for everything? Want free food and housing too?
People do die every day, and sure there's a chance I could die of a random brain aneurysm while driving, it's a risk everyone accepts because the chance is so low. The likelihood of someone who doesn't manage their diabetes properly going into a diabetic coma is much much higher.
ComprehendReading@reddit
The day that the DOT doctor or the government pays for (my death in a combat zone) is the day they can say a fkn word about it...that shit is pure gatekeeping. Life's scary, people die, wear a (kevlar) helmet.
Mattrap@reddit
No, these are legitimate health concerns that have contributed to deaths in the past. That's why they fail people that aren't managing these legitimate health issues. These rules exist because people died.
SolidAssignment@reddit
I agree 1000%, this driver sounds like he's a walking time bomb.
LarryBonds30@reddit
Yea. I've had my experience with pain in the ass DOT examiners but this one seems justified.
If you document your issues on paper or divulge information the doctor has an obligation for this result. A person with these disclosed issues goes out and gets in an accident or has an issue this doctor is liable for jail time for passing him.
gimmeluvin@reddit
Exactly. It's bizarre that people pretend not to understand this
The_Chimeran_Hybrid@reddit
Iām reading through some of these and itās making me realize why we have land whales barely able to walk driving trucks.
Or 90 year old guys driving trucks.
Little_BallOfAnxiety@reddit
Yeah, I was reading this thinking, Yeah, this is exactly what the physicals are for. Almost every issue is disqualifying here. I'm surprised he is able to get a card in general while I stress every time I'll get failed over my ADHD and anxiety
Depressed_Diehard@reddit
Yea this dudes a fucking train wreck hahah
THExPILLOx@reddit
Worst part is, for a lot of guys the dot physical is the closest thing they get to a checkup and they'll still go to a shady chiro.Ā
Jim-Kardashian@reddit
Let me just scroll up a bit.
Pissjug9000@reddit
You can always get a second opinion. Either the doctor is being overly cautious or they're just a prick that enjoys having power over people
Buttonhookbob@reddit
I hate DOT Physicians... It seems they try to find any little thing to keep you coming back. Seems more for funds procurement than safety to me. Oh! And the letter G on the eye chart is a letter C dammit! Make the letter G look like a proper G. Sorry.... That part got away from me....
bytecollision@reddit
I like the way you think. makes note to study eye chart online before next vision test
IAmHollywood88@reddit
So, if you go do your DOT and it's failed, could you just go somewhere else the next day? I feel like this is probably a no, but i like to ask questions.
geneticdeadender@reddit (OP)
I haven't failed the DOT physical. She just came up with a bunch of stuff that I have to get for some reason. Things that no one else has ever thought was out of order.
And the blood tests for diabetes. That part is on me. I should have remembered to get that, but I honestly thought I had another month.
IAmHollywood88@reddit
I understand what's happening with you, I've been the one having to get the sleep study or bring in the doctor's notes. Not a good time, especially with them giving you small window of time.
I was just putting that question out there since we're on this DOT topic.
bytecollision@reddit
Iāll ask the question that should be asked here:
If a driver goes to a cdl clinic and the doc requests more informationā¦
But instead of doing that the driver goes to another clinic who passes himā¦
Is there any penalty to the driver for not going back to the first clinic and completing that exam? Anyone?
This scenario happened to me and the first place said if I didnāt come back to complete it theyād have to report it.
I ended up going back to complete it once I had the info from my doc, but Iād like to know if what they said was true or complete and utter rubbish.
desktrucker@reddit
Hey fellow driver, since you were upfront with them this year, wonāt they check your history next year against this year? Once you say youāve never had depression, anxiety, fatigue, take a bunch of medicine or what have you??? Do they just go off by what you answer in that year without checking your previos answers?
Joeybowman@reddit
If you go to a different doctor theyāre likely to not check.
bytecollision@reddit
Clarifying above comment: a different doctor at a different place. Same place can and will (ahem Concentra, looking at you here) reference past info.
NoBandicoot8047@reddit
Be transparent with your actual doctor, not these DOT hacks, most of them are PA's or Chiros anyhow.
ShineNShrooms@reddit
And that's how ya gotta do it!!!
Buprenorphine92@reddit
Yeah I never disclose anything to them.
One year I told the physician I take Trazadone for sleep. He almost didn't renew my Med Card because he thinks I would be too tired to drive.
Now when I go in I tell them I've never been healthier. I also go to Chiropractor offices for my physical. Not actual doctors offices.
I treat them like police officers. Anything I say can and will be used against me. I only spoke when spoken to and I answer the questions with as few words as possible.
cohonan@reddit
Iām the safety guy for a trucking company, and I spend a good deal of time navigating these doctors physicals for the drivers so they can keep their licenses.
I find and send them to friendly places and make sure they have their sleep cpap data ahead of time, and ask for one year, three month, or one month licenses.
Others have said it, you can go to a different place or another doctor right now for a second opinion.
bytecollision@reddit
Hey if a cdl examiner wants a note from the primary doc or something and you go to another place instead that just gives it to you no questions asked, is there a penalty for not coming back to finish with the first place?
That happened to me, place said they would have to report that it wasnāt finished and the license would be downgraded. Is that really how it works or complete bs ?
Seebs9@reddit
What about disclosing medication? Do you feel itās an issue or not
FloppyTacoflaps@reddit
I remember my first beer
old_guy_AnCap@reddit
And your first blowjob? Needed that beer to wash the taste out of your mouth?
FloppyTacoflaps@reddit
Nope sorry pal that experience was unique to only you.
SirKevin_Xx@reddit
Did you actually think they were your friend up until this point ? lol
bytecollision@reddit
yes
DixDark@reddit
I mean... why would you tell all that stuff to a physician who might deny you access to a job?
On my exams I always tell the bare minimum - high blood pressure and heart rate(they will figure it out anyway), they don't need to know anything else.
frenchtickler1@reddit
Look for the docs inside truck stops. They're the good ones
bytecollision@reddit
Any in the greater Houston area? The J in Baytown off i-10 used to have one but went there recently and the whole building theyād built just for that purpose was completely torn down. š£
PristineStatement228@reddit
The nurse that does all the shit except sign my card straight up quit taking urine samples. Exact words, ānot gonna drug test you because I donāt give a shit.ā And as long as blood pressure is close, she writes it as passing. God bless her beautiful soul.
bytecollision@reddit
Username checks out
Matewoosh98@reddit
I'm type 1 diabetic. I was hospitalized once in 2021 for DKA (Diabetic keto acidosis). I went to do my routine DOT physical at the doc that I always go to. I was misdiagnosed with type 2 at first, so my medical card was for a year to begin with anyway. I disclosed everything to my doc, he was pissed (rightfully so lol) that he had to do more paperwork because of that but nothing else. Got my card for next year, and I get one every year without a problem. Just have to pay a bit more for that extra paperwork. When I did my first ever physical though, I was using some injectable meds for type 2 diabetes and the doc I went to didn't want to sign off on my medical card before I got a note from the primary care doctor that they are safe to be taken while driving a semi. So I guess it all depends on the doc you go to.
FaceWithAName@reddit
I'm gonna be honest, you sound like you haven't done a great job of keeping yourself healthy, and finally a physician does what all of them are supposed to do, and you get upset.
This is on you.
geneticdeadender@reddit (OP)
My blood pressure is down. I take my meds. I walk three miles every morning when I get up at 2am.
WTF more am I supposed to do?
Oh, I passed every part of the physical she performed in person. I have 20/10 vision.
I can even touch my toes.
FaceWithAName@reddit
You took your physical a DAY before it was due.
Cmon man, this is all on you.
bytecollision@reddit
Yeah I set a reminder in my calendar to ping me the 1st of the month before the month itās going to expire. Shit can come up.. like the hurricane that shut everything down in my home town for nearly 2 weeks right before it was going to expire this year.
MarkPellicle@reddit
Yea, just go to another place that does DoT physicals. Tell them this is the first time youāve had a physical and you have no medical issues. You will get your physical the same day.
To all the people that think itās wrong to lie, then maybe you should lobby government to pay for people to be compensated for the extra requirements levied by people who make 6 or 7 figures annually. Incentivize the behavior not the outcome.
Lank42075@reddit
Fuck that go see someone elseā¦
geneticdeadender@reddit (OP)
I considered it. The thing is I didn't fail the physical. She just put a bunch of bureacratic steps in front of me.
Either way I'd have to get the blood test and I will need a few days to get that done and get the results. So, going somewhere else may not save me any time.
