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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.
Employer here. If a driver has a diagnosed concussion, and is doing PT due to concussion, do they have to repeat their DOT physical before being able to return to work/driving?
@ Tammy B
Yes, and they will need a full medical release, without restrictions, before they can be re-certified by the medical examiner.
i am having hernia surgery 12/3 and my medical card expires 12/28; is there any grace period as estimate to return to work is 1/17
@ Dennis L H
DOT/FMCSA has extended the medical card deadlines until the end of February 2022.
I have just completed my sleep study and only have a month to get the machine and use to get a month report. Problem is they have no appointments till december due to shortage and help. What am i suppose to do it is out of my control can I get another extension. It’s not my fault I managed to get a sleep study in less than a mont but time is running out.
@ David M M
You could talk to the CME and ask. Explain the situation and they may work with you.
I am an amputee above the knee of my right leg i recently applied for my authority and went through all the steps to start my own business as non CDL hot shot trucking so Im using a diesel pick up truck and trailer only rated for non CDL hotshot which is a combined weigh of 26000 pounds I still have to get my physical and Pretty much that’s all I’ll have to do got my authority to go active. Will I have any problems because of my leg ? I was told no because I’m non CDL but I just want to clarify that I know that the spe certificate is usually required for amputees that are driving trucks that require a CDL. would this be a problem for me my primary doctor is even drawing the paperwork up for me stating that I’m totally fit and my leg is not an issue at all I’m just asking so I’m clear on that thanks for ur time
@ Frank
Make sure the medical examiner is aware that you are a non-cdl holder and you fall under the states guidelines and variances, not DOT/FMCSA. Class A drivers exams are more strict, and would require a SPE, not so in your case.
I was just diagnosed with diabetes at my DOT physical. What do I do now since my card expires in a week? Will they give me time to go to the doctor and get the appropriate medicine and let it work?
@ Jensine
First you confirm with your primary physician to determine the extent of your diabetes. If you are a class A driver and you need to be on medications, then there will be a waiting period to make sure your situation is under control. If you are not a class A driver, then you will be under the states guidelines and variances. You would need to confirm what the states rules are and act accordingly.
So I just received my DOT/medical certificate and I checked no for cdl/clp was that the right thing to do ? Because I apply for Cdl school to get my license that’s why I went to get the medical in the first place.. so when I do get my cdl after I complete school does it suppose to change to yes? Or was suppose to check yes either way ?
@ Kayy
If you can go back to the initial medical examiner and have the discussion regarding this situation, he may make the change in his records. If you did not understand the question, simply explain to the examiner your situation, he should be able to work with you to get it right.
I told the dot doctor at my physical I used marijuana in the past so I had to go through the sap program to get my dot card, I did all that but needed my card before cdl school started so I went to another doctor and got my dot card. Do I still need to go back to see the original doctor since I already got my card? And If so will she be able to see I already got issued my card. She was very rude and I don’t want her to make more problems for me. I’ve never failed a drug test and I don’t even have my cdl permit yet
@ Steven
If you already have a valid medical card, then you do not need to return to the first DOT examiner. Your medical card is already registered with the federal registry.
I had a similar experience. I said yes I smoked marijuana previously (4 months back) and was give pending determination. I am new and did not drive commercial until recently. I have a card from a previous test but a possible employer wanted me to use their Dr. My urine test was clean but I didn’t pass dot because I answered yes. Can 8 just use previous card and work somewhere else? Thanks
@ Corey D N
If you had a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination for a class A cdl and were placed on pending, then this info was put on the national registry. That would now over-ride your last medical card, making it invalid. Could go for a second opinion, if you are going for a class A medical card. If a lesser cdl then you fall under the states requirements.
Concentra is corrupt, they are only looking to make money off of sleep apnea testing, no other medical doctors utilize it.
Don’t go to Concentra, companies stop using Concentra.
I just recently got a new medical card, my previous one I was taking 20 mg of Prozac for ocd, I do not take this medication anymore so I didn’t disclose it on my medical card renewal, I got the certificate no problem but I’m just wondering if it will cause a problem in the future
@ John
It should not be an issue. If you want to be proactive, you might get your previous prescribing doctor to sign a note indicating that you no longer need the medication.
I’m a Class B holder, who had an accident in my personal vehicle. My wrist was fractured and my DOT card expired within 1 wk.( should’ve gotten it done before hand) Is it possible to have my card renewed if I’m not driving? Or do I have to wait until I’m released from the Dr’s. care?
@ T. A
You will need to wait until fully released from care before going for your new medical card.
Like many other drivers, I fell into the concentra sleep study trap while trying to get re certified. I have been driving for 24 years and never had any sleep or daytime fatigue issues.
I want to get a second opinion before doing the sleep study.
I went into a truck stop DR. today and he said he couldn’t do a second opinion and that I would have to do the sleep study because it’s already been prescribed by the first DR. and uploaded to the fmcsa. He said that if he gave me a new physical without a sleep study it would be flagged by the fmcsa. (At least he didn’t charge me or take any of my info.)
Was his info wrong? If so, where can I find a DR. that will give me a second opinion?
@ Dave
Unless there are a multitude of possible signs and symptoms of OSA, then you are legally right to request a second opinion. Your second doctor is incorrect in his statements and should have performed an examination to make his final decision.
Think logically, wouldnt your first dot exam be considered passed and legal, your can be re-evaluated at anytime. A pass is a pass and 100% legal. Don’t fall for the BS.