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Q&A
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
If the hernia does not interfere with your operation of a commercial motor vehicle, then there is no problem.
If you have pain and are limited in some way, then you should take care of the problem before it does become a serious problem.
I had hernia surgery three years ago. There is some scar tissue which causes a little discomfort from time to time but in no way renders me unable to perform any tasks. Will this cause me to fail a DOT physical?
During the examination you will be questioned regarding the hernia surgery. Just let the medical examiner know how this effects you and whether it interferes with your daily activities. Some companies have restrictions, but this is a company policy not a DOT regulation.
I have a hernia that does not give me any trouble. The doctor I saw for my DOT exam says I have to get it repaired before my next exam. What if my regular doctor says that we can do watchful waiting instead of surgery? What are my rights under the law about this?
The DOT examiner is looking at a progressive condition, but if you will take a note from your primary doctor who has evaluated your condition and understands what you really do for a living, then the DOT examiner should consider your primary doctor’s opinion. However, the final decision to certify you, or not, remains with the medical examiner.
What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?
It is possible to apply for an exemption. FMCSA has a certificate program for drivers with limb impairments. FMCSA also has a special certification program for drivers with missing limbs. (see FMCSA Skill Performance Evaluation)
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I would like to add that the cancer was only in my esophagus and not through the outer lining to surrounding areas or lymph nodes The small tumor responded extreamly well to treatment per exam.
Hi Rich How are you doing my husband is going thur the same almost .
I had esophageal cancer and had radiation and Chemo Aug through Oct of 2018 and an esophogectomy on Dec 14 2018, I am now cancer free and not in treatment. I had a CT scan in May and it was clean. My fed med examiner will only give me a card for 3 mos at a time because thats when I get labs done for my oncologist. It will go to 6mos my next time. I think this is compleate bullshit and can she do this? I am cancer free with no treatment and no effects that will hinder my driving abilities. What can I do?
@ Rich
Yes, she can and you can go elsewhere for a second opinion.
Ok so I went and got my medical card so when I go to get my cdl permit I have it if they need it and on the the card it asks for your drivers licence number and if your a cdl applicant or holder I checked no for that since I don’t have it yet. So my question is when I get my cdl will my license number change if so do I have to get a new card? Also will I have to recheck the box that I am a cdl holder
@ Stephen E
You will need to check with your state DLD for that information.
I walk with a slight limp (left leg) due to an infection as a child. I work out six days a week, have a normal range of motion. I currently work with Pepsi as a sales rep. I am trying to move over to Frito Lay, I’ll be doing the same type of physical work (actually less physical) but driving a vehicle that will require me to have a DOT medical card. Will my limp keep me from getting the position?
@ Mike
The limp should not affect your getting a medical card. Just make sure you explain that you are not a class A long haul driver and that you fall under the states variances for your medical card.
Thanks for the answer, hopefully it works out.
I had a 5 way by pass open hart after recovery i got a stress test and a echocardiogram. Passed all test doc gave me the all clear to drive a truck. I passed my DOT Med exm and have been driving for a year, had to renew my card. the doc would not pass me with out a new Echocardiogram becuse my last one is 11 mouths old but my stress test is good for 5 years?
@ Ray
FMCSA requires a stress test every two years. ECG’s support the test results. The CME may request a new ECG to help in his decision making process.
I work for a trucking company. One of our applicants needs to get a Skills Performance Evaluation. Do you know how long the process takes? The doctor required it because he said he has diabetic neuropathy in his feet. Can he get a medical release from his neurologist and then go to a different clinic?
@ Teresa L
You could try for a second opinion with a medical release form from the neurologist. But you may still need the SPE exam. That one you will have to find a local examiner to perform the ride-along evaluation. Just a question, is your driver going to drive long haul semi or a lesser class license? It makes a difference.
I drive a 5- 6 ton 8- 12 passenger bus within the state of PA.
I have a workers comp injury since Feb of this year…which does not allow me as of yet to do wheelchairs…but I perform all other duties required.
I passed the DOT physical (as per her notes) today yet the Physicians Assistant is saying I have to get a Medical Report filled out after no restrictions are present.
But that isnt part.of the DOT physical.requorements…
Isnt that.illegal? Descrimination? Or something else?
@ Nancy
We are guessing that you are not a class A cdl holder. Which puts you under the states variances and not FMCSA. The FMCSA guidelines were developed for over the road, long haul drivers. The PA is not differentiating FMCSA and the states requirements. If you are a class A holder, then the PA is correct and should not pass you for any reason due to your ongoing restrictions. The state may not require a repport. Check with your state DLD for clarification.
When returning from work after a surgical procedure Is it the Doctor Who performed the procedure who returned you to work or do you need to see a DOT certified physician? If your physician who performed the procedure Clear you to drive a school bus but states in the note that you cannot do any lifting is there anything that prevent you from returning to work?
@ regina k
The DOT examiner does not return you to work, but he does need to do a new physical, if your state requires it. Best bet is to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.