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See our BLOG Category on Sleep Apnea for articles and more information.
Q&A
Is sleep apnea a disqualifier?
What is EDS? Is EDS a disqualifier?
If I’m overweight do I have to have a sleep apnea test?
Is there a BMI limit for commercial drivers to pass the DOT physical?
What does neck size have to do with the DOT physical exam?
What does snoring have to do with the DOT physical exam?
I take Restoril for sleep. Will that be a problem for the DOT physical?
Is sleep apnea a disqualifier?
Sleep apnea does not necessarily disqualify you for medical certification. Treatment with a CPAP machine and some basic lifestyle changes can help you get a restful sleep and maintain your commercial driver’s license. Many drivers who have suffered fatigue for a long time , and then were diagnosed with sleep apnea and treated, report that they’ve felt like a new person since they’ve been on a CPAP machine.
You will need to bring a medical opinion letter from your treating physician before you can be considered for DOT medical certification.
Narcolepsy is a disqualifier regardless of treatment, because it poses a risk of EDS and may also bring on sudden muscular weakness.
What is EDS? Is EDS a disqualifier?
EDS stands for Excessive Daytime Somnolence or Sleepiness. Because fatigue and driver drowsiness are safety concerns, the medical examiner must rule out EDS before certifying. A driver who has EDS will be temporarily disqualified until the condition is being successfully treated. The medical examiner will want to see a medical opinion letter from the treating physician before issuing a medical card.
If I’m overweight do I have to have a sleep apnea test?
No. Being overweight, of itself, does not mean that you should be tested for sleep apnea. Overweight is an initial indicator for the medical examiner to make sure that other conditions aren’t present which may affect your ability to safely operate a CMV.
The medical examiner will evaluate your overall physical condition and health history. The medical examiner has a responsibility to have you tested for sleep apnea if he/she has reasonable suspicion that you may have sleep apnea. Many people suffer for years from sleep apnea and don’t know they have it until a doctor catches the symptoms.
Sleep apnea is not only associated with sleep deprivation. It’s also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and diabetes. The most serious complication is a severe form of congestive heart failure. Sleep apnea sufferers also have a 30% higher risk of heart attack or premature death than those unaffected.
Is there a BMI limit for commercial drivers to pass the DOT physical?
There are currently no set specifics on BMI measurement in the DOT regulations. However, companies may set their own policies and have their own standards for these indicators, which may disqualify you to drive for that particular company.
What does neck size have to do with the DOT physical exam?
Neck size, weight, and BMI are all just indicators that the medical examiner looks at to determine if you may have a condition such as sleep apnea that would impact your ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle now or for the period for which the medical card may be issued. There are currently no set specifics on these measurements in the DOT regulations.
Other indicators of potential obstructive sleep apnea are enlarged tonsils and large tongue volume. Individuals with low muscle tone and soft tissue around the airway (e.g., because of obesity) and structural features that give rise to a narrowed airway, are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
Because sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of other debilitating diseases, it’s the responsibility of the medical examiner to rule out suspicion of sleep apnea, for driver certification.
What does snoring have to do with the DOT physical exam?
Snoring, in combination with obesity, can be highly predictive of obstructive sleep apnea risk. That said, even the loudest of snorers may not have a breathing obstruction. The sign that is most suggestive of sleep apnea occurs when snoring stops. If both snoring and breathing stop while the person’s chest and body try to breathe, that is literally a description of an event called an ‘apnea’. When breathing starts again, there is typically a deep gasp and then the resumption of snoring.
For the DOT physical exam the medical examiner evaluates your overall physical condition and health history to determine if there are signs of a medical condition that may affect your ability to safely drive a CMV. If the medical examiner has reasonable suspicion that you have sleep apnea you may have to go for an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram before you can be further considered for certification.
I take Restoril for sleep. Will that be a problem for the DOT physical?
The medication, Restoril, may cause side effects: Hangover effect, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
These will all be questions the medical examiner is going to ask you about. This medication is usually used on a short term basis and not for a long term sleep aid. So it will depend on the type of driver you are and would be a serious consideration within the DOT examination.