I should have the letters before I get the blood test so going somewhere else might make things worse. They might do the same thing. Better the asshole you know than the asshole I don't.
I'll ask my boss if I can go somewhere else next year. We'll see.
merryprankstr2@reddit
I mean ive always tried to sound as healthy as possible with the least amounts of drug and alcohol dependency. Ten years ago when I was 20-21 it was much easier these daysā¦
ncb_phantom@reddit
Go see a different DOT Medical Provider. I had an issue with a chiropractor about a medicine I had been off of for more than a year as it wasn't medically necessary due to a misdiagnosis. Went to a different provider, an actual doctor, mentioned it and he didn't care. Said it wasn't right and the other provider was misunderstanding guidance.
americandoom@reddit
Youāre honestly better off lying to them.
I had one make me take an at home sleep apnea test even though the guy who gave me a card months prior to that said while my neck size was in apnea range it didnāt seem like Iād have it. Argued with the Second Lady but didnāt win. Took the apnea test and passed without any issues. Went back and sheād only approve me for a year even tho I passed the test.
OkinawaNah@reddit
Mine is my good buddy, he just rubs my stomach and gives it a little pat like my grandpa did when I was a baby, in and out less than 5 mins.
Klutzy-Bad4466@reddit
The military got me ready for this same brand of nonsense
FlamingoAlert7032@reddit
Iām in good health but I donāt even pay attention to the yes/no shit part of the questionnaire. Thatās why I goto a chiropractor for my cert if I pay. Present company sent me to their guy, a PA, and he was even more worthless. They did my eye exam in a dark hallway and I went 20/20 when I had done 20/15 at my chiropractor 2 weeks prior. I didnāt even take their cert to the DMV.
Carlitosway1399@reddit
Well, you can be suicidal and kill innocent people. You can have health problems that can cause you to crash. It's their liscence on the line. Why would they lie for you? I hate to say it. But it's your responsibility to know when your liscence expires. Hate to be a party pooper. Just looking at it in the doctors point of you. Hope you can be back on the road soon
FavcolorisREDdit@reddit
Shot yourself in the foot, thereās many out there that understand the assignment. And itās a class A license not an FBI job interview keep it short and sweet.
SnowyHawke@reddit
I found a doctor that works with me. That is the only place I will do the physical.
FileCareless@reddit
Driver idk who or why someone would give you the impression those ppl are your friend in the 1st place. I thought it was common knowledge they arenāt. Just incase also fyi your boss isnāt your friend either or hr never voluntarily give extra info out.
Kaethor@reddit
I did my physical in June and the Dr. He said he would notify DOT, I got a letter last month that I was being downgraded because I didn't have a medical card. Took my card to dps and still had to pay $75 for a brand new license to upgrade back to class a cause I didn't file the medical card online. My fault for expecting the doc to do it for me like he said he would.
FanDoggyGate@reddit
Are we allowed to not say we don't have diabetes? Or is that possibly gonna get us some legal trouble
Old-Wolf-1024@reddit
You are,but most diabetics have a high concentration of sugar in their pee.
FanDoggyGate@reddit
I'm controlled now, so I don't have any out word symptoms that would tell you otherwise. However it is annoying all the extra paperwork they make you do every year
Old-Wolf-1024@reddit
It was during a DOT physical that my type II was discovered/diagnosed and while mine is also controlled,I almost always have excess sugar in my urine(currently due to the medication I take for T2)
FanDoggyGate@reddit
Yeah I'm just on insulin now so all the DOT stuff they check for looks normal
santanzchild@reddit
once you admit it they know forever after.
sonman1979@reddit
I go to chiropractor for mine. I ha e glasses. Not on my dl. I told him hey I brought my glasses but would like to do vision without so I don't have it on my license. "Hate wearing them" he gave me multiple tries to get it right. Got a 2 year. I also take BP meds just don't tell them shit. What they do t know doesn't hurt them but if you tell them it's the license on the line to request shit and make sure
bcjerry@reddit
diabetic must have a copy of A1c test no more than 6 months old.
thatzmatt80@reddit
3 months.
hooligan-6318@reddit
I know a guy that was failed due to putting down on his questionnaire that he snored... everyone snores to some extent.
