DOT Med card
Posted by Natural_Step4690@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Need some advice from other drivers about a DOT medical card situation.
I live in the HTX area & my previous card expired in March. At that time my former dispatcher set me up with a company sponsored physical at a Concentra. During the exam, the doctor said I needed a sleep apnea test because of my weight and gave me a 3-month temporary card, saying if I passed, he’d update it to a 2-year card.
I took the at-home test twice (also paid by my company. first one I kept waking up to potty.. too much water before bed, so I needed a do-over). I just passed the second one yesterday. I DON’T NEED A CPAP 🥳🎉 I sent the results to the clinic, and now they’re telling me I have to wait until end of May/early June (when the 3-month card expires) to do another renewal and a new physical.
I was under the impression they would just update my card once I passed, not make me redo the whole process.
I usually go to CVS on my own dime for my DOT physicals and never had issues, not even with demanding a sleep apnea test. I’ll continue to do so after all this.
Is this how it usually goes in cases like this?
Antique_One7110@reddit
RUAN? I ask because I know they use Concentra and pay for the sleep apnea test and even a CPAP if needed.
If so talk to your boss and he can escalate so you can get a new physical. When I went through that shit with them—not the need to test, that’s 100% Concentra trying to screw you for more money—it was the same thing. Then Concentra didn’t like the test results and wanted the doctor to use their form. Then it was a load of shit about how it wasn’t their doctor/clinic. Then it was something else. Then I told my boss who called corporate and the VP or whatever his title was called the local Concentra and wow, all the sudden we can see you immediately and the doctor’s forms are acceptable.
But the evaluation was pretty easy, they didn’t require me to do most of the exam, so no BP, eye test, hearing test, or any of that. Doctor asked a few questions and did the whole arms and legs thing and then gave me a 2 year card.
When I asked why the new exam and just not an updated card, he basically said you can’t extend a card’s expiration date, so you get a whole new one. So it’s not really a temporary card, it’s a 3 month card, same you’d get if you’ve got sky high BP and they want you to get a primary doctor for BP medicine. With the apnea shit, you’ll get 3 months to be tested, if you need it, 3 more months for compliance, then you probably are stuck with a 1 year for the rest of time.
Waisted-Desert@reddit
Yes. They can not just update a card, the exam needs to be re-done. If at all possible, do not go to Concentra. If you do go elsewhere, have the sleep study results handy.
Natural_Step4690@reddit (OP)
Okay thanks & I have them saved to my phone
Exotic_Dust692@reddit
I used a walk-in clinic. They ask to make an appointment for when a DOT cert. Dr. will be on duty. The one I used didn't answer their phone.
Auquaholic@reddit
Yeah, don't ever go to concentra.
Natural_Step4690@reddit (OP)
I’ve learned from this experience. I had no control over it in this instance. I’ll continue going to CVS for future renewals.
nicerakk@reddit
CVS does DOT physicals? I never knew
Natural_Step4690@reddit (OP)
Yeah, some locations have minute clinics. I had it when I lived in Houston the first time and when I lived in Cincinnati in 2024. I learned they’re more expensive than mostly places tho.