Heart disease and DOT physical

yaaintdeadyet · Sep 8, 2006

I went through the standard DOT medical exam today. The company paid for this physical. When the Doc saw I had bypass surgery 4 years ago she wants a recent, it's been 3 years, Cardiologist's exam as well as a stress test before she'll sign me off. I'm a state away from my Cardiologist's office, thus called a local to schedule an exam and test. To the tune of over $1200! I don't want to be out of pocket for this if I can avoid it. I've no insurance.
My question is; will most company's pay for the stress test and cardio doc's fee's in conjunction with the DOT medical exam? Far reaching isn't it?
I know the test would be beneficial, as well as the doc's exam. I also know I'm in ##### good health. Other than the sudden weight loss from unloading such $.
Wadda ya know out there?

greg334 · Sep 8, 2006

Just a thought, when was the last time you saw the cardiologist? You know any doctor can do the phyiscal - including your cardiologist. And if he/she feels everything is alright for you to drive well who better to sign off on the DOT.

yaaintdeadyet · Sep 9, 2006

As I said in my post, it's been 3 years. The issue seems to be the fact that this doc has completed all the DOT exam, she just wants a cardio doc to do an exam and test. I know I could go to a cardio doc and get the entire exam done yet the process has already begun. Began by using the company's doc and their nickel.

mrgoodtude · Sep 9, 2006

You will probably bare the burden as you have to prove you are fit enough for duty. When a company pays for your physical they are only covering their butts with DOT and the insurance companies.
On the upside imagine the peace of mind you will have when you are able to pass the stress test, after 3 years I imagine you would be curious.
Mike and Cyn

LDB · Sep 9, 2006

Out of curiosity I would probably call my home cardiologist and find out what it would cost for what I need. As a returning patient the charges may be lower and offset the cost to get home to my own doctor. I'd rather have the test there if possible for many reasons. Good luck.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

highway star · Sep 9, 2006

My GUESS would be that the answer to the $1200 question is no, the company will most likely not pay for that. Does the company require you to use their doctor? If not, I'm sure an office visit to your cardiologist would be much cheaper. Although, cardiologist does have an expensive ring to it.

yaaintdeadyet · Sep 11, 2006

LDB,,that's my plan as it stands now. I'll call the initial cardio doc tomorrow. He's always been helpful and might bend his exam fee a bit. If he's of no help then I'll search this area. Mrg,,,I am curious as to the dictates of a stress test. Yet, I am active, still play roller hockey 3 times a week, worked as a beer hawker carrying a 40lb backpack with 4gls of pressurized beer in it. This was in Yuma AZ durin the summer. All that will help yet it was my laziness and tightwad ways that put me in this situation. Thank you to you all for your take.