Doc wanted a sleep study first, all the sleep study labs were booked up for months, they refused to give him a card in the meantime.
Unemployed overnight
He did eventually pass a sleep study, no sleep apnea, but he no longer drives.
thatzmatt80@reddit
"Everyone" does not snore. Snoring is an almost guaranteed symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. And you don't need a "clinical study", you can do an apnea test at home these days, and if you do have apnea have a CPAP machine in a week.
Sea_Contract_7758@reddit
What are you doing telling the doctor the truth. Give them bare minimum like cops
Wadester58@reddit
Go find another doctor I use an old chiropractor in Corpus he is easy
Just4you27@reddit
Never give up a info
Tell the least as possible
whitecollarpizzaman@reddit
As a diabetic, the one year med card is standard, and even some basic research would have told you that you needed that paperwork. If you have a CGM system your endocrinologist attesting that they can access your date is sufficient. Donāt lie, itās on record you have an incurable illness, might work for a while, but one day you could be bit in the ass. Sounds like youāre pretty unorganized considering the expiration date is printed on the card itself and you fucked that one up too.
Genericsoda4@reddit
Never tell anyone whom can affect your job the truth.
landeisja@reddit
I think this depends entirely on who is doing the physical. I go to the same guy every year. I have been doing so for years. At this point, I could tell him the next time Iām in my truck, I plan to mow down some grade school kids, and heād still sign it. Thatās an obvious exaggeration, but the point is valid. They have access to my med records, and if I know they are going to request something, I show up with whatever they are going to need.
Efficient_Ostrich_54@reddit
It sounds like there's good reason for you not to be licensed. Why do you have all of these health problems? I'd imagine they're all linked. Maybe you need to be less of an asshole and take your health more seriously. It also sounds like maybe you should get your meds checked. We wouldn't want another Tracy Morgan incident, would we?
MOODkilla2300@reddit
The guy who hit Tracy Morgan was tired and had falsified his logs,had nothing to do with his medical card,go back to work in your clinic dr. Asshole.
Efficient_Ostrich_54@reddit
Tired was the public excuse. Of course morons like yourself believe whatever the tv says. Be a good boy and stay quiet while the adults talk now.
MOODkilla2300@reddit
Youāre the moron,you have no idea how trucking works,he was caught after they pulled the Qualcomm data from the truck,seriously dildo,I have been doing this for 27 years youāre either a wanna be or someone in the medical field because of the topic of the post.
ChemistGlum6302@reddit
Dude, I thought it was common knowledge to mark n/a for EVERYTHING on the medical questionnaire. They're not your general physician, so it's not like they actually have the means to help you with any health issue anyway. The only thing they can and will do is invalidate you as a drive due to information you volunteer. Go to a different clinic today, pay the fee, mark n/a on everything, and move on. Another 100 bucks will save you a hell of a headache compared to jumping through the hoops of whoever you're currently dealing with.
Dorito-Bureeto@reddit
I got a guy that makes me touch my toes and checks my Bp and calls it a day. If you need his number let me know
Truckin_Dave@reddit
So you have a bunch of medical issues and are mad that they wanted to make sure youāre safe? Sounds like youāre both kinda messed up. You need to get healthy more than lying to doctors about your health it sounds like.
Holiday_Ad126@reddit
Wait those questions physician gives you are voluntary, shii Iāve just been putting no on everything, and if itās for personal injury I just put in notes section where it hurts or why Iām there
Nothing more nothing less
Nightdragon9661@reddit
Never volunteer information.
FreeFalling369@reddit
As much as you may hate to hear it, she was doing her job and you have some actual possible risks that have to be checked off. Shot yourself in the foot too
mistakenidentity888@reddit
Lol my guy puts on the blood pressure cuff over a hoodie and as long as you walked in there under your own power you pass.
I'll probably have to find a new guy once someone croaks and crashes with a card from him in their wallet.
AaronTuplin@reddit
I have a new guy, he's by the book and he understands that it's your livelihood on the line. He's not trying to do anything extra or dig too deep. He'll qualify you for at least a one year if you're iffy on some shit.
dethwish69@reddit
You told them way too much , never tell anyone you're depressed
LargeMerican@reddit
treat every interview with a doctor that isn't *your* doctor as an interview with the cops. it might as well be.