You will need a medical opinion letter from your prescribing doctor explaining his reasoning for the use of this medication and why he feels it would be safe for you to drive a commercial motor vehicle OTR. Otherwise this could be a disqualifier for OTR drivers.
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How often do I need to get a new medical call if I have sleep apnea ?
@Greg
If all else is normal, you will need to renew every year.
My questions is what are the numbers that required me to have a Cpap? My sleep study numbers were 7.6 the examining doctor said I need a Cpap. The sleep study doctor said I don’t. Therefore I would like to know the FMCSA numbers that require a Cpap?
@Kevin
Not real sure where your examiner is getting his numbers from. If you do not exhibit a wide variety of signs and symptoms, then your sleep study physician is on the money. Sounds like there may be other issues here, so without further information, we would be hesitant to try an answer further.
FMCSA has their guidelines and within those guidelines, and they are guidelines, not regulations, they want the CME to do a full and complete history and evaluation. There are a multitude of signs and symptoms that should be present before asking for a sleep study.
If your sleep doctor does not feel that you need a CPAP, then take those results to someone else for a second opinion.
Hello Dr,
Okay here we go,,,,Last year got 3month card. Had to go into sleep study, had ahi 17. So i did get the sleep doctor to sign off no CPAP, per FMCA <20 not needed CPAP, Feb 2015,
Now fast foward went to DOT doctor yesterday my card is about to expire Nov ..Went to the doctor appoved by my work and passed with flying colors. ( went out of town to another approved company doctor). Now my works says i must get sleep doctor to sign off that I am good to drive. Guess what he will not do it unless I have another study done. SO ,,,now what did FMCA think we all have to be tested every year for sleep study. My weight is down and I am taller from the OVERBOARD DOT DOCTOR LAST YEAR. I would think it is in the hand of the FMCA approved doctor that i just went to yesterday if he thinks i need tested or not? Please reply on what your thoughts are..
Thanks
@Sam
It is up to the DOT approved examiner to make the final decision regarding your need for the sleep study. So if you are good to go, then where does the company come into this? And once you are cleared from the need for the CPAP, why would the company want you to get a sign off? And the FMCSA does want to see a running record of an individual who is on the CPAP, but FMCSA does not want the test done each and every year.
The company i work for uses a hire company to watch over the Med cards. The LPN with this company is telling the company i work for these are the rules. Seems that it is her way or no way. I did speak to FMCA and they told me to ask her where does she get this information from? FMCA says it is not out there. The final word is up to CME to make that final call and FMCA says this is why we have the classes to train them.
Now, the employer tells me no more contact with this LPN from Hire company and just have the sleep doctor sign off. Per FMCA I am in compliance.
Looks like they will have to fire me and then the employer and Unemployment judge can go over that I am in compliance with FMCA. I sleep fine with daytime sleepiness.
What a shame that it has to come to this…but they leave me no choice. I will NOT do another sleep study…the first one was all because of bad rules and guidelines that some folks do and did not understand. Any more ideas for you? I am trying to keep a postive outlook on this. Thanks for your reply.
Hi, my AHI is 8.8 and my doctor still does not want to clear me off without a CPAP. She does not want to go by the FMCSA website regulations. How did you get your doctor to clear you off. I do not know what to do anymore, they are driving me crazy.
@ UPS NC
Is your doctor a CME? If they do not want to go by the FMCSA guidelines, then you need to know what the issue is and then address it. If your doctor feels that there is a safety issue here then you need to address it, if there is no safety issue, then what is the problem and how do you correct it. The examination is supposed to be about safety, not anything else.
Print off the guidelines on AHI <20 WITH NO DAYTIME SLEEPINESS AND NO ACCIDENTS NO TREATMENT NEEDED. IT MAY CAUSE YOU MORE PROBLEMS THAN GOOD.
THEN SHOW THAT TO THE DOCTOR.
GOOGLE SEARCH THE AHI <20 FMCA ,,PRINT THAT OFF. TELL THE DOCTOR THAT HE IS DOING DOUBLE STANDARDS.IF THEY ARE GOING TO FOLLOW RECOMMENDATIONS ….IT GOES BOTH WAYS.
THERE IS NO LAW,,ONLY GUIDELINES ON OSA. IF YOU ARE IN GOOD HEALTH SHOULD BE NO PROBLEM. ALSO, YOU MAY HAVE TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH FMCA ON THIS CME. JUST DO NOT BACK DOWN,,,YOU ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMCA! STAND YOUR GROUND AND RESEARCH. THE FIRST CME THAT DID MINE IS NO LONGER A CME???
GOOD LUCK!
My husband went in August to get his DOT cert and due to the size of his neck, his physician told him he needed to get a sleep study. He only certified him for 90 days. My husband ordered the home study from place doc recommended. The results came back mild to moderate sleep apnea. Doc then referred him to Pulmonologist who we thought was gonna determine IF he was gonna need a CPAP. We went there today and paid another $171 for doc to tell him what he already learned from home study. He looked at his throat and checked his blood pressure. He’s an overweight guy, but has always had a perfect blood pressure. He doesn’t get sleepy during the day nor does he get sleepy while driving. The Pulmonologist told him today that he has to do another study at the hospital which I “assume” is to determine settings on machine. They don’t know cost and we are paying out of pocket. The hospital said that depending on which test is required, it’s either $1200 or $1900. His 90 days ends in 5 days and his CDL expires on the same day. He is our only income and he’s already missing a paycheck for this bs. Is there anything else we can do? We already can’t afford all of these tests out of pocket, but missing a week of work definitely isn’t helping our situation. We have a little one to take care of! He also has a good driving record with many years OTR experience. Please help!
What are the readings from AHI? If <20, and no daytime sleepiness…Then PER FMCA NO CPAP NEEDED, you must get some prints outs on fmca on ahi <20 and give them to dot dr and sleep dr. We went through the same BS and finally got dr's to read it and sign off. I told them both, double standards..if you are making me follow recommendations by fmca and no new laws…Then step up and follow the same ! Stand up for yourself,,,fight them to the end. From the get go, the sleep dr looked at me and did his test and said I DONT THINK YOU HAVE OSA…BUT, WE HAVE TO PROVE IT TO DOT. I so wished i would have had my recorder on. If i have to go through this ever again, I will record all DOT EXAMINES FROM NOW ON. Good luck to you !
remember that there are at least two types of sleep apnea OSA, CSA and or a mix, Most home study can only detect OSA. Day time sleepiness isn’t the only factor here It also involves alertness to say the least. Untreated sleep apnea above 5 AHI can lead to medical conditions that will be unsafe for driving. there are even studies that show untreated SA for ten years can and does contribute to Dementia which is a NQ condition no make what the degree is.
Mr. Dr, at this time…we are talking about OSA,,I have NO PROBLEM SLEEPING AT NIGHT. WHEN THE SLEEP DOCTOR TELLS ME…I DONT THINK YOU HAVE IT BY DOING HIS IN OFFICE SCREENING…BUT, WE HAVE TO PROVE IT TO DOT !! THIS IS WRONG! THEN,,,DOES NOT MARK OFF MY SHEET MEDICAL NEEDED FOR THE SLEEP STUDY MACHINE I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS RACKET,,YES, I DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS SO CALLED GUIDELINE. I DID NOT WRITE THE FMCA GUIDELINES ON THE AHI <20. FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD, IF AHI IS LOW AND THEY MARRY YOU TO CPAP IT MAY CAUSE YOU MANY MORE PROBLEMS!
ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! I AGREE, IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND YOU KNOW IT, THEN TELL THE CME AND SLEEP DOCTOR AND RUN IT UNDER YOUR INSURANCE. THANK YOU! REMEMBER DRIVERS,,,WE MUST FILE COMPLAINTS ON THE OVER THE TOP CME. FOLLOW THE MONEY TRAIL. MY TOWN,,THE HOSPITAL OWNS ALL OF IT!
