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Q&A
Who can I go to, to get my DOT medical card?
Can I go to my own doctor to get my DOT physical or do I have to use my company doctor?
What’s the difference between a DOT Doctor and a Medical Examiner?
How long does it take to get my medical certificate?
What’s involved in a DOT physical?
What would cause me to fail a DOT physical?
When I do my DOT physical do I have to get completely naked?
Who pays for the DOT Physical Examination? Me. Company. Insurance?
If I don’t have medical insurance can I still get a DOT physical?
How much does a DOT physical exam cost without insurance?
Why do I have to have a urine test for a DOT physical?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical form?
How long is the DOT medical card good for?
How many 3-month DOT medical cards can you have?
Is there a difference between a DOT physical card and a DOT medical certificate?
How do overweight truck drivers pass the DOT physical?
What if I’m disqualified – may I request another DOT physical?
What if I don’t disclose a medical condition when I go through the DOT physical exam?
Who can I go to, to get my DOT medical card?
Interstate drivers: CMV drivers who drive interstate, must get Federal medical certificates from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified. (Find a registered CME)
Intrastate drivers: Each individual State makes the determination as to whether or not intrastate drivers must be examined by a certified ME listed on the National Registry. To avoid hassles it’s our recommendation that you find a registered CME.
Can I go to my own doctor to get my DOT physical or do I have to use my company doctor?
This will depend on the company policy. Your company may require you to use their company doctor for your DOT physical exam. If this is not a requirement, you may go to any medical examiner who is certified on the FMCSA National Registry.
What’s the difference between a DOT Doctor and a Medical Examiner?
There is no difference, these terms are used interchangeably. The terms Medical Examiner, Certified Medical Examiner, and CME are now being used since the federal regulation came into force on May 21, 2014. Drivers will not be able to go to just any healthcare provider for your DOT physical. You must go to a Certified Medical Examiner on the FMCSA National Registry.
How long does it take to get my medical certificate?
It should take 30-45 minutes to go through the physical examination. Provided there are no medical concerns the medical examiner will be able to certify you and issue your medical certificate.
If the medical examiner has concerns about a potential, current or past medical condition you may be required to see a specialist for additional medical tests or get documentation from your treating physician. In this case the medical examiner will not be able to complete the DOT physical exam until these requirements have been fully met.
Be Prepared! Find out what you should know before you get to your DOT physical appointment.
What’s involved in a DOT physical?
The DOT physical exam is considered a “Medical Fitness for Duty” exam for the demands of the job required of any commercial driver, not just the driver’s current job duties. The medical examiner’s role is to determine if a CMV driver’s health meets FMCSA standards.
The examining doctor has these two questions foremost in mind when conducting the physical exam:
- Can the driver safely meet the physical and mental demands of the job today, and for the period for which the medical card will be issued?
- Does the driver have any past or current medical conditions, which may impact the ability to meet the demands of the job now or in the future?
The DOT physical is an extensive medical examination to determine if you are qualified to safely operate a commercial vehicle. The best way to understand the DOT Physical Examination is to relate the medical requirements to the demands of your job as a commercial driver. The full extent of these are explained in Trucker Docs™ special guidebook to getting your medical certificate.
What would cause me to fail a DOT physical?
Any condition that would cause a loss of ability to control, operate, or drive a commercial vehicle safely – loss or impairment of limbs, poor visual or auditory acuity, insulin-controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory disfunction, epilepsy, mental disorder, use of certain drugs, alcoholism.
The DOT physical is an extensive examination. The full extent is explained in Trucker Docs’ special guidebook. Any disease, disorder, injury, or medication could cause you to fail if they present a risk to public safety.
When I do my DOT physical do I have to get completely naked?
No. There is no reason to get naked. Loose clothing will suffice for the examining physician to be able to complete all aspects of the DOT physical exam.
Who pays for the DOT Physical Examination? Me, my employer, my insurance?
There is no set answer here.
Sometimes the driver pays.
Some companies will pay for it, some will not. So check with your company because some require that you use their company doctor.
Some insurance companies treat this exam as preventative health care and will not reimburse for it. Sometimes the driver will pay, and may submit the receipt to their insurance for reimbursement, if the insurance will pay.
If I don’t have medical insurance can I still get a DOT physical?
Yes. You do not need medical insurance to get a DOT Physical.
How much does a DOT physical exam cost without insurance?
Currently we’ve seen DOT physicals charged anywhere between $50 and $300. The new FMCSA Medical Examination Forms (2016) and reporting system have increased administrative work and time for medical examiners, and costs for the DOT physical exam are rising accordingly.