Firedog_09@reddit
I'm diabetic also, I take pills and one year I took my dot and passed it and they didn't ask me about type 2... so I said I didn't have it and I got a 2 year card that year š. I know you're being honest but remember anything DOT is there to fuck you over never to help.
MrMiller52@reddit
Dude goto a chiropractor. I had to do mine today. Took me longer to sign in then it did for the actual physical
Practical_Adagio_504@reddit
Being āunhappyā as in lack of total feeling? Or are you actually sad? Because there is a HUGE difference between the tooā¦ true clinical depression is a total lack of any feeling and sadness is feeling. Sadness is NOT depression. Do not confuse the two. Also, itās the Doctor who is supposed to figure out if youāre healthy enough to driveā¦ they should be the ones figuring out whatās wrong with you, donāt go offering up free diagnosingā¦ LOL.
justdan76@reddit
Just go to concentra
Naw_im_sayin@reddit
They seem to hire the most autistic doctors who are better suited for work involving dead people. They have zero social skills and if they turn their backs on you; look closely and you might spot the outlet located behind their head. This is where they get plugged in at night.
Cleveland_Grackle@reddit
Last fucking place I'd go.
justdan76@reddit
My job sends us there, the physical is a joke. Maybe itās just the location we go to, but they barely look at us.
BobcatOk7492@reddit
There all the same. Remember, doc that work at those places, bottom of class. Bad docs have to work somewhere, right? Last one , doc had the shakes so bad.....
hesslake@reddit
I go to a nurse practitioner. He started his own business in a motorhome. Travels to different companies in the state. Just checks for protein in your urine Eye chart Doesn't ask about anything that you didn't check on the form 10 minutes is all it takes
Old-Wolf-1024@reddit
And get immediately referred for a sleep study
RoadAegis@reddit
That's exactly why I stopped going there. They do not actually care about your breathing, if they don't Like your BMI instantly need a sleep study
UncleFlip@reddit
On the questionare be truthful. We had a driver say no to everything, no medicine, no issues. Somehow the clinic's system was hooked up with his doctor's system. He took BP meds. She asked him if he took anything and he doubled down and said no. She failed him on the spot and wrote on the paperwork he falsified, which ends up being against the law as well. Safety department fired him too.
Naw_im_sayin@reddit
I know about a guy who lied about ever having sleep apnea. They didnāt figure it out until 2 weeks after he had started working. They found out and instantly had to fire him. Lying on a medical exam seems to be a cardinal rule for most companies.
amazingmaple@reddit
That's why it's usually better to go to your primary doctor if you can. And yes they aren't your friend. It's their ass on the line if you have something medical happen on the road and crash and they cleared you for it.
theberg512@reddit
Absolutely not getting my primary mixed in. I'm brutally honest with a doctor that is actually treating me. They need to know everything.Ā
The DOT doc needs my name, license no., and everything is perfect.Ā
karrimycele@reddit
Jesus, how did you pick that doctor? Find one who is your friend. My guy doesnāt ask, and I donāt tell. He just gave me two more years, (Iām 65), and heās conveniently located near where I live.
Glum_Comfort_3675@reddit
A lot of the dudes I see who are truckers are 400 pounds and could barely walk so they aren't too picky about health. Just go to a place that's looks shitty and is located in some back alley.
gooba1@reddit
Ask your actual physician if someone one in the office can do med cards. I had issues this last time. Got a year card and a trip to my doctor. Was whining to my doc about the physical place and he was like oh I think so and so can do those here. 20 minutes later walked out with a 2 year card. Also NEVER tell them anything. My dad always told me NEVER lie to medics or your doctor but never say anything to cops, workman's comp doctors or DOT physical people.
geneticdeadender@reddit (OP)
That's a consideration.
The company pays for my physical so I go where they want, but if this place is going to put unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles in front of getting my certificate then I'll see if I can change it.
I also think just lying on the form is the way to go. I don't think they have the time to verify it and if I get questioned I just say I read it wrong.
gooba1@reddit
My company does too but 120bucks out of my own pocket every 2 years to not deal with bullshit is worth it to me. I also don't think they have access to your medical records. I have a dozens of X-rays of my broken bones from racing motor cross but as far as Concentra is concerned I've never so much as twisted my ankle. I've been telling them I've never broken anything for 20+ years and never been found out
Imaginary-Badger-119@reddit
Seriously stop talking need to know only.. health issues that dropped off are not relevant..
iH8patrick@reddit
My personal medical history is NOBODIES BUSINESS.
