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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.
I had an ischemic stroke 5 years ago that affected my right side. I have had no health issues since and want to return to driving motor coaches. I can walk, drive, and function ( I still have a driver’s license and a full time job teaching); not in the same capacity, but I CAN do. Am I still eligible to have my medical clearance and CDL reinstated? What physical abilities are a MUST for medical certification? Thank you for you time.
@ matalyn
Everything will depend on the class cdl you need to operate a coach. Less than a class A, you will fall under the states guidelines and variances, which are more lenient than federal DOT/FMCSA. Make sure your examiner understands the difference between state and federal regulations, in your case.
Would it be possible to pass a dot physical with a ureter stent? With a stent in there is possibly microscopic blood in urine, and since with urine test one thing they check for is blood, the reason for the stent is because past kidney stones, all have been removed and dr worried about blockage. Other than that no problems, no diabetes.
@ David P
It is possible, but will require some documentation from your doctors supporting your claim.
Thank you
@ David P
You are welcome.
I have an intrastate class A CDL. I’ve been told by my many drivers you can travel 50 miles outside your state with an intrastate license. Is this true?
@ Chris
We would recommend you confirm this with your states drivers license department.
If I got a dot physical card good for 2 years last month and change Jobs and get another one the following month but it is good for only three months can I just use the older medical card?
@ Jack
No unfortunately, the last medical card was input to the national registry and is the valid card now.
@ Latrice
Your medical examiner that issued the two year medical certificate did not see enough reason to request a sleep study. Unfortunately, the last examiners data went into the DOT/FMCSA data base and is the valid card now. Best to return to your original CME and get a new medical card when this one is up. DOT/FMCSA does not have any mandatory sleep study regulations without a multitude of signs and symptoms. There may have been a conflict of interest here.
How long do you have to wait if you fail your physical for the second time first time bp was 169 over 70 2nd time bp 149 over 90.
@ Bill
As soon as you can hold a bp below 140/90.
I am pregnant and the doctor told me if I go in for my physical they will take my dot physical no matter what because I am pregnant in a liability but I have a doctors note by my baby doctor saying I can operate a commercial vehicle Long with lifting 50 pounds or less does these DOT doctors have a right to fill my DOT physical because I am pregnant even though I have a doctors note approving me to work
@ Jass
Lots depends on the class cdl you carry. Class A, you are a bit of a risk and you have limitations on your note. DOT/FMCSA guidelines say no restrictions or limitations. A lesser class cdl goes by the states guidelines and variances and are more lenient.
I got a 3 month card last year, and I only needed to drive for the summer, so when it expired, I took it off of my license. I need to get another physical this month, and my bp is still a bit high. Am I eligible for another 3 month card since I took it off my license? Or does it still carry over since that was the last card I had?
@ Travis
Not sure. If your bp is still high, then the examiner may give you a three month card to get your bp under control. If the system catches it you will be out of luck.
Can I print my own DOT medical form before my Doctors appointment?
@ Lisa H
As long as it is the correct form, yes.
If my driver neglects to take his medical certificate to DMV, is his CDL valid? EPN indicates his medical is still expired.
@ Laura O
Each state is different on their grace periods for this type of issue. Best to get the driver to get his paperwork in ASAP.
Can a senior driver renew their medical card at 79 years old? It has expired about 2 weeks ago.
@ Bonita
Sure you can, as long as you are able to perform the duties of a driver you should be good to go. CME may limit medical card to one year at a time due to age.
I am coming off a six week cancer treatment program. I have a feeding tube that the team wants to leave in for six weeks post treatment. If I can receive a full fit for work release before the tube comes out, can I pass a DOT physical?
@ Steven P
For a class A cdl, it would be difficult with the tube still in place and not have any restrictions or limitations. For a lesser class cdl, you will fall under the states guidelines and variances, which ar going to be more lenient.
Is a new D.O.T. medical card required if I change the address I currently have to a new address?
@ Owen
It would be nice, but we do not think it is mandatory.
Do you have to carry your Medical Examiners Certificate with you when driving a commercial vehicle?
@ Joe M
Yes
Thanks
@ Joe M
You are welcome.
WE ARE IN COEUR D ALENE, IDAHO (NEAR SPOKANE, WASHINGTON) AND I DON’T SEE ANY PLACES TO GO TO GET THE EXAM ON THE MAP. AM I MISSING SOMETHING? PORTLAND AND SEATTLE ARE 6-7 HOURS DRIVE FROM HERE WHERE I SEE A FEW PLACES. AND NONE IN MONTANA. PLEASE ADVISE…WE CAN’T MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR COMPLIANCE.
@Connie
Sorry we don’t have any doctors in our network close to you.
Check FMCSA NRCME official website to find a CME in your area.
I completed a DOT physical on Friday…on Wednesday of the following week, the Dr called and said they were invalidating the physical because they didn’t realize my stroke was 10 months ago..they want 1 year, FMCSA says recommended not required based upon the examiners discretion…the question is…they already submitted a successful physical to DOT, can they invalidate it?
@ Brian
Not that we are aware of. If the CME was happy with his original finding, then there is no reason for him to reverse his decision.
If I have a 2 year DOT medical card and my company wants me to get a new DOT exam due to a surgery and been out for 6 months and I can’t pass does my old (Up to date) card still be good?
@ George
In reality your last medical card was invalidated when you went for surgery. Getting a new medical examination would give you a valid medical card. If you fail, for some reason, your old medical card is still invalid.
I am a diabetes nurse educator. If a trucker who has diabetes needs to start insulin, can he/she continue to drive as they go through the Federal Diabetes Exception Program. From what I read, the person has to go for their certifying medical examiner before they can start the exemption process and see the endocrinologist and the vision evaluations. While they are working through these steps can they administer insulin for treatment of the diabetes and continue to drive or do they have to have they have received the insulin exemption from the Fed Motor Carrier Safety Administration to be allowed to drive?
@ Liz D
For a class A driver, they need all the paperwork and exemptions in place before returning to driving. For lesser class cdl holders, they fall under the states regulations and variances and may be able to continue driving while going through the process.
My medical card has expired and I need a letter from my doctor I am trying to get this letter. But I am having some issues with the office people getting the doctor to sign this letter because the doctor is not available or he is very busy I been taking this same letter to the medical for 10 years. Can some one give me answer to get this resolve so I can get my physical done and the car renewed
@ Gerald K
It’s your physician that is holding things up. The CME needs the information to support his decision making process. See if you can get the doctors staff to understand that this is urgent, like now.
Hello,
I have a quick question. Can an employer randomly drug test you if your medical card is expired and on hold do to a medical condition?
@ G
That may be the companies policy. If it is. then yes. If they drug test and it’s positive for prescription meds, then all you need is a prescription for the MRO.