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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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Can a driver use Latuda as a commercial driver?
@ Dr. John M
It will require supporting documentation and medical releases from his prescribing doctors. Then based on the medical examiner findings, given all the available information for his decision making process, he will make a risk assessment and final decision to pass or fail the driver. Depending on the class cdl the driver has and the type of work he must perform.
So I have a current medical card I went for a physical to work for a school bus company and I was told my neck size was to big and needed a sleep study test they gave me a 3 month card mind u I still have a current medical card my question is did they send that 3 month card to the school bus company only or did they send that to fmsca thanks
@ Tony
Depends on the class cdl you hold.
The medical card was sent to the school bus company i was not able to have a copy since they paid for the physiy
@ Tony
If you had a new DOT medical certification examination done after the one from the bus company, then the last one done is the one on record and over-rides the first medical card.
New medical card my examiner said don’t worry that sending for sleep apnea test is a suggestion can’t make me go … anyway I am being hired by a trucking company I’m 2 months into the background check and they haven’t mentioned anything thanks for your advice
@ Tony
You are good to go, no issues.
I got stopped and I had a valid med card but wasn’t up to date in the fmcsa and the officer toke me to jail for it. Looking for something that says that wasn’t right
@ Jacob h
Too many possibilities as to why you were in trouble with DOT. FMCSA’s website was down for ages and the examiners were unable to input their data. Only to be told that after all the time the data base was down, now the CME’s have to input all the back data for the past year or so. Is your CME on the national registry? Was your information input to your states drivers license department?
Hi my husband had vertigo for 4 weeks, hes been cleared by the nose throat and eye doctor 4 days ago. The dot doctor refused him to give him his med card , for another 2 months. His c.d.l B will expire in early Dec. What will happen to his B and will they automatically give it back to him? Or will he have to be tested again? We live in CONNECTICUT.
@ Nancy
Since your husband is a class B cdl holder, he falls under your states regulations and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA. 1. Make sure the examiner knows the difference between the two and holds him to the states requirements, not federal DOT/FMCSA / class A standards. 2. It is highly unlikely that he would have to re-test for his cdl. 3. Go get a second opinion from a CME that understands your states requirements and variances.
I went to a doctor to get my dots recertification on my medical card everything was fine but my blood pressure he gave me a 4-month card when I was in there he measured it at 170 I am on blood pressure medicine and it does fluctuate but that seemed extremely high so I went to my doctor the next day they measured me at 1:32 now the physical examiner charges me $20 to get reexamined and I think that there’s something wrong with their machine because the last time I went in it measured 190 and he didn’t bat an eyelash so what I’m asking is if I wait for 4 months and use the card I have now will I have to still go back to him for recertification or can I go somewhere else that’s company paid for I paid for this other one on my own
@ Joe
You have the right to a second opinion from any medical examiner on the national registry.
I’m on an LOA from my company for 2 achilles surgeries. My medical expires 11/1/22 I will not be released to work untill 3/23. My company says no problem get physical from their Dr. when released and class A will automatically be reinstated. In California how long can a interstate commercial driver go without medical before having to completely retest. Been diving OTR for 32 yrs no accidents or tickets. Thanks in advance for response. Eric
@ Eric J
This is a state related question and will be best answered by your local DLD.
Contacted CA CDL helpdesk@ (916)-657-5771 was informed in CA when medical expires the license converts to class 3. When the medical is renewed and recorded commercial privileges will automatically be reinstated. I asked if there was a time limit before having to retest and was informed that the only issue would be should drivers license expires before renewed medical. Did not get details as to how to remedy should that occur. This was exactly what my company safety manager informed me of before going out on medical LOA. Hope it helps!
@ Eric J
Thanks Eric, this will be helpful for others with CA. cdl’s.
I am out on LOA from my job in TX. My medical card expires soon. I will not be back to work before it expires. Can I get DOT physical on my own to keep my cdl from down grading; until I get back to work.
@ Will
If you are a class A driver, you can not have a physical done while you are out on LOA. Fully cleared of restrictions before you have a new physical done. You will be OK with your license due to your personal situation. Just get one done as soon as you are released and get a copy to your local DLD.
I went to renew my physical and this doctor claims I am in a risk of sleep apnea so I need a sleep study. I don’t have insurance and my company does not cover it either and I know I don’t have sleep apnea. I left the clinic taking that 3month certification but I didn’t upload it anywhere yet.Did they upload is somewhere or can I just go see another doctor for a second opinion and if he gives me green light am I good to go and I can go to DMV with that certificate?
@ Tom
The CME will have input the examination findings on the national registry. You would be advised to seek a second opinion. If given the green light, the new card over-rides the present one and you’re good to go.
Are student truck drivers required to have a DOT physical and drug screening BEFORE getting their CDL/CLP? Or Can they have a NONDOT physical and drug screening since they do NOT have a CDL/CLP