I was sent to get sleep study done, was told I have mild sleep apnea ,was told I scored a 22 at the time . I have over2 million miles on my cdl with no accidents. Now I must use machine every night, can’t sleep , nose runs , sneezing , all they tell me is I need another type of mask, of course it always cost around $200 , this is a money scam all the way. Now I’m just ready to quit driving and get on welfare
@Tracey
Go some where else to get another DOT examination. That will cover your need for a new medical card. There were no new rules or regulations regarding sleep apnea, so you may be being taken advantage of. If you have daytime sleepiness and high blood pressure and restless leg syndrome and a list of other symptoms, then get a sleep study done. If you don’t, then just go get a new physical.
I have held a MA CDL for twenty yrs with a pristine driving record. I am 6 foot and weigh 280. I bench 285 lbs and miitary 325 lbs so i am not weight porportinate and have a 18 inch neck. I experience no symptoms of sleep apnea but to Dr ordered a take home test. I scored 2.6 which is below the standard that is 5 for mild apnea. insted of giving a thumbs up he said the test was inconclusive. Can I see a different Dr with my results and get certified
@Paul
Yes. If you do not have to do the new examination quickly, then give yourself a few weeks before you go for a new examination. FMCSA sees it as doc shopping if you do a follow-up one on top of the other.
Do you have to disclose that the previous dot doc wants you to go for the test?
@Angela
If the test was required because you failed the examination and you pose a safety issue, then the next CME is going to require the same thing.
Without knowing what was requested, then you need to ask yourself if the test would be beneficial or not. Think safety first. The new DOT physicals are asking new questions and you would be lying if you did not disclose the previous information.
The DOT doctor in question did not ask and questions just said his neck was a size 17 and he was a little over weight so was going to require him to go for the test. We went to a ENT doctor because we needed a prescription for the test, which I called the DOT doctor for and said he only referrers to this one who’s card he had right next to where he examined my husband. Anyways the ENT doctor examined my husband and told him he would not send him for this test if it was not for the DOT doctor requiring it. He also said I would know if he had because I sleep next to him every night. Today our insurance told us the would not cover it so it will have to come out of our pockets. So it has been over a month now and time is running out and after seeing the ENT doctor could we see another DOT doctor for a second opinion? Btw, he had just received a physical 8 months before and passed with flying colors. He was only going for again for a new job. His old medical card was still good for a year or more.
Thank you.
@Angela
Best bet is to go some where else and get a second opinion. Since the first examiner is over reading the guidelines and neck measurements are nowhere to be found in the FMCSA guidelines.
Hello, My fianće has had his class A CDL for 15 years. He leases a truck from his company, so hes a contractor not employee-As we all know, the sleep apnea laws are hazey at best. Almost 3 months ago he went for his DOT physical at Concentra in Nashville, they would only give him a 3month temp and said he needed a sleep study! He is 285 lbs, 5’9, has high bp and pre diabetes which he is being treated for. They gave him a questionaire in which all of his reponses would NOT warrant a sleep study. We feel the drs decision was solely based on neck, being a smoker and bmi. Is this legal? We have no insurance for the $2k exam that we cant afford, plus machine if needed and we have a $500 a wk truck payment lease so he cant be out of work! Its not fair bc we are about to be ruined financially bc we feel our rights are being violated. His company says Concentra is the only company he can get his DOT from, so no second opinion. Is that even legal when hes not an employee? Is tjere anything he can do? We have 3 weeks until his dot expires and are grasping at straws here. He is obese and checked yes to neing a smoker at tje time, however he quit on the patch a week later! Any advice on how to stop tjis or laws we can quote to them or his company would be appreciated! Heres a better question, what exactly does a DR need to demand a sleep study? Thank you kindly!
@Joy
CDL’s and medical cards are two separate things and they work in unison with one another, so a CME is not the issuer of CDL licenses.
