Pre employment physical and blood test can show raised test levels?

[Dr JIM]

For instance, I went into a doctors office and on the counter it had a notice stating that if your bmi was over 35 they are regulated to make you go get tested for sleep apnea to maintain your class a drivers license. On the contrary congress passed a law stating they couldn't force them to get this test due to bmi alone. There had to be other indicators such as high bp, excessive snoring, etc.

I suspect the law being referred to is HIPPA, which most certainly not black and white.

To that end insurance carriers have considerably influence in this regard as does the lay public bc those whom are "overweight" are at increased risk for SA and could fall asleep behind the wheel driving an 18 wheeler.

A patients rights under HIPPA has limits especially if non-disclosure poses a greater risk to the lay public.

 

[gr8whitetrukker]

Body mass index is another joke

 

[Dr JIM]

If it's being used as a means of risk stratifying SA on an exclusive basis I would certainly agree.

However BMI is a useful SCREENING tool for SA bc false negatives are very unlikely.

Yup big guys like YOU GR-8 will likely be FALSE POSITIVE, but further evaluation should/would reveal the truth, your "overweight" bc of enhanced LBM!

 

[XKawN]

I suspect the law being referred to is HIPPA, which most certainly not black and white.

To that end insurance carriers have considerably influence in this regard as does the lay public bc those whom are "overweight" are at increased risk for SA and could fall asleep behind the wheel driving an 18 wheeler.

A patients rights under HIPPA has limits especially if non-disclosure poses a greater risk to the lay public.

at the time I did a lot of research on the situation. I am naturally a big guy. Wide shoulders and thick necks. An examiner (doctor) told me that if my neck was over a certain size he was forced, by law, to send me in for sleep apnea testing. I got into an argument with him explaining the law in detail and also showed him a video from a major hospital that explained the law in detail which contradicted his statements and he changed his stance to "that's their policy, this is ours". so it went from forced by law to this is our policy. Congress passed a law that states the fmcsa doesn't have the authority to regulate this based on bmi alone. There are many, many doctors out there deceiving clients/patients stating their hands alone re tied... it's the law when in fact it's not.

 

[XKawN]

I don't question your ethics, Dr Jim, but you have to admit there are some shady people out there in all aspects of life. Including some doctors. You know I just had a serious medical issue where I needed 2 knee surgeries. This is just a couple weeks ago. About a week and a half after surgeries workman's comp doctor cleared me for full duty at work. Even after I told him I had to take 2 Norcos to make it to see him. How's that for ethical, lol.

 

[Dr JIM]

at the time I did a lot of research on the situation. I am naturally a big guy. Wide shoulders and thick necks. An examiner (doctor) told me that if my neck was over a certain size he was forced, by law, to send me in for sleep apnea testing. I got into an argument with him explaining the law in detail and also showed him a video from a major hospital that explained the law in detail which contradicted his statements and he changed his stance to "that's their policy, this is ours". so it went from forced by law to this is our policy. Congress passed a law that states the fmcsa doesn't have the authority to regulate this based on bmi alone. There are many, many doctors out there deceiving clients/patients stating their hands alone re tied... it's the law when in fact it's not.

You came across one doctor that admitted it was his policy but now for some reason MANY, MANY, MANY, are deceiving patients, really?

Your using an single anecdote to formulate a far reaching conclusion, and why is that!

Regardless if the latter is the case (and I know it's not) please tell me what is compelling physicians to lie about SA testing?

Oh and something that should be mentioned; congress passes LEGISLATION and the COURTS define their application as LAW!

 

[Notits]

You came across one doctor that admitted it was his policy but now for some reason MANY, MANY, MANY, are deceiving patients, really?

Your using an single anecdote to formulate a far reaching conclusion, and why is that!

Regardless if the latter is the case (and I know it's not) please tell me what is compelling physicians to lie about SA testing?

Jim i have come across dozens with the same experience. The concensus in the transportation industry is that those diagnosing are scratching the backs of those offering treatment, in cahoots so to speak and that there is some type of financial benefit for both.

 

[XKawN]

You came across one doctor that admitted it was his policy but now for some reason MANY, MANY, MANY, are deceiving patients, really?

Your using an single anecdote to formulate a far reaching conclusion, and why is that!

Regardless if the latter is the case (and I know it's not) please tell me what is compelling physicians to lie about SA testing?

Oh and something that should be mentioned; congress passes LEGISLATION and the COURTS define their application as LAW!

I personally have had multiple experiences. My company switched medical offices for this very situation. It's not just my experiences. I know of dozens of people going through the same situation. I've had that doctor tell me it wa the law and I walked out and went down the street where the next doctor would say he is full of shit.

 

[Dr JIM]

Jim i have come across dozens with the same experience. The concensus in the transportation industry is that those diagnosing are scratching the backs of those offering treatment, in cahoots so to speak and that there is some type of financial benefit for both.

Oh I've no doubt there a certain degree of quid-pro-quo in the works, which usually means the medical standard is loosely defined and the particulars are sorted out in a legal venue. (Just the same let's not be disingenuous and blame "physician policies" for what sounds like industry wide corruption)

Folk need to understand the risk certain ailments can pose to the general public and THAT should be the focus of from a medical perspective, to first identify and then limit the risk.

I've probably done a handful of pre-employment physicals on AA pilots and NOTHING I've seen even comes close to the degree of emotional, physical, mental, and security screening these folk must endure, but I ask would WE WANT IT ANY OTHER WAY?

NIMO !!!

 

[XKawN]

Oh I've no doubt there a certain degree of quid-pro-quo in the works, which usually means the medical standard is loosely defined and the particulars are sorted out in a legal venue.

Folk need to understand the risk certain ailments can pose to the general public and THAT should be the focus of from a medical perspective, to first identify and then limit the risk.

naw, man. You don't tell someone it's the law that they have to spend hundreds of dollars on more testing to maintain their career when is clearly not the law. Folks are coming out of pocket with lots of money just to try and hold onto their job because they think they have to based on the word of a doctor. Someone they are supposed to trust.

 

[Notits]

Oh I've no doubt there a certain degree of quid-pro-quo in the works, which usually means the medical standard is loosely defined and the particulars are sorted out in a legal venue.

Folk need to understand the risk certain ailments can pose to the general public and THAT should be the focus of from a medical perspective, to first identify and then limit the risk.

I've probably done a handful of pre-employment physicals on AA pilots and NOTHING I've seen even comes close to the degree of emotional, physical, mental, and security screening these folk must endure, but I ask would WE WANT IT ANY OTHER WAY?

NIMO !!!

Agreed

 

[jackthegripper2]

Body mass index is another joke

Especially if you're on gear

 

[cobra500]

I'd say no, I've drug tested for many companies and they are looking for recreational drugs not gear. For piece of mind lower your doses and don't do Deca or orals, imo.