What is a DOT physical?
Atlantic Coast Physical Medicine offers DOT physicals for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Drivers must pass all physical requirements set forth by the DOT to receive clearance for their commercial driver’s license medical card.
All commercial drivers must be in accordance with the standards of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Our licensed providers perform the necessary tests to ensure that as a commercial driver, you meet the physical, emotional and mental demands of your job duties. In addition, testing is conducted to determine if any medical conditions or surgeries, previous or recent, will impact your ability to perform the duties of a commercial truck driver safely.
What To Expect With A DOT Examination
The DOT examination includes an assessment of vision, physical aptitude, hearing and blood pressure/pulse screening. Tests may be performed to screen for the presence of illegal substances. Any prescribed or OTC medications taken by the driver should be compiled in a list and submitted during the examination to the examiner. Drivers should expect to provide a urine sample during the examination. The sample is utilized to detect any undiagnosed or unnoted medical conditions that may exist.
Drivers who wear prescription glasses or contacts for corrective vision or prescribed hearing aids for corrective hearing should bring these devices to the examination.
Following the DOT examination
Once the examination is complete and the driver is cleared to operate a commercial vehicle by standards set forth by the FMCSA, he may receive a medical card that is valid for 2 years.
In some cases, intermittent monitoring of the driver’s condition may be necessary. If so, a limited medical card that is valid for 12, 6, or 3 months may be issued.
Contact Atlantic Coast Physical Medicine today to schedule your DOT examination. Our licensed providers are available to perform testing to get you back on the road and keep you in compliance with FMCSA with a new or updated medical card.
Live Life On Your Terms.
DOT Physicals FAQ
You must have a distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses:
- see at least 20/40 with both eyes together
- see at least 20/40 with the right eye
- see at least 20/40 with the left eye.
Monovision is a disqualification. Use of a contact lens in one eye for distant visual acuity and another lens in the other eye for near vision is not acceptable, nor are telescopic lenses acceptable for driving a commercial motor vehicle.
Exemption: A driver with monocular vision may be able to get a Federal Vision Exemption Certificate, if medically fit for duty in all other categories of the physical exam.
You are permitted to wear contact lenses provided you’re used to wearing them and have a good tolerance for wearing contacts. Be aware that monovision is a disqualification, so use of a contact lens in one eye for distant visual acuity and another lens in the other eye for near vision is not acceptable.
The DOT physical exam to get your medical card does not include a drug test. This does not mean that any company you want to work for will not request a pre-employment drug test — they most likely will. But the DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test.
You will need to be off work for at least two months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your Cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.
If you had your DOT Physical done at Atlantic Coast Physical Medicine, give us a call and inquire about the process for getting a duplicate made and sent to you. If your physical was not performed at Atlantic Coast Physical Medicine, call the doctors office that did the original DOT exam and find out what the process is to get a duplicate made and sent to you. The medical office has to keep this information on file for at least three years, so they will have it.
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Our physicians practice comprehensive medicine – instead of treating symptoms, they take a holistic approach that takes into account the entire person.
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We help our patients to function better physically, as well as resolve symptoms. Restoring function means regaining the abilities and activities that mean the most.
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We also provide wellness programs within the Charleston area to many corporations, educating employees about preventative healthcare.
I started care because I had inside knee pain, and bone to bone on both inside knees. I had experienced these problems for 5 years. At its worse I had limited movement, I did not like even taking walks. I tried Cortizone shots, which lasted 9-10 months then had to do it again and again. The progress that I have made is that I’m now taking up to 2 walks a day. I have a lot less pain, and am not as grumpy. Great staff, they get you in as quick as possible, make your visit as positive as possible.
I started care because my shoulder has been hurting and wanted to get better and wanted my hand to get better. I had been experiencing these problems for 2 years. I had a stroke on the left side of my arm. These issues affected my life by having to work around the house with one arm. It put a stop to things I used to do with two arms. I had tried injections on my arm and lower back and physical therapy. I have noticed more strength and ability to move arm and shoulders up more than ever since starting care. The benefits that I have experienced is that I can work around the house more. I like everyone. They work as a team.
The reason that we began care is Torticollis and a flat spot on his head. We noticed the issue when he was a couple of weeks old. He developed a flat spot on his head and couldn’t turn his head in both directions. We didn’t try a helmet and wanted to avoid on. We also tried manually turning his head but it didn’t stretch enough. Since starting care, we have noticed that his head has rounded out and can turn head in both ways. He is now a great walker and has improved in general health. We love Dr. Mazique and fully recommend infant chiropractic care.
I came in for neck pain and neuropathy issues. I’ve experienced these symptoms for about 40 years. At the worst times, I couldn’t tie my shoes, didn’t want to get out of bed, and would sleep in a recliner if it was bad. Before coming here, I’ve had surgeries and steroid shots. The steroids didn’t last long. I have noticed that my neck pain has eased up since starting care. My right knee has improved. Supartz has helped a lot. The neuropathy in my knees has improved tremendously. I’ve been able to do things like mowing a lot. Much better without pain. The environment and staff have been great. They help me through a lot.
I started care for sciatic nerve pain down my left leg that was excruciating. I had trouble walking and sleeping. Before coming here, I had symptoms for about a week or so. At its worst, I was in agony. Very little sleep and I couldn’t function normally. I tried heat, cold packs, and stretching with little results. I now can do most everything since beginning care at the office. Still having trouble going up the stairs. I have noticed that the stretches have tightened my muscles. I feel so much better. Due to my being a Stage 4 metastatic cancer patience, the office staff has made every effort to be careful with the movements and chiropractic care.
I began care because I was experiencing a lot of body pains. I have had these problems since middle school. At its worst, it was terrible. I couldn’t sleep or move sometimes. I did try working out, but it only helped with some pains. The progress that I have made since beginning treatment at the office was that I noticed a lot more comfort at night. I can sleep better at night. Workouts are easier. The whole crew here is AMAZING! Anissa, Saune, Ben, Dave, and Kim are some of the most welcoming people – always have smiles and make each visit feel like home.
