Question
I was wondering what tests are done in regards to a DOT physical. It would apply to Florida. The reason is I am a current Law Enforcement officer of 18 months. I would like to enter the trucking field. When I applied to the police dept., I had to take an EKG as part of the physical. The doc said that it "appeared" that I had had a prior heart attack. I assured him that I had not but he would not sign off until I saw a cardiologist. The cardio doc performed a sonagram as well as a 2 part stress test (1 on a bicycle simulator and then a resting test) He said, Well, it appears that you are just "normally abnormal", and nothing appeard to be unusual. He then sogned off on me and the dept. hired me. This however made me $2400 lighter! My question is if an EKG is done as part of the DOT physical? If so, it would cost me big bucks to have to have a stress test done every time to prove I'm okay. My blood pressure is normal, 120/80. I'm in good shape. Since my tests were all negative, I don't see were I would have to mention either. Any comments are appriciated.
Thanks.
Matt
Answer
Sorry I haven't answered sooner. I am on vacation in W;Va; and just happened to get into a friend's computer while visiting.
As long as you do not currently have a diagnosis of any cardiac problems an EKG will not be done.
By getting the original stress testing done by a cardiologist, it was ruled out that you had any coronory problems. So you can honestly answer "NO" to the questions on the medical history part of the form.
Good luck to you.
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