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Q&A
What if I’ve have a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
What if I’ve have coronary artery bypass surgery?
What if I’ve have angioplasty surgery or stents?
What if I’ve have ventricular tachycardia?
Can I get a DOT medical card if I have a defibrillator?
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
You will need to be off work for at least two months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have coronary artery bypass surgery?
You will need to be off work for at least three months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have angioplasty surgery or stents?
You may return to work once you’ve been cleared by your cardiologist, which may be as soon as one week after the procedure. You will need to get an Exercise Tolerance Test three to six months after the procedure, and again at least every other year. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have ventricular tachycardia?
If you have recurring episodes you should be evaluated by a cardiologist to see if the underlying cause of the ventricular tachycardia is disqualifying.
Can I get a DOT medical card if I have a defibrillator?
The defibrillator is a disqualifier for inter-state driving. The defibrillator is designed to correct problems when they occur, but it still leaves a safety risk.
You may be able to drive inter-state, based on your state’s regulations.
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Taking nitroglycerine is, of itself, not a disqualifier. The medical examiner may require an evaluation by your treating physician to make sure that your angina is stable.
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My husband had a quadruple by pass in April of 2022. His ejection fraction stayed at 40% ..it is now up to 45%. His cardiologist is releasing him to return to work.
Is there a time frame on the ejection fraction? Does it have to be greater than 40 for a year?
@ Janean
If he is holding above 40% LVEF, then he should be fine.
I had an ablation done in my heart and am told I can not do the return to work physical for a month. Is this correct.
@ Pedro
For a class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA suggest a 1 month waiting period before the certifying examination.
Is it legal for my employer to make me see the doctor they choose for my medical card rather than allow me to choose my own doctor when I’m the one paying for it ?
@ Don
You would need to speak with legal council for the correct answer. Some companies use their own doctors to help rule out/disqualify a driver before they get hired.
I live in the state of GA I have kidney failure and I do Peritoneal dialysis every night. Will this medical condition disqualify me
@ Joseph
For a class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA medical certification, you would be disqualified. For a lesser class cdl, you will fall under the states guidelines and variances. Best to check with your local DLD for confirmation and restrictions.
I had a heart catheterization done that show’s no blockage or anything else. How can I get my class b CDL back. I have been cleared by the doctors. I have been off work for the last 2 months. I had a one night stay in the hospital when I first started having a problem 2/5/23
@ Rocky T C
Since you are a class b cdl holder, you fall under your states guidelines and regulations, not federal DOT/FMCSA. You should be able to get your class b without any issues. Just check with your local DLD for guidance.
Hey Doctor, I am a 61 YOM Class A driver, that is undergoing an Aortic Valve replacement, being replaced with a TAVR valve. How long after my surgery does FED DOT regulations require me to be out of work ?? Any help would be greatly appreciate. Thank You !!
@ Jim T
3 month waiting period and yearly physical for DOT/FMCSA class A.
If a diver can not pass a stress test after heart attack and placement of stent,what becomes of CDL and haz may endorsement
@ Corey
You need to check with your local DLD for best answer.
I had a Aortic dissection and now have a titanium mechanical valve in my heart. Would that stop me from getting my medical card? Im trying to start my own business
@ Stephen
If you are not going for a class A cdl, then you will fall under your state guidelines, not federal DOT/FMCSA.
Check with your local drivers license department (DLD) for guidance.