DOT Medical Exam – What to Expect

DOT Medical Exam

Do you get paid to operate a motor vehicle?

If so, there is a good chance you are required to periodically receive a DOT physical or DOT medical exam. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators complete a physical exam at regular intervals.

With these strict guidelines that come with these exams, DOT medical exams can seem overwhelming. To help simplify the process, here is a brief overview of what you should bring to the exam and what to expect once you get there.

Where to go to get a DOT medical exam.

When considering where to get your exam completed, you must go to a medical facility where the provider completing the exam is nationally registered through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The provider must have completed additional training and passed a required certification exam to be registered. To find a certified examiner near you, search the FMCSA’s National Registry.

What to bring to your DOT medical exam.

It is crucial to bring all necessary items to prevent delay or disqualification in medical certification. Things that are commonly forgotten include:

  • Driver’s license
  • Previous medical certificate card
  • Glasses or contacts
  • Prescription medications
  • Hearing aids

What the exam includes.

A typical physical begins by reviewing your medical history and asking you to list the medications you take regularly. During your physical, your examiner will also:

  • Perform vital sign screening checks – blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, and weight.
  • Your vision and hearing are tested.
  • A urine sample is obtained to look for signs of chronic disease.
  • An exam is completed by the provider focusing on – eyes, ears, mouth and throat, lungs and chest, abdomen and organs, limbs, spine, muscle and strength, nervous system, and balance.

After your exam.

After you are cleared to drive, you will be given a copy of your medical examination report and your updated DOT medical card with the new expiration date. These two records are also maintained at the location of your physical exam for approximately five years. The new medical certificate information is immediately updated with the FMCSA by the examining provider.

You must then present the new medical card to the state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office to update your certification in their system.

It is critical to hire the right people who can legally and safely perform the job’s functions. At The Simple Clinic, our occupational health clinic and certified examiners provide comprehensive employment and DOT physicals.

Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule a DOT physical for yourself, your employee, or a potential employee. We look forward to serving you and helping maintain a healthy and fit workforce!

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