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DOT Physicals

Setting The Standard For DOT Physicals

At Advanced OccMed, efficient occupational medicine service is our specialty.  Schedule your DOT physical today and we will have you back on the road with minimal wait time.

A DOT physical is a medical examination that all commercial drivers are required to pass. The exam is designed to ensure that you're physically and mentally fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

We'll go over the basics of DOT physicals, including what's involved in the exam and who needs to take it. We'll also provide tips on preparing for your physical and what to do if a DOT card cannot be issued on the day of your appointment. 

What Is a DOT Physical?

A DOT physical is a physical examination required for employees of companies that fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

It's designed to ensure that you're physically and mentally fit to do your job, and it's mandatory for anyone who drives a commercial vehicle, works in a transportation-related field, or handles hazardous materials.

The Examination includes a variety of tests and screenings, like a vision test, hearing test, and blood pressure check. It is a review of your overall health. You’ll need to be able to provide the medical staff with information about your medical history and what medicines you may take.  

Once the exam is complete, you'll be issued a DOT card valid for up to two years. If your DOT medical cannot be issued, you'll be given a list of recommended treatment options.

DOT physicals are an important part of keeping the roads safe and help ensure all drivers are ready to handle the responsibilities of operating heavy trucks.

As mandated, the exam includes:

  • General appearance
  • Extremities
  • Lungs and chest
  • Heart
  • Eyes and ears
  • Mouth and throat
  • Nervous System
  • Back and Spine

Upon completion, the provider will report the results to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). Certified drivers will receive a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate, or a “DOT medical card”.

A number of factors determine how long a driver can be certified. Drivers can be certified for a maximum of 2 years. Certain conditions can result in disqualification. All decisions are made following federal regulations. Payment is required prior to the exam and is non-refundable if a disqualifying condition is discovered.

DOT Physical FAQ's

If you’re driving a commercial vehicle, you need a DOT physical. Period.

There are a few different types of DOT physicals, but the most common one is the CDL physical. This is for drivers who operate commercial vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds.

But there are other types of DOT physicals, too. There’s the medical examiner’s certificate, which is for drivers who operate school buses or other vehicles that transport children. And then there’s the Hazardous Materials Endorsement physical, which is for drivers who transport hazardous materials.

If you’re unsure which type of DOT physical you need, your best bet is to go ahead and take the general DOT physical. This is a good option for most drivers, and it’s the one that will cover all of the bases.

So, you need a DOT physical? We are here to provide you with all the information & requirements for a DOT Physical. Here’s what you need to know:

  • You’ll need to provide documentation that proves you’re physically able to do the job. This could be anything from a doctor’s note to the documentation of your fitness level.
  • You’ll also need to have a physical exam. This will include a vision, a hearing test, and a check of your blood pressure and heart health.

You’ll need to get a DOT physical every two years. However, there are some cases where you might need to update your certification more often. For example, if you operate a commercial vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you’ll need to update your certification every year.

If you’re unsure whether or not you need to update your certification, do visit Advanced OccMed Clinic based in Asheville, NC. We are always there to help you out and answer your questions. And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Department of Transportation office.

We hope we have helped clear up some confusion surrounding DOT physicals. Remember, these exams are important in keeping you and other drivers on the road safe. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to reach out to us at Advanced OccMed Clinic.

If you’re a commercial driver and don’t pass your DOT physical, you won’t be able to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

Your DOT physical is an integral part of keeping you safe on the road, and it’s something that you’ll need to take seriously. Here are a few things one should always keep in mind:

  • The exam will include a vision test, hearing test, and physical exam.
  • You’ll need to provide your driver’s license and medical card.
  • If you’re taking prescription medications, you’ll need to bring a list of those medications with you to the exam.

If you are required to get DOT Physical, Advanced OccMed, an occupational medicine clinic in Asheville, NC, is the best choice to go through. Our staff is trained specifically for DOT exams. We understand everything that needs to be checked and what paperwork to fill out. Call today to set up an appointment.

We’ve been performing DOT physicals for years, and we know what it takes to ensure you comply with the regulations. We’ll work with you to schedule a convenient time, and we’ll make sure to have everything ready so you can get in and out quickly.

So if you’re in the Asheville area and need a DOT physical, give us a call—we’d be happy to help!

Conclusion

DOT physicals are a mandatory exam for certain transportation workers. To ensure you're prepared for your physical, it's important to know what to expect.

Your DOT physical will include a range of tests, including vision and hearing tests. You'll also need to provide information about your medical history.

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