Are 1yr Medical Cards Discriminated Against?

[candun]

I took my physical this week prior to starting school Monday. I was concerned about my BP being in range because I had high BP before. I was able to correct it then and only be on meds for about three months. However, I've since gotten back out of shape.

I was relieved that I tested at 128/88 and believed that would get me a two year card. However, the doctor (no my primary because I don't yet have a primary) said that she had to give me a one year card despite the reading because I disclosed a prior diagnosis. Moreover, she said that once I have a history of BP issues I will ALWAYS get a one year card regardless of my reading!

To me this is total B.S. My prior diagnosis was a short-term event over five years ago and I tested within normal range. Unfortunately I had little choice but to accept the card in order to start school. Now I have two questions:

1: When I begin soliciting different carriers to pre-hire me during my schooling (and I guess more importantly, when I make it to orientation) will I be discriminated against by some companies because I have a one year card? 1b: Will my 1yr card make companies be more concerned about my large size (350+) than they would be if I had a two year card?

2: Am I safe getting a second physical before applying for my permit? I don't believe my temporary high BP 5 years ago is relevant if I currently test within range and I will just leave my prior diagnosis off my medical history given what the doc said. However, I don't know what information has already been reported to the DOT or other authorities or data services like DAC.

Any knowledgeable insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

I as well received a 1 year card in August '08 because the hero doing the physical noticed I have a slight Cranial tremor which according to The Neurological Society is caused by undefined reasons.
The medical place wanted to just give me a 6 month card until I jumped through some hoops and got my Family Doc to sign a waiver stating the tremor has no effect upon safely operating anything.
Now I may as well be a Diabetic as I will only receive a 1 year card, so go figure.
Temporary Driver Services see no problem.
I have not been chided that I'm aware of simply because of the 1 year card.

Try not admitting to anything and you may be alright, I dunno.

When I go to renew this year I'm omitting substantial information from previous years like whether or not I snore, smoke, drink Caffeine, accidents, surgeries, etc.
Honesty does not always pay and what's the worst that can happen other than another 1 year card?

[ranger309]

I myself have genetically high triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as most of my kinfolk do. Yet my BP has always been lower then the 120/80 normal BP levels. I will never report it as no one in my family has had heart or stroke issues, even though standard medical knowledge says that we should. Fact is we all get diagnosed with and eventually die from cancer, not heart attacks or stokes. No way in hell I am telling any doc-in-the-box about this so they can play it safe and give me a one year medical card. Being predisposed to cancer isn't a DOT reportable condition, but you can bet it will make it into many databases regardless of need.

[pro1driver]

you should NOT have any problems seeking employment with ANY company with a 1 year DOT card..........

if you DO have any problems obtaining employment, it would probably be due to something in your past........like arrest record, too many DMV infractions, so on and so forth.

[RickyRicardo]

I am also a member of the 1 Year Card Club due to a heart attack in '01.
Please heed CK's advice in regards to volunteering information.
And whatever you do, don't admit to snoring or not sleeping well at any time.
As more companies are into the CPAP craze, they look for the flimsiest reason to strap one one you.