Why do I have to have a urine test for a DOT physical?
The urine test is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical form?
Yes. As well as receiving your medical certificate you should also get a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report). The medical examiner is required to keep a copy of these documents for three years. If you need a copy you should contact the medical examiner. Contact information is on your medical card.
How long is the DOT medical card good for?
A DOT medical card is valid for two years if you have no restrictions. A history of high blood pressure, taking high blood pressure medications, a sleep disorder, and taking oral medications for diabetes can restrict the medical card to one year or less, depending on how frequently the condition needs monitoring.
How many 3-month DOT medical cards can you have?
One only. You should have the condition, which caused the restriction, under control by the end of the 3-month window.
With the typical 3-month medical card, you needed to do something to bring some physical condition under control. If you did that, and you go back to see your last DOT examiner, he can issue you a new medical card for typically one year. If you didn’t fix the issue, he can choose not to extend the card. So get the condition taken care of and don’t have to worry about short term medical cards.
Is there a difference between a DOT physical card and a DOT medical certificate?
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical certificate when referring to the medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam.
I lost my medical card. How do I go about getting another one? Do I have to do the DOT physical again?
No you do not have to do the physical exam again. The medical examiner is required to keep a copy of the exam documents for three years. If you need a replacement medical card you should contact the medical examiner.
How do overweight truck drivers pass the DOT physical?
Being overweight is not a restriction to passing the DOT physical exam. It is the medical conditions that being overweight eventually leads to, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney disease, that may affect your ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle. That is what the DOT Physical exam will determine – whether you have any of these restrictive medical conditions. Getting healthy and staying healthy is your best guarantee for your life and your livelihood.
Does the DOT physical require a driver to be completely healthy… does that include sexually transmitted diseases?
No. An STD will not affect a DOT examination.
What if I’m disqualified – may I request another DOT physical?
This really depends on why you were disqualified.
Doc shopping used to be what folks did, but that is changing with DOT and FMCSA. If all medical examiners are following the guidelines and regulations, then it would not matter where you go, you would still be disqualified if the same situation exists.
If the disqualification seems unreasonable, and you feel you are truly fit enough to safely drive a CMV, then discuss the concerning condition with the medical examiner, and ask for options that may help you to be reconsidered for certification.
Second opinion: A driver always has the option of getting a second opinion. If the qualification restrictions or disqualification seems unreasonable, and you feel you are truly fit enough to safely drive a CMV, you should find a different clinic to get a second opinion. The new examination decision supersedes the previous examination.
What if I don’t disclose a medical condition when I go through the DOT physical exam?
When you complete the health history section on the long form you must certify that your responses are complete and true. Making a false statement for concealing a disqualifying condition may invalidate the examination and any medical certificate issued, based on it.
What about “shopping” for a DOT doctor who will be “lenient” on the qualifiers for DOT medical certification?
Some drivers used to do “shopping around”. Starting 2016, the FMCSA reporting system with the National Registry will have the capability to flag multiple exams, identify missing or false information reported by the driver in the Driver Health History section of the MER Form, MCSA-5875, and make a determination to void the driver’s MEC, Form MCSA-5876, if appropriate.
It isn’t an issue of lenience. It’s an issue of whether you, as a driver, are safe and medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle. It’s about safety for you and the public at large. Do what you need to do to be medically fit to pass the DOT examination and don’t worry about finding a lenient DOT doctor.
Second opinion: A driver always has the option of getting a second opinion. If the qualification restrictions or disqualification seems unreasonable, and you feel you are truly fit enough to safely drive a CMV, you should find a different clinic to get a second opinion. The new examination decision supersedes the previous examination.
Certified medical examiners are now required to understand the role of a commercial driver. The doctor who understands the lifestyle and job challenges of a driver, should really want to help you alleviate conditions that could potentially threaten not only your livelihood, but also your life, and possibly the lives of others if a catastrophic event could occur. So if you need a second opinion, look for a medical examiner who considers the big picture of fit for duty rather than one who does a checklist exam.
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Your comments are also welcome.
Question? I live in the State of Mississippi and my company pays for the drivers CDL Medical Examination. Is the company entitled to receive / have access to the Long Form (MCSA-5875) along with my MCSA-5876? I know all that FMCSA requires in a DQF is the Medical Examiners Certificate. Are there HIPPA rules that could apply here?
@ Jerry G
It’s a tricky question, but in most cases that we have seen, if the company pays for the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination then they have the right to a copy. It should be a question for your companies HR department and should be in their written policy.
