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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.
If I let my DOT expire do I have to go back to the Doctor that gave me the card I let expire or can I go to another DOT examiner?
@ Thomas D
Any federally registered CME in the US can perform the DOT / FMCSA medical certification examination.
I recently went to get my D.O.T.card renewed as it had just expired. I passed the exam until they found out I hold a current medical marijuana card. I only smoke occasionally to help with my sleep. I have used marijuana for sleep for many years and it does not effect my ability to do my job or effect any part of my daily living. I work hard every day and I believe there should be exceptions. How can I get my card renewed so I can keep my job?
Julie B
@ Julie B
Medical marijuana is a state by state issue. DOT / FMCSA is federal, and marijuana is still a federal offense. If you are driving in state only, then you need to talk to your state drivers license department. And when taking the medical certification examination, you will need to explain that you fall under the states variances and not federal DOT.
If I get my DOT Physical in Vermont is it valid in New York
@ Aaron S
If performed by a federally certified medical examiner (CNE), then it’s good in all fifty states.
I was issued a 1 yr dot card for high blood pressure a few yrs ago. Even though it’s at qualifying levels 365 days a year, they refuse to okay mefor a two year cert. WHY NOT? Thanx
@ Stephen B
It’s a wording issue. Federal form ask if there has been a “history” of high blood pressure. If the CME makes a change to a two year card, then he must explain his decision making process to the company, the state and the federal DOT / FMCSA.
I have just been informed that my new company will not pay for the DOT medical card. I was told I am fully responsible to get it done, they won’t even tell me when/if it is about to expire. So, since I have to pay for it, and I know the doctor has to report to the DOT that I either pass or fail it, am I required by law to provide a copy to my work as well, or can I just tell them I passed or failed?
The way I look at it is, if I have to pay for it out of my own pocket, insurance won’t cover it, and the company won’t either, and it’s my responsibility to get it, I don’t want to give my money away to them by providing them with a copy. I have no problems telling them I passed or failed, but, if they really want a copy, I feel they need to pay for it.
Every other company I ever worked for, including ones that didn’t have CDL drivers, but, needed DOT Medical cards, always paid for it, since it helps their insurance, and keeps them compliant with DOT federal laws and regulations, which helps them out tremendously.
Thanks!
@ Larry C
Check with the companies HR department for their policy. Most cases the company must have at least a copy of the medical card, not the long form, on file for them to allow you to operate.
My dot card expires on1/18/2020
Went to company doctor passed physical on 1/9/2020 doctor told me she will not sign off due to an amputation of toe 18 months prior wants a work release note from my doctor. Report to work the next day was sent home due to I have No valid medical card. Old card is still good till the 1/18/2020 correct
@ John
You should have had a new medical card following the toe amputation. Work release and doctors release should already be present. As of 1/9/2020, if examiner put your info into the FMCSA data base, then your old medical card is invalid. Get the medical release done asap and you should be good to go.
I am the owner of a small construction company. My trucks are all under 26000 Lbs. Because my company is an S. corp the trucks are considered commercial vehicles. As the owner of the company do I require a CDL physical to operate my trucks?
@ ROBERT
Check with your state drivers license department. In most states your drivers would need a valid medical card, but not a cdl.
I had arthritis surgery April 2018. I was released to full duty dec 2018. On my job application it asked about surgeries and (I thought it asked if i ever had) restrictions. The dot dr put down notes to the company that I had restrictions until 1 yr ago which was false. I sent the employer my dr note from dec 2018 that shows released to full duty. But said it wasnt good enough cuz the dot dr said the restriction was from last year.I passed the whole physical but now the trucking company wants a dr note with no restrictions to date. I’ve talked to the surgeons office everyday for 7 days now and I keep getting told hes busy, and theyll try asap. I’m thinking about just going to another company. My question is, if they have me take another physical, will the employer and/or the new dot dr see those notes if it was on the long form? The last dr didnt provide me a long form cuz the employer paid for it.
@ Shawn
If you were released with a return to work without restrictions, then you should be good to go. Go get a second opinion from another CME. No one except the CME and the employer gets to see your long form, if you provide a copy of the long form to the employer. Make sure you can bring a copy of the release from your doctors.
Is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) a disqualifying condition for a DOT physical?
@ Shane B
It will raise questions with the CME, but it is not a DOT/FMCSA disqualifier, in and of itself.
As a DOT medical examiner, I am drawing a blank and doubting myself about something. A patient who wears corrective lenses and his vision is 20/20 in both eyes with his glasses, is he certified for one or two years.
Thanks!
Tricia
@ Tricia J
If all else is within normal limits and all that is needed to pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination is for the driver to wear corrective lenses, then the card is good for 2 years.