A DOT physical, also known as a Department of Transportation physical examination, is a medical examination that assesses the physical and mental fitness of individuals who hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or who are seeking to obtain a CDL. It is a requirement imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of commercial drivers and the general public on the roads.
Good news is that you can now have your DOT Physical performed at CareMed Primary & Urgent Care PC.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A DOT PHYSICAL
To All Interstate Commercial Driver Candidates:
The medical examination requirements for certification for commercial motor vehicle drivers in interstate commerce have changed. Significant medical documentation may be required for the medical certifier to complete your DOT physical. Please obtain the necessary documentation required before your visit in order to have the physical done and receive your credentials in a timely manner. It is your responsibility to report any serious illnesses, changes in health status and medication changes to the examiner and to have the necessary clearances and documentation.
- If you require vision correction, even if you wear contacts, please bring your glasses and lens case to the exam.
- Bring all medications in their bottles to the exam. If your medication requires level monitoring, like Coumadin, warfarin or anti-seizure medications, bring a copy of your most recent lab tests.
- If you wear hearing aids, please bring them with you to the exam.
- If you have coronary artery disease, had a heart attack, Myocardial Infarction, Stents, angioplasty, angina or a pacemaker you are required to bring a clearance letter to the exam from your cardiologist demonstrating a recent consult and approval. Please bring the letter as well as a copy of your EKG and results from your last stress test. If you have a pacemaker, you will need to bring documentation of an annual pacemaker check. Please check with examiner in regard to the requirements for your specific conditions.
- If you have Diabetes, you are required to bring a letter from your doctor before your CDL exam with information regarding a one-month log of fasting blood sugar and the most recent HgA1c level which must document adequate control with an HgA1c result of less than 8. Diabetics who use insulin must receive a “waiver” through the Federal Diabetes Exemption Program prior to the exam to be qualified.
- If you are being treated for mental illness, depression, ADD or ADHD, you will need a consult report from your treating physician before your CDL exam with specific information regarding your diagnosis and medications.
- If you have had a stroke, seizure, traumatic brain injury or TIA you will require a letter documenting a Neurology consult before your CDL exam.
- If you have Sleep Apnea or a sleep disorder, you will need to bring a consult letter from your sleep specialist or PCP with specific information. If you use a CPAP machine, we will need to see the usage statistics for the last month. Your company that manages the CPAP machine can do this for you.
- If you have Hypertension, your blood pressure must be within range of (<140/90) on the day of the exam.
Please be advised that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued new guidelines regarding the physical qualification examinations for interstate Commercial Drivers. In addition, professional medical examiners performing CDL physical examinations must now be “certified” through the Department of Transportation and listed on the Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The operators of commercial vehicles will also have to comply with more restrictive medical requirements.
To request an appointment for a DOT Physical, please use this link or call us at any of our office locations.