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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.
How can I find out when my DOT physical is due if I no longer have the letter that was mailed to me about it?
@Jessica
Look at the expiration date on your last medical card.
If you’ve already received a letter from DMV, then probably your medical card is already expired.
I have a valid medical examiners certificate valid until 4/17 with the state of florida which I certified on line.i have started a new driving job which required a new dot physical and when I go on line to certify the new card floridas web site does not seem to allow any access to do this.iam trying to avoid hours on hours wait at the dmv,any suggestions
@Thomas
Sorry we can’t help you, have no idea what you can do other than contact your local DMV.
What are the dot regulations on attempted suicide.
@Tony
A medical release from your psychologist and from your prescribing doctor. There is a waiting period that must be met and a clear medical release form from those above. Also a working prognosis from your doctors stating that they feel that your situation is fully under control and well managed.
I work for a transit company in Florida and also work for charter and tour company.. I have two medical card one for FTA and FMSCA.. my FTA card expired and my employee pull me off from driving.. I explained to them that I had my FMSCA card and they wouldn’t acknowledge it.. how do this work
@Ruby
FMCSA is for the federal drivers and validates the CDL.
Can’t answer for the FTA card within the state of Florida. Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
While taking a professional driving class they started the process of getting our CDL. THey brought in a ceritfied DOT doctor to perform our physical for our medical card. I had smoked marijuana weeks prior so this test was positive.
Will I be prevented from going ahead and taking the CDL test and getting a CDL or will any certified DOT Doctor I go to for a physical know that there is this one time failure out there in the system? I have not and do not smoke marijuana at this time and never will again.
Someone said I will be “red Flagged” in the system and disqualified to get a CDL ? Is that correct?
@Richard
Drug testing is for employment.
And the CDL would be to drive commercially. Getting and passing your CDL examination and receiving a medical card is a demonstration of fit for duty.
The positive drug test will effect your employability if it is noted by the company. Make sure you are clean before re-testing and you should be fine.
But if you are going to continue the use of the herb, then please do not go into driving as a career.
The dmv says that my dot physical was never turned in for 3 years. I have copies of both exams, what can I do? They are saying I have to retest
@Sandra
It is the drivers responsibility to ensure that you update your drivers license record with your latest medical card. If you did not provide them with an updated copy, that is why they downgraded your license.
Each state treats this process differently. Go in to you local drivers license department to sort this out, as they are the only ones who can help you in this situation.
This questions concerns the State of Pennsylvania and the laws for getting a medical card recertification. I have an employee who was recently involved in a car accident. His medical card is scheduled to expire this month and there is no way he can take a physical at this time. The law says if the state doesn’t receive the new card before the expiration of the old one he will lose his CDL. Is there any way to put this recertification on hold until he is physically able to be recertified.
@Jon
Each state treats this process differently. The driver will need to contact his local drivers license department to see what they can do to accommodate his situation.
We had an employee not pass his DOT physical because of high blood pressure. We paid for that…..when h went back a week later they just took his blood pressure and since it was under control they certified him. They then charged us for another physical….is that the way it really works?
@Katherine
With the new medical certification forms, that is the way the system forces medical examiners to work. Either: 1. Medical Examination Report with “PENDING” status to be followed up or 2. Issue a new medical examination report, completed.
If the examiner’s office put your driver in “pending” status, and he kept his old card in the meantime, then all they needed to do was make a note change on the BP and issue a new card, and update the FMSCA database that the examination was complete.
If they completed the first exam, and disqualified him, or gave him a short card to get the situation under control, then the followup exam is a complete new exam and update in FMCSA database.
They can charge for another physical, because technically it is another physical, and another complete medical examination report to FMCSA. It’s up to the doctor’s office, and sometimes they make a plan to work with the driver if the situation can be rectified in a short time.
funny thing happened to me as well but i contacted the office for the occupational health part of that company and was told i shouldnt be charged if i saw the same dr but was charged anyway wtf is that