MED Card Help!
Topic 34130 | Page 1
Your old card is null and void. I'm sorry, but your new certification is the valid one. You'll have to play the game by the rules. We all agree with you. Some of this stuff is downright stupid, but we have to adapt and succeed under the conditions we are given. That's trucking. It's not always pretty.
A possible course of action would be to go back to the medical office that gave you the two-year DOT Med Card. Have then do another DOT physical. If it is good, then self-certify again on your state's website.
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.
A possible course of action would be...
Ya know, the FMCSA has worked pretty hard at stopping the practice of "doctor shopping." I don't think that's a good plan.
If a doctor is allowed to do D.O.T. physicals, they are in a registry with the FMCSA. They also work under the same data base. When you get a D.O.T physical the physician can see who did your last physical and the results. They can't just ignore what the last doctor determined. They will want to see the results of your sleep study before proceeding further.
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
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.
Get a referral to a sleep medicine Doc, and ask to do the at home overnight sleep study. Much cheaper, but not nearly as sensitive as a split night in lab diagnostic sleep study.
Also, there are resources linked on Apnea Board this is the link to a supplier list, which SOME provide low cost alternatives for home sleep studies. Some in the sub $500 range, vs the $4-6k in lab study. Get yourself checked. Also, take this Self check. it could lengthen your life.
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.
Thanks NaeNaeinNC!
I somebody here could give some good advice on this.
I was looking at a different job back in October. Decided to not take it but the damage was done. Went to concentrapnea. Got a 3 month card. Went to a place to renew my card last December and got a 2 year card but it got flagged by Vault health and had to take a sleep study if I wanted to stay with Schneider.
I had moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The plus side is all the supplies is paid for by the company. Downside is now Im screwed having to use a CPAP and marked with sleep apnea.
According to the FMSCA a sleep study is discretionary.
What is your Bmi and age? If your bmi is under a certain percentage you have to meet three criteria to be sent for a sleep study. I believe its 42 years old and older, neck size, daytime drowsiness.
I've even had a NP being very angry that a previous place wanted a sleep study and she gave me a 2 year card in the past.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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.
Larry says:
Downside is now Im screwed having to use a CPAP and marked with sleep apnea.
Yes you are stuck with a machine you must cart around. You have to strap a hose to your face every night.
I've done that for over four years. I feel I didn't even "have to get used to it", I just started.
The whole idea is you'll sleep better and feel more awake during the day.
Yes, the decision is made using statistics (neck size, BMI and age, as you list) and you could possibly "beat it" in the sleep study.
You're in luck your company thinks enough of you to pop for the $700 machine.
This machine could prevent you from falling asleep with a steering wheel in you hands. What a way to go!
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
There are other benefits of having apnea treated with a lower rate of heart problems with those that use CPAP. Your heart rate is higher when you sleep with untreated apena. I used a CPAP about 20 years ago and it was difficult for me to tolerate but started using one again about six years ago and the newer machines are much better and quieter and I barely notice I have it on unless I roll onto my side. I wear a smart watch and monitor my heart rate. There are nights I get up to pee and fall asleep when I come back to bed before remembering to put my mask back on and I see the oxygen variation level on my watch increase as well as a higher heart rate. Having apnea is bad; using CPAP to treat apnea is good. Some people write that apnea is a scam, etc. and the evidence proves otherwise. The Apnea Board forum NaeNae linked above was very helpful to me in understanding apnea, factors choosing a machine and masks (I tried about six masks, all out of pocket). Wearing a full face mask is harder for people to tolerate than a nasal mask. Even those deemed to be "mouth breathers" can usually get by wearing a nasal mask if they are willing to tape their lips shut each night. I recently had a period of time when I became a mouth breather and started taping (I found a very good medical silicone tape on Amazon) but trained myself to keep my mouth shut (while sleeping, lol).
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
There are two sides to this CPAP issue. I certainly don’t question that there are those who benefit from its use and I’m glad it improves the quality of their lives. However, there are those who have tried it and experienced negative benefits, myself being one of those. I gave it an honest effort, but it was having the opposite effect on me from what was intended. It interfered with my sleep to the point that it was a deal breaker between myself and Schneider. When I looked for another company, one of my requirements was to not be forced to use a CPAP machine. It’s like most people can eat peanut butter, but it will kill a few other people if they eat it.
There are companies out there that are not like Schneider. Anybody want to buy a gently used CPAP machine?
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
So i recently optained my CDL B in May. When i went for my permit i had taken a dot physical and got a 2 year card and submitted the self certification. So fast forward to now i get hired with a local tri axle dump truck company, they sent me for a physical (sort of a lift test) and a dot physical (june 4th) dr stated that he was only going to give me a 3 month card and i needed a sleep study (because my neck measured 18 inch) which i cannot afford first off. Well anyway they asked me at the end if i wanted them to fax everything, so being agitated by being there for 3 hours i said yes thinking they meant to my employer….but they faxed it to PENNDOT not the employer. My employer is allowing me to use my own dot card instead. My understanding is the newest submitted card cancels out the other one. Can i resubmit my other long form and self certification from the first physical? Or am i absolutely screwed now? Thanks in advance
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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:
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.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated