Matt Myers, DC, CME

Matt Myers, DC, CME I am a Certified Medical Examiner having performed over 4000 DOT physicals.

04/19/2026

Do yourself, and the CME a favor.

When you come in for your DOT physical, please be prepared. Make sure you have a list of all of the prescriptions and supplements you are taking. Include strength, dosage and the reason why you're taking them ( many drugs have multiple clinical applications). Aside from the fact that you should know what you're putting in your body and why, it helps to expedite the history portion of the exam and shorten the time you spend at the doctor's office.

And your CME will be grateful.

Just a heads up.

04/09/2026

If you, as a CDL driver, have sleep apnea and use C-PAP therapy, you must furnish proof of compliance with treatment by providing the medical examiner with a usage report generated from data recorded in your machine.

Newer machines are smart units which can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The data can be read, recorded and stored on your phone with the use of the appropriate app, depending on the make and model of your machine. The report can be sent to your printer or by email to the doctor's office. Either way, you need to present this at the time of examination.

Compliance with regular C-PAP use follows the 70/4 rule. The data on the report must show you are using the machine a MINIMUM of 70% of nights (at least 5 nights out of 7 per week) for AT LEAST 4 hours per night.

As with any paperwork or other clinical documentation needed to make a certification decision, you should have this report with you at the time of your CDL examination. It helps the doctor expedite the process and saves you a trip back to the office later with the paperwork.

Just a heads up.

04/02/2026

Pursuant to the last post regarding ma*****na and CDL certification, there's a broader point to be made about the certification process and the Medical Examiner's Certificate.

I have many drivers (sometimes the better word is "candidates" ,since not all who receive certification actually drive as part of their employment) who say things like, "I don't really drive that much" or "I'm just doing this to keep my CDL active".

Now, I don't profess to be a mind reader, but I've always been curious as to why a "candidate" would bother to mention those things. I have an idea, but I feel it's best to set the record straight on this.

I perform CDL evaluations on not only those who operate commercial motor vehicles, but those who drive vehicles that do not fall into any of the classes of CMVs. Those individuals are referred to as "non-CDL".
Regardless of the category, it is irrelevant when it comes to the medical standards the candidate must meet when being issued an MEC. The exam is proctored by the FMCSA, which is part of the US DOT. The Medical Examiner's Report Form, which is used to record driver history and exam findings, is a FEDERAL FORM. Thus, it's a big deal and a Medical Examiner's signature carries a great deal of weight.

My signature on both the MEC and the MER is an attestation that the candidate is physically and mentally qualified to operate a CMV, whether he/she actually does or not.

What this means is that I do not certify work status, I certify the qualification to operate a CMV, regardless of work or CDL status.

Standards for a candidate do not change just because of a driver's employment status.

Just a heads up.

04/01/2026

For anyone who might have been curious, even casual ma*****na use is considered disqualifying for a CDL driver. Despite the fact that the Trump Administration recently downgraded it from Schedule I to Schedule III, the FMCSA still holds a hard "no" position on ma*****na use. A driver cannot be certified EVEN IF it is prescribed by a doctor.

And, edibles are also disqualifying, since even they can leave traces of THC in the system which can be detected by random drug screening.

Remember, it's all about impact on driver safety, and ultimately the impact on PUBLIC safety.

Just a heads up.

03/28/2026

Preparing for the CDL physical with a known condition can save you from a "Determination Pending" status, which forces you to come back for a second visit. Since 2026 guidelines emphasize documented stability over single-day readings, having your paperwork ready is more important than ever.
Here is a checklist of what to bring to ensure the urinalysis and overall exam go smoothly.

1. General Essentials
* Valid Driver’s License: This is mandatory for identity verification in the National Registry (NRII) system.
* Complete Medication List: Include the name, exact dosage, and the name/address of the prescribing doctor for every medication you take (including over-the-counter supplements).
* Corrective Lenses/Hearing Aids: Even if you only use them occasionally, bring them to the exam.

2. Condition-Specific Paperwork
If you have a history that might flag your urinalysis or blood pressure, bring these specific items:
For Diabetes (Sugar in Urine)
* Non-Insulin: A copy of your most recent HbA1c test (done within the last 3–6 months). A letter from your doctor stating your condition is stable and you have no "hypoglycemic unawareness" is highly recommended.
* Insulin-Treated: You must bring the MCSA-5870 form (Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment). This must be completed by your treating clinician no more than 45 days before your physical.
* Logs: Bring at least 3 months of electronic glucose records if you use a glucometer.
For High Blood Pressure or Kidney Issues (Protein/Blood in Urine)
* Clearance Letter: A brief note from your primary doctor or nephrologist stating your kidney function is stable and your blood pressure is well-managed.
* Recent Lab Work: If you’ve had a recent "renal panel" or "BMP" blood test, bring the results to show your Creatinine and GFR levels are normal.
For Sleep Apnea
* Compliance Report: A data printout from your CPAP machine covering the last 90 days. It must show you are using the device at least 4 hours per night for 70% of the nights.

3. Tips for the Day of the Exam
* Hydrate with Water: Avoid coffee, energy drinks, or soda at least 6 hours before the exam. Caffeine and sugar can artificially spike your blood pressure and glucose levels, leading to a "false flag" in your urine.
* Don't "Hold it" too long: You need to provide a sample, but an overfull bladder can actually cause a temporary spike in blood pressure readings.
* Avoid "White Coat" Stress: Arrive 15 minutes early to sit and relax before your vitals are taken.

Pro-Tip for 2026: The "NRII" Digital Shift
As of 2026, most Medical Examiners are now transmitting results electronically to the FMCSA and your State Driver’s License Agency (SDLA). However, a temporary waiver is in place until April 10, 2026, allowing you to carry a paper copy (MCSA-5876) as proof for up to 60 days. Always ask the examiner for a paper copy before you leave the office, just in case there is a delay in the digital transmission to the state.

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