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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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I hold a cdl class a with hazmat . Just had a pacemaker implanted last month will see cardiologist April 1st . If I am released to drive what is the waiting period for the pacemaker? It’s a 2 chamber type.
@ Mark
Much depends on 1. what was the principle diagnosis and the reasoning behind the pacemaker installation. 2. Pacemaker only or ICD/pacemaker. Shortest wait will be 1 month and can go up to 3 months post pacemaker install.
Am I able to return back to operating a commercial vehicle such as a commercial vehicle having a defibrillator ? I was told that anyone that does have one can not operate a commercial vehicle for the remainder of their life, that they would have to quit that job that requires driving a commercial vehicle and find another job!!!!!
@ Willie
All depends on the class cdl you carry. Also, whether you are intra-state or interstate. We need additional information to help you.
What is patient has an aneurysm?
@ Britney
Where and how big/small?
can a chemically induced stress test be used for DOT stress test ?
@ David A M
With proper documentation, the CME may accept it. DOT/FMCSA for a class A interstate cdl request a treadmill stress test.
A year ago I was diagnosed with CHF with an EF of 20%. My last echo showed an improvement of EF to 35%. I will have another echo at the end of this month. If my EF is above 40% can I get my CDL?
@ Christopher T
If all else falls with in normal limits and your LVEF is 40% or better, you could be fine.
I had a triple bypass waited the 6 months and then received a medical release from my cardiologist saying I was 100 percent. I received my DOT HEALTH CARD This was a year ago. Do i need a medical release from my cardiologist every year?
@ Ben O
DOT/FMCSA for a class A OTR driver, needs a medical release from your cardiologist each time and a stress test every two years. Lesser class cdl holders are under your states regulations and may not require the release. Check with your local DLD for guidance.
I suffered a heart attack a month ago and had a stent put in. The morning after the surgery, I suffered a ventricular fibrillation – it lasted fifty seconds and I did not lose consciousness. As a result, the Doctors decided to implant a defibrillator (ICD). Even though my heart is on the mend, and the outlook is good, the ICD is permanent. I’m told the ICD is a permanent disqualifier for a DOT medical card. Isn’t there a pathway of some kind where I can be approved to drive a school bus in Maine again? I had no indication of any heart problem prior to this event and have been in good health otherwise.
@ Frank J K
Unless you carry a class A cdl, you fall under your states guidelines and regulations, NOT federal DOT/FMCSA. Someone does not know the difference between your states rules and federal regulations. Best to check with your local drivers license department for guidance through this process. We suspect that you can go back to school bus driving via your states guidelines.
I had a TAVR procedure in September. My cardiologist has given a letter saying I can go back to driving school bus. I went to have my bus physical and was told at the of the physical I had to wait 90 days from surgery. I did not have surgery with the TAVR. The doctor went up my artery in my leg to replace my Aortic value. So I just want to know the requirements. I was home in 31 hours. Thanks
@ David A
As a school bus driver with a lesser class cdl, not class A, you fall under your states regulations and not federal DOT/FMCSA. Confirm with your local drivers license department. Your medical examiner may be holding you to a class A standard.
Whom should sign off on DOT Medical Clearance: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery?
Cardiologist or General practioner.
@ Jock C
Cardiologist.
Hello I am 72 retired thinking about part time work just in my state of PA. I have AFIB,congestive heart failure and a pacemaker defibrillator. I see my DR every couple of Months. Can I still drive.
@ Dennis E
Your best bet will be to confirm with your local drivers license department. Their rules and requirements will different from those of the federal DOT/FMCSA.
Is Heart Failure a disqualifying condition for the physical? Current EF at 42 %. Taking ENTRESTO, blood pressure under control.
@ Rowilson F
For a class A cdl holders, LVEF of 40% or better, which you are above, you may be OK. It will depends on any other physical findings that the CME must evaluate and he/she will need release forms from your doctors, with a recent stress test. (stress must be within the past two years)
Good news. I am a School Bus Driver (not active), with a Class B PS endorsements. Planning on retireing from my current position at the school, but staying as a part time driver. Thank you for clarifying.
What is the heart rate range to pass dot
DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl: Bp below 140/90, pulse rate can run in a normal range of 60 to 80 bpm.
Hi, can a person diagnosed with AFIB drive a commercial vehicle or is it a exclusionary condition? Thanks
@ Nonya
All depends on the class cdl you hold or are going for.
If someone who carries a class A license has mitral valve repair or replacement, will they be able to drive again?
@ Beth
Yes, they will need a medical release form from their cardiologist and any documentation the CME may need in his/her decision making process. But with that information, you should be able to return to driving.
Can I get a medical card in south Dakota if I have a pacemaker?
@ Bruce H
Depends on the class cdl you have. Less than a class A interstate cdl will fall under your states regulations. Best to confirm with your local DLD.