DOT Medical Card And Sleep Apnea

Topic 5962 | Page 1

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Sly48's Comment
member avatar

Hello Drivers, I have to share my most recent experience to possibly help anyone and also gain some knowledge myself.

I know Sleep Apnea has been discussed a million times on here and other boards, etc. but here's my story.

I went and renewed my DOT Medical Card at the end of July. All clear, no sleep study required and got my 2 year card. I get hired with my new company and BAM, the Dr. says, " You are borderline for a sleep study". My BP was 122/82, my neck size is under 17 inches and my throat is clear and good, but my BMI is high (36). The current Dr. wanted to order the sleep study and I told him I wasn't sure but I don't think I will have Medical Insurance for 90 days and I can't afford it without help from Insurance. He then proceeds to only issue me a DOT Med Card for 90 days and said once I get the study and it's negative he will give me a 2 year card. If I don't pass and need a CPAP I will need to be compliant for X amount of days and then he will issue me another card for 1 year.

1st, I think he's in bed with a sleep study company because he wants me to use the company he ask, for that reason alone I doubt I will (my new company said I could use who ever I want). If I need it, I will find my own. 2nd, If he really thinks I'm at risk why would be give me a 3 month card? So it's ok to drive for 3 months with him thinking I have Sleep Apnea, but will let me get insurance 1st then recommend I go to his preferred place for the "at home study".

If I need it, that's fine. If I have it and need a machine that's fine too as I know it will improve my health and make me a safer driver, etc...etc.

But here's the kicker I need help with. If I have a new 2 year card that's registered with the DMV in the state I live in already and now I get this one for 90 days that's NOT registered with the state. Which one is legally binding?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

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.

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.

Dm:

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.

DMV:

Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles

The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.

Old School's Comment
member avatar

Sly, your most recent, or maybe I should say the last card you received, is your current medical card. When changing jobs, it is your responsibility to self-certify your new card with your state. You don't want to be caught carrying two or three different medical cards around with you.

Sly48's Comment
member avatar

Sly, your most recent, or maybe I should say the last card you received, is your current medical card. When changing jobs, it is your responsibility to self-certify your new card with your state. You don't want to be caught carrying two or three different medical cards around with you.

Thanks!!! I'll do some digging and see what I need to do!!

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