Not my employer.
Not the medical clinic.
Not the DOT/FMCSA.
Evaluate me on right here, right now.
IM DRIVING THE TRUCK TODAY AND TOMORROW AND NEXT WEEK.
Not yesterday or last month or 5yrs ago.
Ornery_Ads@reddit
Hypotheticals:
George has a history of entering a diabetic comas due to poor management of his diabetes. He was involved in a single car collision 14 months ago as a result of this.
He passed out while in a grocery store 30 days ago as a result of this.
He presents to you today in overall good health, reasonable blood sugar levels, and a good demeanor.
Do you issue him a medical? For how long?
Lindsey has a history of high blood pressure and had a minor heart attack 8 months prior. She presents to you with minor atrial fibrillation, which on its own would not be cause for concern. She states that only happens when she costumes caffeine. She reports that in the last 12 hours, she only drank about half of an 8oz RedBull which was while driving to your office. She reports that she usually drinks 3-4 RedBulls per day.
Do you issue her a medical? For how long?
Jeff presents to you with no medical ailments, but reporting a history of "managed drug use" in order to stay alert for 24+ hours at a time. Jeff reports that he has been "away from work" for the last 60 days, and provides a clean urine sample today.
Do you issue him a medical? For how long?
Stacy reports having an average of 2 broken bones per year for the last 10 years. She reports no dangerous hobbies, and states that the broken bones occurred "during normal day-to-day activities." She states that because it's so mundane, she doesn't remember how each one occurred, but the last time she broke a bone, it was because an approximately 2 pound lamp fell off the desk, and she caught it awkwardly, breaking 2 fingers.
She presents to you with no broken bones, and in generally good health.
Do you issue her a medical? For how long?
Frank reports a history of roughly monthly seizures. He states they started when he was about 15, and have been roughly stable, averaging 1 per month. He states that he, "Can feel it when it is about to happen." He reports that the seizures have never caused a collision.
He is otherwise in good health, and does not experience a seizure in your presence.
Do you issue him a medical? For how long?
Barbara presents as morbidly obese, with blood pressure managed by medication. She reports feeling tired every day, and waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air. She states that these feelings do not impact her ability to function day-to-day, and she knows to stop driving when tired.
Do you issue her a medical? For how long?
iH8patrick@reddit
Ok so, admittedly I read your first scenario and didnāt read the rest because I got your point the first time.
Maybe George has a hard time managing his diabetes because itās criminally expensive to have diabetes in the US and can be impossible to keep up with the costs of insulin and testing supplies as more companies switch to HDHP so George canāt manage it until he spends $3000 out of his pocket, he also canāt afford to go see his doctor regularly because of that deductible. So he tries his absolute hardest and has issues.
But George also needs his job to survive.
George knows that he could manage it better. George knows he could make a fatal mistake.
But George has kids and a wife and a mortgage and has to buy groceries so every day George goes out, knowing what could happen, because if he DOESNāT, he knows what WILL HAPPEN - his family will be homeless, hungry, and on the street.
Because George doesnāt really have any other skills. And George started driving when these regulations were less stringent.
George also didnāt get the proper health education growing up to prevent himself from getting to this point. His family didnāt have access to healthier food options without the oversaturation of preservatives and other unhealthy contents.
Is George in the right? Of course not.
But thatās what millions of drivers face EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. In this country. A government that could give a fuck less about educating us about keeping us healthy when weāre younger, making sure we have AFFORDABLE ACCESS to PROPER healthcare, and SOCIAL SAFETY NETS to use when we need to, so we donāt have to stress about being homeless next month when we canāt pay the mortgage.
I maintain that my medical history is my private business.
Ornery_Ads@reddit
Good of the many vs good of the few.
There are plenty of occupations where someone who poorly manages their diabetes will not cause substantial risk to others. A bus or truck driver, a pilot, a ship captain, those are not some of them.
iH8patrick@reddit
I understand your point. Iām just talking about reality.
LarryBonds30@reddit
The reality is the doctor shouldn't care about any of those factors. Or else the doctor is now the one with all of George's issues because they can long practice medicine because they were handing out bad DOT cards.
