DOT Physicals

What are DOT physicals?

Federal law requires drivers of commercial motor vehicles (DMVs) to receive regular physical examinations. These exams are defined as the “Department of Transportation Medical Examinations.” DOT physicals are highly regulated for the drivers’ safety. They detect physical, mental, and emotional issues that can affect a driver’s ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle. DOT medical examiners are specially trained to understand the regulations and prevent drivers from being inappropriately disqualified.

An employee who isn’t physically prepared or trained for the demands of the job can cause unsafe situations for themselves, other employees, and businesses.

Physical will consist of

1) Health History Questions
2) Urinalysis and Drug Test
3) Physical Examination
*Check your pulse and blood pressure
*Perform a vision test
*Observe your general appearance
*Examine your eyes, throat, mouth, and ears
*Listen to your heart and lungs
*Check for spine deformities
*Perform a neurological exam
*Press on your abdomen to check for abnormalities
*Perform a hernia check
To Speed up your visit please fill out driver’s portion of the Medical Examination Report.

Health insurance does not cover DOT physical however some employers will cover the cost, please consult employer before appointment. Otherwise payment will be expected at time of service.

Please bring the following items to your appointment.

A Complete list of medication, including dosage prescribing doctor’s name and address.
Diabetics please bring most recent HgbA1C lab results along with personal log of recent blood sugar levels.
CPAP machine users please bring reading from machine, and letter from sleep specialist may be required.
Cardiac patients please bring letter from cardiologist with prescriptions information indicating you are safe to perform job duties.

DOT PHYSICALS

Any medication that may cause sedation or drowsiness will need a letter from prescribing doctor regarding driving ability. Including but not limited to ADD/ADHD, Anxiety medication and etc.
Patients taking blood thinners will need recent blood INR results or letter from physician.
Drivers with permanent loss of limb usage may need a skilled performance exam in order to qualify for DOT card. Please bring letter from physician regarding your history.
High blood pressure patients please beware your blood pressure reading must be below 140/90 to qualify for DOT Card.

A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months. The medical examiner may also issue a medical examiner's certificate for less than 24 months when it is desirable to monitor a condition, such as high blood pressure.

If the medical examiner finds that the person he/she examined is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the medical examiner will furnish one copy of the results to the person who was examined and complete a Medical Examiner's Certificate.

Call Iles Medical Testing @337-562-0835 to schedule your DOT physical