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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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I just took a DOT physical and there was blood and glucose in my urine , the NP examiner took my current med card and issued a 45 day med card . How do I go about getting back in good standing of at least one year ?
@EJ D
Go visit your primary care physician and get your medical issues under control!
I had same problem do they make you pay for a new card after you see your regular Dr and get it fixed when you go back with your protein normal? Because I’m out of work and this is costing me a fortune No insurance
Most places will make you pay some sort of fee once it is under control. The CME has to take their time to review your records and agree with your records, therefore most places will charge at least some fee. My clinic charges $35
Can I register my physical with the DOT myself? If so, what’s the web address?
@Jamie
Yes, it is the drivers responsibility to get a copy of the medical card to their local drivers license department. Look up your State DLD to get the information.
My husband has a current medical cert but did not take it to the illinois sec of state office. He just received a letter suspending his license. He has the current certificate in hand. When we take it the next time they’re open, will there be a fine or penalties or waiting period? Also, does the suspension apply to his license to drive a CAR or just a commercial vehicle? Thank you.
I’m trying to get non cdl dot physical but doctor can’t approve because I admittingly smoked marijuana 4 months ago. Is that really a reason even though I can pass a drug test now?
@JM
As long as you stay clean and pass a drug test, and you pass all the other requirements of a DOT physical your should get a valid medical card. Make sure that you explain to the CME that you are not a class A driver and you fall under state variances, not FMCSA.
Hi I was wondering if I can go to my on doctor if I was not happy with the doctor my company had sent me to for a Dot phis.my bp read high one time and I had no rest the night before because I drive nights and I had to sit there for 2 hours and I was missing money and my bp went up she trying to put me on meds to bring it down it read 148/98 I have been keeping up with it and the highest it has read was 137/87 and I try to take meds an my bp drop to low it read 87/57 and I tried to tell the woman and she told me to keep taking the med . and I have stop taking the meds. and my Bp has been fine and I want to go to my on doctor to get a second reading on it what do I need to do because she gave me 2 months to take care of it and I can only take it one time.
You have a couple options here. You can just “go for it” and try a second time and ask for the CME to take your blood pressure. However, even a BP of 137/87 is barely passing and during stress your blood pressure shouldn’t be high like that. Driving in traffic is that stressful. So maybe see if you can take a lower dose of the Med because the the lower readings are super low. What type of blood pressure machine are you using? Any automated machine is fairly innaccurate
Yes where can i get the DOT Physical Form alone so my doctor can fill it out to save me the money, shes approved, I believe.
@Sarina
A DOT physical exam / certificate is only valid if performed by a certified medical examiner. And a CME will already have the required forms.
Hi, Is it required for the examiner to perform a hernia test on all males during their DOT physical examination? If one is not performed, but the examiner marks it on the DOT physical form, is this considered fradulent documentation? Thank you for your response.
@Beverly
FMCSA requires this check, and the examiner should be sure that the driver does not have a hernia problem. And, to mark it as done when the check was not done, that would be considered fraudulent.
Hi, I am going to apply for fedex home delivery non cdl box truck/van and will have a DOT physical. Will I fail the physical if I have Bipolar type 2 and also anxiety? I am stable and you would never know I had bipolar however, I’m worried about the mood stabilizer/epileptic drug disqualfing me. I read something recently stating that all epileptic drugs/bipolar meds disqualify you? As far as the anxiety drug I’m switching to a non narcotic before the test. Should I just cancel the interview with fedex? I greatly appreciate any information regarding this.
@JD
You do not fall under FMCSA class A requirements. So get a medical release from your prescribing and treating physicians. Explain to the medical examiner that you’re going to be driving a box truck locally, and that you fall under state variances. Any questions you would have should now be answered by your local drivers license department.
I got my first physical on 5/19/17. My initial BP was 150/80. I was led to believe by the examiner that it had to be under 140/90. They said they would check it again at the end of the physical. That ”
optional” test was 156/102. Of course this was after sitting there thinking that I was not going to be able to get a CDL. I was only granted a 90 day certificate. Now I see that as long as it’s under 159/99 I should have gotten a 1 year cert. Is there anything I can do to appeal/change this? I am working on my BP but meds I have tried have had some nasty side effects. Without meds my DR measured 136/78. For some reason when I go to the medical examiner I’m over 150. I fear I won’t be able to get under the 140/90 by the 90 day mark. Having a year would have been helpful to get this under control.
@Jim
You have 90 days to get this under control on medication. On medication your BP must be 140/90 or under that.
You get only one 90-day card to get this under control.
Take Low dose Asprin or Baby Asprin, 1 a day , about a week before your physical. I normally have normal BP but mine spikes up 20 points when I’m at the Dr. The asprin really helps keep the BP down when you’re having your vitals done…and I always request 3 separate BP readings, cause my Dr is aware of my nervous condition in the office .
Regardless of passing you should be concerned about that high of a reading. Time to start taking a BP Med to control your blood pressure. Go to the doc and get your blood pressure under control