What does a dot exam consist of?
- Vision.
- Hearing.
- Blood pressure/pulse rate.
- Urinalysis.
- Physical Examination.
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875.
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876.
- Insulin-treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment, MCSA-5870.
Full Answer
What is a dot physical exam?
A DOT physical is a checkup that’s required for commercial vehicle drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This exam makes sure you’re able to meet the physical requirements of your job.
What to expect when you go in for your dot exam?
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of seven things that you can expect when you go in for your DOT exam. You’ll be asked a TON of questions about your medical history. Be as honest as possible, because fudging the truth about your medical history could have serious legal consequences if you’re in a crash later on.
What documents do I need to get a dot physical?
A letter from your cardiologist indicating you're safe to drive a DOT physical if you have heart issues A letter and medical records from your doctor if you're taking any medicines that can cause sleepiness or are controlled substances A letter from your doctor if you've lost permanent use of an arm or leg, including any work restrictions
When do you need a dot physical and drug test?
A DOT physical and drug test is also necessary if you plan on transporting more than 15 people, including the driver. You will also be required to complete and pass a DOT physical if you are a professional (paid) driver whose motor vehicle is equipped to transport over eight people.
What is involved in a DOT test?
Physical Examination Ears (scarring of tympanic membrane, perforated ear drums, etc.) Mouth and throat (to look for problems breathing or swallowing) Heart (murmurs, extra sounds, pacemaker, etc.) Lungs and chest, not including breast examination (abnormal breathing, impaired respiratory functions, cyanosis, etc.)
How do I prepare for a dot test?
What Should Drivers do to Prepare for DOT Physicals?Avoid Caffeinated Beverages like Coffee. For 24 to 48 hours before your DOT physical, you should cut out caffeine and sugar from your diet. ... Reduce Salt and Sodium Intake, Avoid Unhealthy Meals. ... Provide the examiner all of your updated medical information.
How do you pass the DOT medical examiner test?
0:121:56Number one schedule your exam at least one if not two weeks out during those two weeks before yourMoreNumber one schedule your exam at least one if not two weeks out during those two weeks before your exam. You can drink as healthy as possible.
What does a CT DOT physical consist of?
In the physical examination you will be tested for: General appearance (weight, tremors, drug/alcohol problems) Mouth & Throat (breathing and swallowing) Lungs & Chest (breathing)
Do you fast for DOT physical?
This is particularly important for individuals with diabetes and hypertension. Missing even one dose of your blood pressure medicine may result in significantly elevated blood pressure during your DOT exam. 6. Do not eat a big meal before your DOT exam.
Can you pass a DOT physical if you smoke cigarettes?
Therefore, smoking affects your DOT physical exam but it doesn't have to if you're committed to quitting.
How do you pass a DOT physical for blood pressure?
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure to Pass the DOT PhysicalLose unnecessary pounds. ... Exercise regularly. ... Reduce sodium. ... Eat healthily. ... Limit your alcohol. ... Stop smoking. ... Reduce stress. ... Buy a blood pressure monitor.More items...•
How do you pass a DOT physical with high blood sugar?
Cut back on foods that spike your insulin levels (sugary, processed foods, sodas, salty foods, and so on) Make sure you don't overeat – your insulin levels will spike after eating. Cut back on alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. Make sure you're well-hydrated before your physical.
Does a hernia disqualify you from DOT physical?
Can I refuse a hernia exam at my DOT physical? You cannot refuse your hernia exam and still pass the DOT physical – it is required. However, you can request a same-sex examiner to make sure you feel comfortable during the hernia check.
What does a physical consist of?
In general, the standard physical exam typically includes: Vital signs: blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse rate, temperature, height, and weight. Vision acuity: testing the sharpness or clarity of vision from a distance. Head, eyes, ears, nose and throat exam: inspection, palpation, and testing, as appropriate.
How much is a CT DOT physical?
No, in general, health insurance does not cover the cost of DOT Physicals. The cost is $169 with additional charges for EKGs, xrays, or labs, only if necessary. DOT Physicals are done by appointment only. Please call for an appointment.
What is a non DOT physical?
A non-DOT physical determines a person's fitness for employment, fitness to perform a job, and fitness to return to work after medical leave in a non-DOT regulated industry. A non-DOT physical may include the following: Review of medical history, review of current medications. Record height and weight check. Vision ...
What is a dot physical?
A DOT physical is a checkup that’s required for commercial vehicle drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This exam makes sure you’re able to meet the physical requirements of your job.
How long do you have to have a dot physical?
DOT physicals are required for drivers who: Once you pass a DOT physical, you’ll receive a medical certificate that allows you to drive a commercial vehicle for 2 years, provided you have no underlying physical or mental condition that requires testing more often.
How to prepare for a syringe test?