George has to do what he has to do but that's not the doctors problem.
Pizzalicker69@reddit
I know people with diabetes and other issues still carry Cdl in oilfields. They donāt let the physician know anything.
They mainly drive on private roads but still need the license.
humblecocoliving123@reddit
You know you couldāve went somewhere els, most of these dot so called physician isnāt even a real doctor.
bigbudugly@reddit
Iām way retired now, but on my very last physical, I failed because the eyesight on my left eye was bad. (Iāve since had it corrected with surgery)well the doc said I had two weeks before my current card expired to get it fixed I told her I needed a new eye prescription (lie) my left eye had been bad for years I had just managed to work with it on my job. And I had a year and a half to go before I retired so I needed to do something quick.I got online and ordered one of them eye test charts that the doctorās offices use, and I just memorized the whole goddamn thing every day all day, I memorized it forward and backward. All of my fellow drivers and family laughed, I thought it was brilliant. I went into the doctors office. She didnāt even bother with the rest of the test. She just took me straight to the eye exam. She says you might as well start with line 7 you need to pass line 7 or else I canāt do anything with you anyways like I said, I memorized that bitch forward and backwards.TEPOLFZD I say, ok now with your left eye line 8 backwards. And here I had to pretend to struggle donāt wanna make it look like to easy now do I ? UMM,letās see I say,DOEFBDZTCP ? She looks at me totally skeptical. She knows somethings wrong two weeks ago. I was damn near blind in my left eye and now I can read line 8 backwards. Well she had no choice but to pass me I went back to my crew room as a hero retired a year and a half later after 40 years. I still have that eye chart now its hanging in my shop. I look at it all the time.lol!
pmmemilftiddiez@reddit
Welcome to Meps
NukaDadd@reddit
"I don't do drugs. I don't drink. I don't smoke. I take no meds & I don't snore"
I've had high BP for years & (shocker) it's controlled well with meds, but I'll be damned if I'm telling the DOT physician that.
2 year cert every time.
Jocelyn_The_Red@reddit
Went to a physical yesterday too. Now I have to do a sleep study.
TheG00seface@reddit
My medical has me doing a quick dance of āleft eye, right eye, letās knock you kneeā, press my stomach, pay my $200 and outta there in less than 3 mins. I just draw a straight line through all of the ānos, donāt even bother with individual check marks.
fransicorockwell@reddit
Like you said treating it like an interview with the cops is your best bet. I donāt volunteer any information.
OilOk3463@reddit
They are only allowed to issue the one/three month certificate once per person. If you have already used it you canāt be issued it ever again.
angelofragnarok@reddit
I canāt speak to the one month, but Iāve been given several three month certificates over the years for things like A1C readings being too old, being put on new medication (specifically for ADHD), having to get my sleep reports from two different places during a corporate transition, and more. If the rule is only per person, thank goodness none of them cared enough to look or I wouldāve lost a lot of work!
OilOk3463@reddit
So I was going by what my DOT doc told me a year ago, but after some googling just now and reading the FMCSA medical examinerās handbook Iām not so sure. The handbook says the 3 month is a āone-timeā certificate but the wording doesnāt make it obvious if this is a āone-time foreverā certificate or merely a ānot more than one in a rowā certificate. Hereās where it gets weird. The 2015 handbook had a note that clarified that āone-timeā meant not consecutive but did not mean once in a lifetime. The 2024 handbook does NOT have this clarification. Why would they remove the clear concise language and leave in the ambiguous wording?
MADLUX2015@reddit
Not even true.
santanzchild@reddit
I actually didn't know that but I have managed to avoid needing one this far.
BP is going to get me eventually.
