Mental Health DOT Physical Pains

I've had my CDL for 15 years. No accidents, tickets, or issues. I haul hazardous waste. I like to think I know my stuff and am extremely vigilant.

With that being said, I also have anxiety. I am on medication and have been for years. When I get my Fed Med exam, they ask questions and i have to get a note from my Dr.

This past week the worst one. The Dr., half my age, wanted to know why I was on so many meds. He said even if I had a note, he had to do his "own" research before deciding. He is requesting ALL of my medical records pertaining to mental health, all of my clinic notes, and another form signed off.

I know my prescribing Dr. is confident that I am safe and suffer no side effects, and will sign any letters. What worries me is this guy digging deep and feeling that on paper, I'm not safe to be behind the wheel. I've never had an examiner request my records.

.I've never had an examiner request my records.

Then you've been lucky.

Let's face it, there are many "doctors" out there who over-prescribe medicines and narcotics from one end of the spectrum to the other without concern to the side effects or dangers. I'm not at all saying this is true in your case, but I see no problem in an examiner practicing due diligence to be sure you and the public are safe.

If you are truly safe to drive on whatever medications you're taking, then you should have nothing to worry about.

.I've never had an examiner request my records.

Then you've been lucky.

Let's face it, there are many "doctors" out there who over-prescribe medicines and narcotics from one end of the spectrum to the other without concern to the side effects or dangers. I'm not at all saying this is true in your case, but I see no problem in an examiner practicing due diligence to be sure you and the public are safe.

If you are truly safe to drive on whatever medications you're taking, then you should have nothing to worry about.

Why does he need records? The signed letter states that I am safe. There's no need to keep digging.

Because it's his name on the certificate at the end of the day. Your doctors opinion matters, but the DOT doc has the final say. Why are you so against it? Are you trying to hide something? You're able to get a 2nd opinion with a different doctor as long as you fill out the forms truthfully.

No I am not trying to hide anything. I just felt this particular physician was very judgemental and extremely conservative compared to those in the past. None of my meds are narcotics or anything on the "no" list.

No I am not trying to hide anything. I just felt this particular physician was very judgemental and extremely conservative compared to those in the past. None of my meds are narcotics or anything on the "no" list.

FMCSA has a "list" - and certain companies have additional meds they don't like. Mostly for the safety department.

If this is a "kid doc" (and as WE GET OLDER - young docs look like kids to us) - he may actually want to research side-effects and potential interactions (as it sounds like you're on a bunch of meds).

Sadly - the way FMCSA runs it's new Medical Examiners/Drivers database - you can't go "doctor shopping", if you get a result from one doc that you don't like (like a 3 month conditional card), and just go to another doc that's more lenient. Example: the doc that does my cards, if you're breathing, not p-ing sugar or protein, can read a chart and not spiking a BP - good to go.

As long as your prescribing doc, documents your prescription history and gives an opinion that you are OK to drive - then it should get you cleared.

But keep in mind - the doc that ISSUES THE CARD - bears any potential liability (especially for meds), if he clears you - you have an accident, and some jag-off attorney (can) tries to tie it to the meds THE DOC CLEARED YOU TO DRIVE ON.

If the doc is new (a kid doc) - he may be more cautious than an old timer about meds, hence him wanting to "research".

Best of luck - KEEP US POSTED ON HOW THINGS TURN OUT...

Rick

I had an ovary removed and a benign tumor. The doctor requested all of my records going back years.. My OB/GYN said it wasn't necessary but sent them anyway. When the DOT doctor got them, they felt overwhelmed but said "well I guess you have been thoroughly checked out."

Unless this is a company doctor and your company added banned meds to the list, I wouldnt worry. It is possible he wants proof you have been on the meds for years and had been safe. Our regular doctors are not trucking experts so they dont know what the job requires unless we tell them.

Thanks all. As far as "doctor shopping" goes, I am allowed a second opinion. I hope it doesn't come to that.

Thanks all. As far as "doctor shopping" goes, I am allowed a second opinion. I hope it doesn't come to that.

Hey Benjamin was this a DOT physical that your employer sent you to and is paying for? If so, you don't have much choice but to use that doctor as far as I'm aware. By paying for your physical they're able to supply a list to the physician of meds that while they may be federally acceptable a company has the right to not allow them.

Thanks all. As far as "doctor shopping" goes, I am allowed a second opinion. I hope it doesn't come to that.

Hey Benjamin was this a DOT physical that your employer sent you to and is paying for? If so, you don't have much choice but to use that doctor as far as I'm aware. By paying for your physical they're able to supply a list to the physician of meds that while they may be federally acceptable a company has the right to not allow them.

They are paying for it, yes. I am a current employee and it's just time for my annual renewal.