To prepare for the test — and improve your health: Make sure your medications are up to date, and take them regularly as prescribed. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, have your eyes checked and your prescription updated. Avoid heavy drinking. Don’t misuse substances.
What is a urinalysis test?
Urinalysis and other testing. You’ll also have a urinalysis, which provides information about blood sugar level and other health indicators. The urinalysis is also used for drug testing purposes. You may also have your blood drawn and undergo other in-office tests, such as an electrocardiogram.
How often do you have to have a physical for diabetes mellitus?
If you have a medical condition such as very high blood pressure, you may be required to have physicals every 3 months while you undergo medical treatment to correct or manage the issue.
What is a dot physical exam?
A DOT physical exam consists of a certified medical professional completing an exam that will determine whether or not the driver is fit for work through an evaluation process relating to the daily job duties associated with a commercial driver.
Who determines the health standards for DOT?
The health standards are determined by the FMCSA and each DOT physical exam must be conducted by a certified medical professional to ensure the high quality standards are met during each exam.
What questions do you ask a dot physical?
The health care provider who performs your DOT physical will ask you detailed questions about your medical history, including: If you've ever had surgery. Any medicines you're taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Any health problems you've had. If you use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal substances.
What is DOT physical?
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a physical exam that is required of people who drive commercial vehicles. The point of a DOT physical is to make sure that people who are driving commercial motor vehicles are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit.
What is a letter from your doctor?
A letter and medical records from your doctor if you're taking any medicines that can cause sleepiness or are controlled substances. A letter from your doctor if you've lost permanent use of an arm or leg, including any work restrictions.
What is the most extensive part of a dot physical?
The physical exam is the most extensive part of the DOT physical. During this examination, the doctor will take a closer look at your general appearance. They may discuss your weight if that is an issue and any drug or alcohol problems you currently have or have had in the past.
What to expect during a dot physical?
A Department of Transportation Physical or DOT physical is a required exam for anyone who works as a commercial motor vehicle driver. This exam ensures that the driver can safely spend long hours behind the wheel, that they are up to date on all their wellness checkups, ...
Why do you need a urine test for DOT?
This test is necessary because it helps determine if you have any irregularities or medical conditions you were unaware of that may require attention.
How does a doctor evaluate the vascular system?
The doctor will evaluate the vascular system by checking for a weak pulse and proper blood flow. The physician may also check for issues such as varicose veins or poor circulation during this time. The physician will test your limbs for any loss, damage, and tenderness to ensure you can endure the long drives every day.
What is a dot exam?
The medical examiner can be within a wide field of specialties, including doctors of medicine (MD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), and doctors of chiropractic (DC). The DOT exam’s goal is to determine and validate the overall health of drivers who need to operate heavy CMVs, ...
What is the purpose of the Dot exam?
The DOT exam’s goal is to determine and validate the overall health of drivers who need to operate heavy CMVs, transport a large number of passengers, or haul potentially dangerous cargo. The tests involved will assess your ability to endure physical and mental stress, as well as gauge your emotional health.
How long is a dot card valid?
Once you’ve passed your DOT exams, you will be granted a DOT medical card. This is valid for up to two years from the date of issue.
What is a dot physical?
A DOT physical is fairly consistent with any other type of physical examination performed under the care of a physician. You’ll begin by disclosing your medical history and outlining any prescribed drugs that you’re currently on. The medical history component of the exam consists of: Prescribed medications.
What is the physical exam?
The physical exam will check various functions of your body, including: Measuring your blood pressure and pulse. Determining if your vision falls within the 20/40 minimum requirement in each eye. A hearing test to assess if your auditory acuity is capable of perceiving a “forced whisper”.
What is the medical history component of a physical exam?
The medical history component of the exam consists of: Prescribed medications. Surgeries you’ve undergone. Substances you consume – tobacco, alcohol, etc. Current medical conditions. Once this is completed, you’ll move on to the physical exam. The physical exam will check various functions of your body, including:
Do you need a drug test to be a trucker?
As a professional driver, you’ll need to occasionally pass a DOT physical and drug test. As it stands, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a medical examiner to clear a driver (particularly long-haul truckers and bus drivers) to receive or keep their commercial driver’s license (CDL). As a trucker, you’ll be navigating ...
How far away should you be from the examiner for a whispered voice test?
You’ll need to pass “the Whisper Test”. This is a hearing test. Here’s what to expect: “ For the whispered voice test, the driver should be 5 feet from the examiner with the ear being tested turned toward the examiner. The other ear is covered.
What is the Whisper test?
You’ll need to pass “the Whisper Test”. This is a hearing test.
Can you get naked for a dot physical?
You probably won’t be asked to get naked. Though each exam is different, most drivers report that they are not asked to fully disrobe for the exam. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to your DOT physical to make things easier for both your and your examiner. You’ll be asked for a urine sample.
