4 Questions to Ask About Dot Physicals

A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months, which means you are certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle for up to two years. However, if the medical examiner deems it necessary to monitor a certain condition, such as high blood pressure, this period of validity may be shorter, requiring more frequent certifications.

The duration of the exam can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the situation and required tests.

The DOT physical is a basic health exam. Thus, it looks at your overall health situation. Specific conditions it assesses are:

• Vision problems and the DOT physical
• Digestive problems
• Behavioral health / mental health
• Problems with blood pressure and DOT physical blood pressure requirements
• Diabetes and other endocrine issues
• Hearing issues
• DOT physical and sleep apnea
• Medical issues due to alcohol or drug abuse
• Potential for stroke
• Chronic pain
• Brain injuries or other neurological issues
• Epilepsy or seizure issues
• Underlying heart disease
• Respiratory (breathing) issues

As a condition of employment, some companies require DOT drug testing. Therefore, this testing may be done as a part of your DOT physical, however, it is not a requirement of a DOT medical certification.

You will present your DOT-approved medical examiner with your certification form with the top portion filled out when you come in for your physical. Your overall physical health and appearance will be reviewed and your blood pressure and pulse will be taken.

You will also get an eye test. Aside from vision itself, the DOT physical provider will look for appropriate eye movement, and proper eye dilation, and you will be asked about any previous macular degeneration or the potential for any eye diseases.

The hearing will be evaluated. Your ears will also be checked for holes in the eardrum and any other abnormalities.

In addition, your major systems and organs will be reviewed. This includes your lungs, heart, abdomen, spine, and liver, as well as others. The examiner will make sure everything is the proper size, sounds the way it should (if applicable), and that nothing appears outside the bounds of normality.

To check for medical conditions, a urine specimen will be taken. If required by your employer, the urine sample can also be used for drug testing.

To look for any medical conditions that may have been previously unknown, your CMV physical exam will also include a comprehensive physical exam.

A DOT physical tests urine to check for certain medical conditions, such as stroke including blood clots, kidney disease, other metabolic diseases, or diabetes. If made a requirement by your employer, the urine sample can also be tested for drugs and/or other substances.

If you or someone you know is in need of a DOT physical, come to Physicians Now Urgent Care today! We have all the tools to get you certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. To talk with an expert, contact our office today. Visit us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment at our clinic. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD.