From the Research
Yes, there is a waiting period for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examinations, typically at least 3 months after the acute event, as supported by the most recent study 1 from 2024. The waiting period is crucial because acute DVT poses risks of pulmonary embolism and other complications that could impair a driver's ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
- The medical examiner will need documentation from the treating physician confirming the DVT is resolved or adequately treated, anticoagulation is stable, and the driver is not experiencing complications.
- During this waiting period, the driver should be on a stable anticoagulation regimen, which often includes medications like warfarin (Coumadin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), or enoxaparin (Lovenox) 2.
- The medical examiner will also consider any underlying causes of the DVT and whether they are adequately controlled, as certain conditions may require longer waiting periods or more extensive documentation before certification can be granted 3, 4, 5.
- Recurrent DVTs may require longer waiting periods or more extensive documentation before certification can be granted, and the risk of recurrence can be estimated through a two-step decision algorithm, considering the features of the patient, the initial event, and associated conditions 5.