Q: What is the Trio-One Concept?
A:   Trio-One was founded based on our own experience. We started doing just physicals for DOT drivers and noticed that the drivers would then have to go elsewhere for drug and alcohol testing. It was obvious a one stop facility able to provide all three entities would be of great service. We developed the idea and now train other examiner offices to utilize the same system in their offices.

Q: How many clinics have you trained?
A: In 2007, we trained 21 clinics in office or at Logan College in St. Louis. Additionally, we trained another 15 clinics in drug testing alone.

Q:   How do I find out about other companies that could be competitors in my area?
A:   Most, if not all, trucking companies have a service they are using. However, drivers must sometimes drive 60 miles for testing and physicals. Large companies like Concentra and local occupational medicine clinics offer only the basic three, physicals, drug testing and alcohol testing. By teaming up with Safelink, Incorporated, a certified third party administrator, you will be including consulting, random testing and alcohol use recommendations. You will be able to offer, most likely, a less costly, better administered DOT compliance system than the larger companies, plus your clinic will be more centrally located.

Q: What is a Certified Third Party Administrator (C/TPA)?
A: A C/TPA is a company that manages drug testing and breath alcohol testing systems for individual companies and makes sure those companies stay in DOT compliance. They handle randomization of testing and meeting DOT quotas for testing, counseling for DOT health compliance issues and billing services for testing. They work directly with the labs and MRO’s (medical review officer’s) to ensure the company that you serve is in constant compliance with DOT regulations.

Q: Can I be my own C/TPA and handle the randoms myself for my own companies?
A:   You can, but just starting out it can be very costly both in finances and time. A C/TPA must have randomization software and must be able to answer all DOT compliance questions from the companies they serve. Also, a C/TPA must answer to the DOT during audits of the companies. Though having your own TPA sounds like a great idea, the work load is substantial. Our suggestion is to get trained and get clients and let Safelink handle the billing, paperwork and consulting. Get your clinic honed at being a good DOT compliance facility. After a few years and experience, you may then decide to form your own C/TPA.

Q: What is my ROI (return on investment)?
A:   This is not a get rich quick scheme. This is a solid growth niche you can develop in your practice.   Initial investment is around $5,700.00 that includes the Intoxicates Alco-Sensor IV with slip printer and training in your office for you and your staff. We recommend the entire staff be trained. When trained as a group, less mistakes occur when doing DOT work. You have other staff to consult with during confusing DOT presentations. Clinics that have Dr. Smith come to train have much lower error rates than those who attend seminars only.   The Alco-Sensor IV with slip printer is about $2000.00 and the remainder is study materials, travel and lodging expenses and the training fee.

You can expect to make $10 per collection of urine and $20 per breath alcohol   test. You can also expect to make $50 per physical. Safelink takes a small management fee off of the billed prices to the companies.   As your DOT company grows, the frequency of tests increase.

The nice thing about the program is that these people may have never had the opportunity to be in your office. They see friendly staff, a professional and knowledgeable doctor and comfortable surroundings and that in turn leads to new patients. Dr. Smith will show you the proper, most ethical way to market to your DOT physicals and drug test clients.

Q:   How do I bill for what I do?
A:   That is the beauty of the program. You do not. Unless someone just walks in off the street and needs a DOT physical. Each quarter, you will receive a list from Safelink. On this list will be random drug tests, random alcohol tests and physicals due will be faxed or emailed to you. Your job is to be open. These randoms will come in at anytime during the day, so your job is to make sure that your office is open and a certified collector is present. Usually 9-5, Monday through Friday. Once the list is checked, and you have figured out what test they have arrived for, you will then perform the appropriate test. That is it. You will receive a check from Safelink for your completed work. You are responsible though for calling the companies when a driver does not show up for a random. You are in the area and have the best ability to communicate with the company. Safelink encourages our doctors to communicate with the DER (designated employer representative) of the company on a regular basis. It shows professionalism and pride in what you do. Also, inroads can be made with relation to ergonomic consulting, worker’s compensation treatment and presentations to the company for health benefits if exercise, diet, and screens.

Most doctors do not collect the specimens. That task is usually assigned to staff. This collection process usually blends seamlessly with your continuing chiropractic practice. It is simply just another avenue of income.

Q:Will I be certified to do physicals by the FMCSA?
A: No examiners in the United States are certified examiners at this time. Within the next year (08-09), any examiner (APN, DC, DO, MD, PA) that wants to perform DOT exams will need to take training as set forth in recommendations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Q: Why should I purchase your video then, Dr. Smith?
A: Because when the new NRCME education and exam requirements come down, FMCSA is estimating that a drop from 250,000 examiners to 50,000 examiners may occur. Why? Because a lot of examiners will simply not want to go through the trouble of getting certified. If you are established in this niche in your area, many more exams will probably filter to you. By buying this video, I walk you through the rules, regulations, paperwork, the physical exam and how to market yourself as a DOT examiner. If you start now, you will be miles ahead of your peers. Oh, by the way, supply and demand dictates that if a physical is $50 now, and there are 75% less examiners doing them when the NRCME is initiated, some experts estimate the cost of an exam may quadruple. That is cash, doctor. If you have never performed one of these exams, or do them infrequently or are just a little rusty on your physical exam skillls.... you should buy this video AND consider getting your office trained as a Trio-One DOT compliance clinic.

Q: Will I be certified to do Urine Drug Collections and Breath Alcohol Collections?
A: Yes. I am a certified collector trainer through the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and a certified Intoxicates Breath Alcohol Trainer. Each attendee, if they successfully complete the program, will be given two certificates upon completion of the TrioOne training.

Q: How do I start?
A: Call Judie at 618-526-7732 to set up a training weekend. We take care of the rest!

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