Dot physical 2nd opinion

Well, the 3 month medical card issued 3 years ago is long expired so you need a new one regardless. I'd just pretend that 3 month exam never happened.

But yes, if you go to a doctor and they deny you or want you to do a test, there's no rule against walking out and going to a different doctor to try again. Even if that first doctor gave you a 3 month card, another might give you a 2 year card. Just trash the 3 month one and submit the 2 year one to your DMV.

Try finding an independent doctors office or a local chiropractor, far less likely to nitpick or scam you with a sleep study. Don't go to a corporation or large chain place like concerta.

 

Exactly what Zaroba said! Concerta is by the book. They'd rather go by a body scale sheet than actually have you perform a couple of physical activities, like touch your toes and squat. Your chances for getting a 1-2 year med card skyrocket if you go to local doctor.
Good Luck Bud!

 

What state are you in?

 

No.
Avoid Concentra.
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Never know when you'll run into a power hungry person that's authorized to do physicals.
CVS Pharmacy also does them.
Some chiropractors are on the authorized list. Some are OK and a few are hardcore by the book.

 

Your question actually has no easy answer. I am going to draw your attention to the bottom of the current MCSA-5875 where the ME certifies you. Keep this in mind. That certification while 3 years old is the last one in the FMCSA ME database. A ME made a determination you needed a sleep study and placed such a certification in the FEDERAL RECORDS under your ID. I also suspect you self certified so you could keep the CDL for these 2 years and 9 months after the physical expired. I HIGHLY recommend you tell any new examiners about that 3 months card. You do not want to have the FMCSA tossing your new physical for doctor shopping. YES, even 3 years after the physical expired the records are still in the FMCSA database.

This BS is why drivers are having problems getting physicals. The problem is once a Concentra gets their claws into you this can get a bit "sticky". I know what I am saying is peeving you off, but I am attempting to save you a lot of time and problems later. @brian991219 what say you?

 

FMCSA National Registry

With the new rules you can only get certified by approved examiners on this list. Make sure whomever you choose is on this list.

Then use this list to find approved schools to attend. Most will offer scholarships.

Training Provider Registry

 

Thanks M,

You are correct, his last medical certification is the one that matters. So, to get a new one today, even 3 years later, he would have to answer all the questions honestly including that he has had a medical certificate for less than 2 years. If, when the evals are done and the long form was filled out the same as the previous one (except for anything that has changed in the last 3 years) the new certified medical examiner finds he does not require a sleep study the certification is valid and will hold up to FMCSA scrutiny.

Getting a second opinion is not a bad idea, the only requirement FMCSA has is to compare apples to apples, meaning answer the long form questions exactly the same for both examiners.

 

Other drivers with issues have reported that going to a chiropractor that does DOT exams is usually more driver friendly. The SYSTEM is now better able to track DOT medical exams than in the past. The SYSTEM is aware that some drivers "Doctor Shop" or keeping going to different medical offices until they get one that will pass them. The Doctor, nurse, etc that completes a DOT exam is supposed to report that exam to the state even if you don't. So you are safest to find the doctor, or whatever, and THOROUGHLY investigate to learn if your issue is one that can pass THAT doctor's process BEFORE you get another 3month card. Also, remember the DOT medical exam doctor, nurse, whatever is NOT your partner in health and a possible best friend or psychological counselor. For the most part, they are only going to know the answers to the questions on the medical form from the answers you write on that form. There is no small-talk in a doctors's office from anyone "behind the counter". I think it is safer if you view those people as the people that can take away your income if they find something wrong with your health or you give them the wrong answer to certain questions. BTW, there are at-home sleep study programs that are not expensive. Many of the people I've know that have a sleep study and then use some device, like a CPAP, report it was one of the best things they ever did. Their sleep quality is so much better than before. Nobody wants to take a sleep study or use a mask to sleep, but it could be a great improvement.