DOT Physical And Medical Card (an Honest Question)
Topic 18211 | Page 1
Definitely in the grey area. But once you have your 30 days of compliant data just go back to the original doctor. Then again, when you get to a company they are going to redo your physical anyway. Just take your 30 days worth of data with you.
Your State that issues your driver license should want to see your new physical report to keep your license valid. Then again, when you get an update, they just enter the new numbers.
Another thought: since you need to wait 30 days anyway, just go with the flow. Why go that second time, if you need to go later anyway?. Within its 3 months, your card is just as good. I think you have a condition called Tempest in a Teacup.
Your State that issues your driver license should want to see your new physical report to keep your license valid. Then again, when you get an update, they just enter the new numbers.
Another thought: since you need to wait 30 days anyway, just go with the flow. Why go that second time, if you need to go later anyway?. Within its 3 months, your card is just as good. I think you have a condition called Tempest in a Teacup.
Not "Tempest in a Tea Cup" but the company that I am looking to start school with will not accept me with a 3 month card. They require a 1 year card. While I could drive with a different company on that 3 month card (they already said it wouldn't be an issue) I would prefer go with the the first company mentioned. I am working on a bit of a time crunch as my wife and have have a window of opportunity where the career transition will be the least stressful financially so I am trying to fit this into that time frame. I am just trying to "weigh the options" so that I am able to meet the timeline we have as well as be able to drive for the company that I believe to be the best for my situation.
DOT Physical results ARE SUBMITTED TO FMSCA by the medical examiner.
This is to PREVENT THE VERY THING you are asking about - that is DOCTOR SHOPPING.
From FMCSA:
Some drivers used to do “shopping around”. Starting 2016, the FMCSA reporting system with the National Registry will have the capability to flag multiple exams, identify missing or false information reported by the driver in the Driver Health History section of the MER Form, MCSA-5875, and make a determination to void the driver’s MEC, Form MCSA-5876, if appropriate.
You can certainly go and get a 1 year card - once you are in compliance. You don't have to wait the 3 months for the "conditional certification" to expire - if all that the requirements call for is 30 days complaince.
And IN REALITY - I'm finding out this "recording compliance" is not even really AN FMCSA REG - since there actually ARE NO SPECIFIC OSA REGS.
8 FMCSA Rulemaking OSA Myths Debunked...
There would be no reason to NOT GO BACK TO the M.E. that issued you the 3 month card - to get your 1 year card. And it appears that the "compliance" is more a CYA for the company - than an actual FMCSA regulation.
So again - while there are RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMPLIANCE that have been published by the (cough cough) Medical Experts Review Panel - the actual RULES that are part of 49 CFR have not been issued yet.
Companies and DOT M.E.'s are likely following the recommendation, in ANTICIPATION OF THE FINAL RULE BEING PUBLISHED by FMCSA.
We all thought these would come out literally YEARS AGO - but have been fought TOOTH AND NAIL by many folks that consider the guidelines to be "voodoo science" (kinda like the climate change debate).
Rick
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
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Good Evening Everyone,
I have been "lurking" and posting (very little) for about a month around here. I have an honest question and would like to get some opinions from the experienced guys and gals around here:
I was issued a 3 month DOT Medical Card with 1 week of compliance data for my CPAP machine. Would it be "shady" or dishonest to go back to a different DOT medical examiner to get a 1 year card after I have a full 30 days of compliance data?
The reason I am asking is because EVERYWHERE I have looked for information on this subject says you only need 30 days of compliance data at 70% compliance to get a 1 year card. If I meet that requirement and another doctor certifies me would there be any repercussions for getting that done before the 3 month card expires?
Thank you for your time and help with this question.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.