As an operator you can go to any CME that is on the National Registry, so unless it is some type of company policy, you can go to whomever you want. The company you spoke of is quoting rules and regulations that simply are not so, but very financially lucrative (to them) if you don’t know any better. Go somewhere else and get a new DOT examination.
I am a CDL truck driver and had to take a sleep apnea test which I passed no problem. My question is while my results were put on my medical records that I passed,but how long is that good for? At what point can they demand another test.
@Harold
If you did not have sleep apnea, then it should not be an issue at all. And since there were no new laws about sleep apnea and the need for testing, then it should not have been noted on your records, other than the study was done and you do not have OSA. And they can’t ask for another one unless you demonstrate signs and symptoms of OSA.
How long are the results of a sleep study good for??
@Carlos
Positive or negative findings?
I had a positive findings can I get this reversed anytine?
@Matt
Define positive findings??!
Is the BMI test a law or I mean is it a law that if the doctor or the PA said everything is good but your BMI is not good because your neck is over 17 1/2. So everything else is good but the PA I passed and could have a 2 yr. card but only gave a 90 day card. Can they do that?? This is my Job or my Boyfriends job so how can this be and in the past 3 physicals in the past year no one ever brought this up. What should he do? and at the same point I would like to say does this mean that bodybuilders that have buffed up and have a large neck, have a bad BMI?
According to NOVA medical centers in Humble, Texas if you have a certain BMI you are required by law to get a sleep study done, according to them, and on top of that you will only have 3 months to get it done. Out of that 3 months you have to be on the machine at least a month. I’ve had my cdl over 20 years with NO accidents and never had this problem. Good luck trying to get everything done in 3 months. Now I’m going to be automatically downgraded and not legally able to drive even a tricycle if it’s for commercial use. Good ole government regulation.
Can i get retested for sleep apnea, and have it removed from my CDL, if I loose a 1/2 inch off of my neck size, and loose about 20 pounds. Thank You Keith
@Keith
If the test comes back negative for sleep apnea, then yes, why not.
But it wont. I asked the people where I had my study done and they told me 99% of people that have it done get a machine.
NATURAL! NO COST, NO MED’S,NO PM PILLS with natural deep sleep.
While laying in bed, breathe in nose, hold for count of 7, exhale through mouth slowly. Repeat this 3 to 4 times and goodnight. Sleep like a baby. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start day. ( From Yoga breathing class).
I was diagnosed with a mild form of Narcolepsy more than 3 years ago and have been on medications since that have brilliantly controlled my symptoms. I have never actually had a narcoleptic episode, however I suffered from excessive EDS and had enough REM cycles in a sleep and nap study to qualify for a Narcolepsy diagnosis. Both my primary care doctor and sleep specialist feel I am capable of driving a commercial vehicle and performing the duties of an Emergency Medical Technician safely. When looking at the DOT guidelines, it says that the guidelines RECOMMEND disqualifying anyone with a Narcolepsy diagnosis regardless of treatment due to the likelihood of EDS. I have already provided a letter from my sleep specialist saying he feels I am capable of performing these duties safely and will get both my primary care physician and sleep specialist to fill out the Medical Release Opinion form. Do you know if there is any other information that I could provide the Medical Examiner with that may help argue my case? If not, is there any way that I can get around or combat this because I have multiple physicians I have worked with for years saying I am capable of both driving an ambulance and performing the job specific tasks safely while the Medical Examiner is the only person who is both new to my history, and disagrees with the other two practitioners?
@Kelsey
Start with what classification of your drivers license – Do you have to have to drive an emergency vehicle?
The FMCSA guidelines are aimed more at the over-the-road drivers.
So with a lesser class license you may only need a medical card and not the class A version of a medical certification.
Also if you only drive intra-state you may fall under the states rules and not in the federal regulations. Each state is different so check with your state DLD.
Do I need data off my cpap every time I renew my medical card? If so how many months back do they need?
@Dwight
You would want to take a copy of the last couple months report each time you have a DOT medical examination done. The examiner is looking for proper compliance, so you might want to take a medical release form from your doctor stating that you have been compliant and how long you have been on the unit and how long he has been monitoring you.
