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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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Your comments are also welcome.
How long can I get a dot medical card with a trace mitral valve regurgitation?
@ Donovan S
Most likely one year at the time. And you will need supporting documentation from your cardiologist.
i found out that i have a abdominal aortic aneurysm it is 3.8 how big does it have to get without a stent in before i have to stop driveing
@ Kevin G
At 3.8 your chance of rupture is slight, but once it reaches a level of 5 to 6 cm, then it will become a major question by the CME.
what are the guidelines for recent (3 months) dx of CHF with EF currently at 40%? Can a person be certified with cardiologist clearing? is there a waiting period?
@ Iris M
With a return to work or medical release form from the cardiologist and a LVEF greater than 40 %, a driver can drive. Medical certification should be for one year at the time.
If you have had bypass surgery 23 years ago do you have to have a stress test every year.
@ Tony C
No, not every year. DOT/FMCSA wants a stress test every two (2) years.
I have had a aortic trans catheter heart valve replacement, what is required to get a dot medical exam back
@ Kenneth W
A one month waiting period and a return to work release. Medical release form from your cardiologist and a new medical certification examination. Medical card will be limited to one year at a time.
Is a stress test required after five years following bypass surgery.
@ John M S
DOT/FMCSA for class A interstate drivers, stress test every two years following cardiac surgery.
I’ve been told this is not a requirement anymore.
@ David
I guess it depends on who you got your information from and if they are in the know.
I read someplace that you only needed yearly echo for five years after stent. (Heart attack preceded stent). Is this correct or will I need an echo every year? I know the stress test is every two years.
@ Dean F
Echos for 5 years and stress test every two years.
My husband is about to go an Atrial Flutter Ablation. His doctor told him he has to be off work for one week. I can’t find anything in DOT guidelines for the specific procedure, as to how long before he is cleared to return to work.
@ Karen W
For a class A cdl, there is a one month waiting period following this procedure via DOT/FMCSA requirements and regulations.