What if I answer yes to question 31, regarding controlled substances? I took some cbd oil that that had more thc than federally permitted. I’m concerned because I will not be dishonest on the questionnaire. I’m afraid I may lose my job. My next dot isn’t for another year and a half.. what should I do? Thank you
@ Tbird
If your next physical is not for another 1 1/2 years, the thc will be out of your system. If the cbd oils are routine, then answer yes. If not a routine/prescribed medication, then simply explain your situation.
With the Pandemic have Medical card dates been extended. I live in Pa
@ Greg S
Most states and the fed extended medical card extensions for a few months. That period is over for the fed, but states may have additional extensions. Check with your state drivers license department for further information.
I went to get my physical the lady conducting my exam stated my vision was 20/50 she said I had 45 days to fix the issue with a prescription. I followed up within the 45 days, also bringing her the paper from the eye doctor showing my vision was 20/20 she was in disbelief and had me retake the vision part of the exam. She then demanded more money from me. Is she allowed to do this? Prior to my follow up she never disclosed a second payment would have to be made, she only told me to bring the paper showing I followed her orders and she would approve my exam?
@ Richard
You are saying the examiner did not accept your eye doctors findings and demanded a retake of the eye examination only and wanted additional office fees? WOW, and the examiner has that right, but? FMCSA does require a new physical (complete examination) be performed once a driver leaves the office and fees for the physical are within normal limits. All these things should be explained to the driver so he can make a well informed decision.
Is there a provision to allow 45 days to submit documentation without need for another examination,
@ John
Not sure if you are talking state or federal for submission. Please be a bit more specific. Thanks
Till June 30th
I was recently told by my DOT examiner that was blood pressure was high. I get severe white coat syndrome and have been for years. He gave a paper for my primary care physician to fill out with 3 good readings under 140/90 and he will give me my two year card. My BP is totally normal at home or in my primary doctor so I’m not worried. I have 2 questions… first, can this be done every two years? Is the DOT doctor required to accept this for me every two years? Thanks in advance
@ Marc
Sounds like your CME is trying to work with you on your blood pressure issues. If your readings are normal with your PCP, then the CME can, if he chooses to, accept your doctors readings. Not required, but may choose to do so.
The DOT physician is requiring that I have a sleep study, and see a cardiologist because of an abnormal EKG. My personal physician looked at the EKG and didn’t think the EKG called for a cardiologist and sleep study. What are my options?
@ John M
You could go for a second opinion. You have that right to do so if you disagree with the first CME.
Good question. The one I went to said my BP was high and that I have a fast and irregular heartbeat. Which I find is strange cause I went to see a doctor after and never mentioned anything of the sort. Sleep study based off of that. When my own doctor doesnt think so
@ Sherry M
Get a second opinion from another CME..
Can I bring a test report from an eye doctor stating I have at least 20/40 in each eye and have that satisfy the eye test requirement for a DOT physical? Meaning the eye test would not be done during the exam?
Thanks,
Bob
@ Bob E
It will depend on the CME. Test results from your eye doctor should suffice, but the CME may still choose to do the visual acuity examination to confirm the reports findings.
I took my Delaware DOT physical in April and passed but was given a 3 month extension because if you have had a heart attack they require results of a stress test. Due to COVID-19, I was not able to get the test until June when they starting allowing some tests to be completed. The results were passing. I submitted the results and was told I have to take the physical portion again. Is this true and if so why?
@ Christine
FMCSA requires a new examination each time you go for a medical card. Even though all you needed was the stress test, its been two months since the CME saw you last and DOT/FMCSA require a new physical.
Patient condition is hypertension stage 1 with normal blood pressure at the time of physical exam. The doctor mistakingly recommended a 2 year certification on the card. What can be done to correction this oversight or will the DOT automatically correct the certification to 1 year?
@ Tyrone
DOT / FMCSA will not make any corrections. Is the driver taking HBP medications? If so, then the only way the card will be corrected is if they return to the examiners office and point out the error.
I am 19 years old and drive a truck for a small construction company in Pennsylvania. I’m non CDL but required to carry a medical card. The medical examiner would not sign off on my exam because my license still has “Junior License” even though it technically hasn’t been a junior license since I turned 17. Is there a certain age requirement or non- junior license requirement for a medical card?
@ Ryan M
If the medical card was for a DOT/FMCSA examination for a class A driver, then yes. But you are driving non-cdl, so your examiner needs to understand the differences between federal dot guidelines and your states regulations and guidelines.