Arizona wants 1 year report. Unless you just started then 3 months. Until your next physical.
I recently started at a new company in July, and of course getting my d.o.t physical done I got ordered to get sleep test, well my general manager (who I’ve known since childhood ) said no biggie just wait till your insurance starts then get dr. Appt scheduled, well went to schedule appt I could only get one that was 9 days past the expiration date that was juse the consultation then order the test after. I was told oh they give extension all the time, we’ll fast forward. I was denied the extension, been unable to drive since Sept 1st, can’t get anyone to help figure out what to do, now my company says if I can’t get it figured out I have to resign or I’m terminated by 5:00 pm on Sept 11th could I go and try to pass there b.s again and try bypass the sleep test . Been driving 19 years , all my actual physical results were in the great range, the only reason for test was neck measurement, but I have been a body builder for years it’s from working out and taking care of myself, ,,,, is there anything I can do?? Sorry for babbling but I’m running out of time and just needing a miracle
@Rob
Why not just go somewhere else and have the DOT examination redone.
There were no new laws regarding sleep apnea and this neck measurement and BMI are the laziest way to trick you into getting the test when you may not need it.
Now if you do have issues with daytime sleepiness, then by all means get the test done as soon as you can.
To better understand this contentious issue, read this series of articles on Sleep Apnea Screening.
Hello, I also was told YOU HAVE TO HAVE SLEEP TEST by CME, The Sleep doctor did the oxygen finger test, looked down throat and said I dont think you have it., but we have to prove it to DOT.. Anyway, sleep test done at home came back with 17, I told them i am NOT SLEEPY and per Guidelines i do not need CPAP machine if AHI <20 and no daytime sleepiness. So the CME gave me my one year card due to Blood pressure meds. Now, when I go back into to renew for my 1year again do i state anything about test showed <20 AHI and no treatment needed. Or do i just leave this blank on form. I will be going to new CME. Thank you for helping me understand .
@Steve
The one year card due to blood pressure medications is correct.
You have had the test for OSA and it was negative, so I would just mark “NO” for snoring or sleep disorders. That should fly just fine on your next DOT physical exam.
during june i had a prob with driving did blood and stress tests passed both advised to see a neurologist and did a EEG 7/27at hospital -passed but on the sleep night test 7/28 at clinic wr doc works out of, was told i had sleep apnea and put on a cpac for 30 days
no medical rel giving and out of work for 2.5 mo so far
how to i get a 2nd option w/o being taged shoping
55 age with 21yrs exp +2yr current =23yr driving CDL
solo 3300mi /wk for 5mo gets hard and it seems like I’m being hit and made to pay $ for co. working my ars off at the same time told i cannt work
@Mike
If they put you on a CPAP unit, then you need the 30 days to show compliance.
If you want a second opinion, then go find a CME that understands the guidelines and test with them.
Doc shopping only occurs when you go from one office to the other in a quick fashion, usually with an intention to hide relevant health information.
Just wait till your existing card is about to expire and then go somewhere else for another opinion.
Is it mandatory for a CME to only give a 1 year medical card to a driver with treated sleep apnea? I have had both 2 year and 1 year while being treated.
@Brett
New FMCSA guidelines recommends that drivers being treated for sleep apnea should be re-examined every year or medical cards are not to exceed one year at the time.
So I just listen to a live radio show with the FMCSA this morning with many questions and concerns reguarding this statement of weather or not that the medical examiner is required to only give a one year card if diagnosed with sleep apnea.
There reply from the FMCSA was stated by there representative that there is no restriction of us with getting a two year card when we present them that we are under the care of a sleep specialist and are compliant then there is nothing law or written anywhere that states we only get a one year card! So can you show us in writing where it says anywhere that you can only give us a one year card ore any other medical examiner when FMCSA stated otherwise!
@Chris
Look in the FMCSA guidelines for the certified medical examiner handbook on the FMCSA’s own website.
It is a recommendation from the FMCSA that is being held to. With proper documentation and at the discretion of the examiner, a two year or a one year card will be given.
I am a non cdl driver that requires A dot physical I only drive 55-60 miles a day. I was told my BMI was hi and have to go for a sleep study Is this even legal please give me advise.
@Phillip
Well they can say what they like, but there are no regulations that will support a ‘mandatory’ sleep study. Just take your business elsewhere. Someone is over-reading the guidelines and does not understand what they are doing for a non-cdl driver.
To better understand this subject read our articles on Sleep Apnea Issues Affect Commercial Drivers.
I have driven for same company for 15 years with perfect record. I am 38 . I had to go to company doctor for my physical for CDL renewal. The doctor said because of my neck size I had to have sleep apnea text. He said it is the law. I read this site and knew it wasn’t. I went to my boss and was told I had to have the test if I wanted to keep my job. I had an at home test with wrist bracelet. I failed. I have no high blood pressure .no sugar diabetes, perfect eye site. Do not use any medication ever. I am an active outdoorsman. No sleep problems! I failed the test. I was told I slept 8 1/2 hours and failed. I talked with the guy giving me the results. He said 99%fail. He told me he personally has taken the test and he failed it. I asked him if he wears the mask, he said ,”No, he cant stand anything on his face.” I tried it for a few minutes with him and could not stand it. I have always had a fear of drowning or suffocating . I cannot use it. What options do I have? Now that I was diagnosed with an “at home study”, could I still get another opinion and drive for a different company? Or , since I took the test because I wanted to stay at my present job is it too late to do that.?? I know about the 30 day wait to go to diff doctor from reading your site. I was given 90 days to comply. Do I wait 30 days after being told I have it? Thank you for this site!
@Kathy
The at home test do not stand up in a court of law.
Your best bet, since neck size and bmi is not a law and there are no new regs for sleep apnea, then go to another facility for your next exam. Unless you demonstrate more than 4 or 5 issues regarding excessive daytime sleepiness, you should pass with out any issues. Just wait out the 90 day to about 2 weeks before it expires.
Can’t tell you what to do about the boss.
I just went to another DOT doctor and got my medical card for two years. However, since the at home wrist test does not stand up in a court of law I did not say I had been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I waited until the 2 weeks before my card expired as you suggested. However, I have been reading site and am now worried I will get flagged and accused of doctor shopping. And lose my license. ?
Also, since my company I have worked at since I was 21 wont let me get another opinion I am going to lose my job. However, I didn’t want to lose my job and my trade (CDL) also. Thank you
@Kathy
If you suffer with sleep apnea symptoms and you lied on the federal form, then you could be flagged. If you have no sleep apnea symptoms and you passed with another CME, then you will have no issues.
Just wanted to thank you for your input and all the help provided on this site.
Have a great day!
Hello, I went to an urgent care for DOT approval for pre employment, and was temporarily suspended due to history of mild sleep apnea about 10 years ago. I had a new home sleep study kit done, with the report stating no sleep apnea found, and a letter stating the same from my family physician. The urgent care to approve this DOT, rejects all this and wants a overnight sleep study in a facility done (which my insurance won’t pay for).
Obviously after all this, the possible job I was trying to get into is closed. The question is: Can I just go to another different urgent care/Dot screening facility when a new job offer comes, present the examiner with the evidence and let them make the decision, or do I have to get the original urgent care to approve me?
I understand I am in a database for sleep apnea now, but I have the current reports stating no sleep apnea, I have a clean driving record, no daytime sleepiness, I’m 5’9 and 150 lbs, ect.
Thank you very much for your help.
@Jake
‘Doc in a box’ facilities are not your best bet. Try to find a CME that works independent of the urgent care places.
You may be in the data base as an individual, but FMCSA does not get the reasoning for the disqualification.
There were no new rulings regarding sleep apnea and the CME who disqualified you is overstepping the guideline to protect themselves from possible risk. See our Sleep Apnea Issues articles.
Take your information along with your doctors medical release with you and you should do just fine.