SufficientWhile5450@reddit
The one that I went to see was a nightmare also, Iām on suboxone, been on it for 10 years
She needed a note saying Iām okay to drive which is fine, I get the note
She didnāt like how the note was written, instead of āthis medication does not affect their ability to driveā she needed it to say ātheir drug addiction disease is in remissionā
Then my psychiatrist who writes the script was like āIāll write it, but thatās fucking stupid and not how drug addiction worksā
Then my company wouldnāt send the paperwork for another screening for forever, then I go, and my doctors note is expired (evidently they expire. Even tho the note will last for a year when provided, it expires after like 45 days or something somehow)
So I went back and forth to DOT physicals for almost a year, and couldnāt ever time it correctly to get the note and it be written correct or not expired, Iām 99% sure the doc was just nitpicking and didnāt want to approve a potential drug addict to drive
But the most annoying part is I donāt even drive a goddamn semi, I needed the medical card to drive my works service truck because they implemented a really idiotic new policy where it was required by them, even tho it is not required by the government
Couldnāt ever time the note correctly because employer would give the go ahead for the appointment randomly with a 3 day period to get it done, and my doctor is very very old and I could never get it when needed, so Iād have her re-write the note every appointment, but it would never line up within expiration, and I wasnāt allowed to pay for the physical myself
Anyway I ended up getting fired about it and sueing for disability discrimination, couldnāt go after the doctor unfortunately. But I still got a pretty nice check as a result
Vorenious1@reddit
They ask I tell them what they want to hear. I'm the most perfectly healthy human being. A god damn miracle I should probably be studied for the future of man kind
Tykel2x@reddit
Yea I learned this the hard way. Told them I was bipolar the first time and they wanted a note I I was like huh and then quickly had my employer reschedule another psychical
ignoreme010101@reddit
can anyone provide a PSA-style "how to appraise/assess a physicals provider"? Am about to need a 2-year visit myself, andll be going to a new one because I'm in a different state, gotta say I'm a bit wary (even though I am legitimately in great health as far as I'm aware, lol)
Ornery_Ads@reddit
Generally, the doctor will assess your hearing and vision based on your behaviors and how well you respond to external stimuli.
They'll either take your height and weight or ask you for it, and assess if that may be an issue.
They'll watch how you move to see if you have issues with mobility.
They'll check your blood pressure and test your urine for sugar.
It's all pretty routine.
Rolling_Heavy@reddit
Donāt volunteer anything. And find a chiropractor that does cdl physicals.
Successful_Amoeba509@reddit
Looming at some of the drivers our there yoy have to implicitly know that the physical is BS.
Supertrucker82@reddit
As soon as they start in with that BS, find a different Dr. There are plenty that are more "understanding " shall we say. I got a dude that basically asks me a few questions, looks in my ears, and writes me a 2 year card.
Mstrchf117@reddit
I don't put anything I'm not actively being treated for
Immediate_Deal_8431@reddit
No I donāt drink, no I donāt smoke, no I donāt have any health issues, no I donāt have shortness of breath. Always no
APenguinNamedDerek@reddit
Go to another doctor. My wife had the same issue and we just went to someone else and all of a sudden we didn't need to do all this stupid shit
AmbitiousAnalyst2730@reddit
Itās not āfuck you, be unemployedā, itās āyou have multiple unrelated and related health issues that could endanger everyone if you pop off while driving, prove you can safely drive by reaching out to your many physiciansā. She did her job. Now itās your turn to do yours by proving your safe to drive
SweetStrangles@reddit
Time to get healthy man youāve got a list of issues that could prevent you from driving.
Vino1980@reddit
Had a bad experience myself, the place didn't even have their own supply of water. They depend on us, so put them our of business by going somewhere else.
Budget_Foundation747@reddit
That's on you, driver. You waited till the last minute and didn't have a backup plan to get a second opinion.
If you can plan a trip, you can plan your life. Do better.
geneticdeadender@reddit (OP)
Oh, I accept my part in this.
But I cannot accept blame for putting things on the checklist that I've put every year and all the sudden those things are an issue.
That's not fair.
Budget_Foundation747@reddit
"fair"? In this world you've got to stack the deck in your favor.
Royal_Gur_2651@reddit
Half of them donāt care the other half know you need the signature and they went to school for this. Itās like the driver going under the posted speed limit with a line of vehicles behind them. It makes them feel in control.
TruckersAreBored@reddit
Tell them as little as possible!
ChazzyTh@reddit
Agreed; only problem with that approach is theyāll have access to this yearās records. Not sure lying will favor you.
Maybe have all those letters with you, but donāt offer them unless required.
CrookByTheBook@reddit
I go to a guy who makes me squat, takes a urine sample, read a vision chart, looks at my app to make sure Iām using my cpap and asks what my last A1C was. Done and done. Takes all of 20min and Iām out the door with a 1yr card
ParticularArrival111@reddit
It do be like that
They get kick backs from selling shit like cpap so your just another customer