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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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Dalton says
The doctor at concentra gave me a 3 month due to my bmi being 2 points over. She told me I had to get a sleep study. Can’t I see another doctor and get my full medical without doing the sleep study?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Dalton
Yes, go get a second opinion from someone other than a ‘Doc in a Box’ that’s in bed with a sleep study facility. Conflict of interest, maybe?
Geneva W says
I’ve been trying to get me medical card since December and every time I got they come up with a different reason why they won’t give me one. I’m on a cpap and they say I have to be 70% compliant and I am now they say 70% for the whole time I been on my cpap. That’s at 69%. If I don’t get it can I start over somewhere else?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Geneva W
You can try. DOT/FMCSA requires, for a class A cdl, a 70% compliance for a 30 day period. You should be OK.
Robert says
Does anyone know this answer swift will send u to do a dot examination even if your card is valid and for some reason your disqualified does it effect your current card
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Robert
If the CME inputs your data to the federal registry, which he is supposed to do, then your old medical card is invalid from that date.
Cali says
I had a medical exam everything was good except I didn’t have 30 days on the sleep apnea machine so the Dr. Gave me 3 month extension. I finished my compliance in 30 days and I need one for a year so I can start truck driving school. The Dr said he can’t give me another one until this one expires. What should I do?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Cali
That’s BS, he can provide you with a new card anytime during those 90 days. It may require a new medical certification examination. (that’s a DOT/FMCSA policy)
James E M says
A company I applied to payed for my medical certificate. I ended up not working for the company. They said, “they own the certificate and to return it”. Is it there property?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ James E M
If the examination was registered on the national registry, then make a couple copies and take pictures on your phone, your medical card is still good until its expiration date. Then give the company their card. It is a weird thing these companies are doing now.
Luke says
Does a pace maker affect ones ability or my ability to get a fed med card?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Luke
If there is no defibrillator built in then you have a pretty good chance. The CME will need documentation and a medical release form from your doctors. Then it all comes down to your other abilities to perform the duties of a CMV operator.
Brady says
If I have a valid dot medical certificate but I get prescribed a new prescription that is disqualifying do I need to go get a new exam?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Brady
Yes and you want to be on this new medication for at least 30 days before going for the exam. Just to make sure there are no abreactions to the meds.
Ace says
How long after you’re medical card expiration is the grace period for getting a new one
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Ace
No more grace periods. Card expires at midnight of the expiration date. Go get a new medical card ASAP.
Angie says
I just got my med card renewed. When I went back into work 3 days later, I was told the clinic called and wanted me to come back in, but didn’t give a reason. Any ideas why this would happen? It’s Sat. So I can’t even call to see what the issue is.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Angie
Call and find out. We will have no idea.
Duane says
So I currently have a valid medical card. My company thought I had an issue so they took me to their clinic. The medical examiner disqualify me because I take oxycodone. Other than that everything was good. I gave him a letter from my physician stating that he has cleared me to drive, and I’ve been under his care for the last 15 years. Does the disqualify test take away my current med card how does all that work?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Duane
If the medical examiner at the clinic was a certified medical examiner on the national registry and he input data to the national registry, then your card may be invalid. If he is not on the national registry, then nothing happened and your card is still good. Now it will fall to the company and their HR department.
Sam says
If I have one eye can I have drive commercial transportation?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Sam
It will depend on the type and class transport you are looking to drive and what class cdl you are going for.
Carmine says
I’m on workers comp in mass , my dot card expires next week , I am on comp until the unforeseeable future until my next appointment in March , what should I do
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Carmine
Contact your local DLD and follow their procedures.
Chuck c says
I just got a 3 month certificate for my DOT physical. Everything look fine but they said I need a sleep study done. I disagree I don’t have no forms of sleep apnea they just based this on my neck size. Could I go to another Dot doctor to get my full medical card.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Chuck c
That would be our recommendation.
Carmine S says
In Mass if I don’t get my medical card & self certify by my expiration date is there any grace period before it is down graded
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Carmine S
Your state drivers license department will be your best source of information on this issue.
Paul says
how many years back do they look for possible health issues. Had a seizure 20 years ago from a head injury, was cleared of it, but resurfaces this year on a questionaire about past health.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Paul
The CME may request additional documentation before moving forward. If you have had no issues and are not on any medications, then your chances are very good.
David says
Even when I have passed the DOT physical and the DOT Dr has signed all papers, Can my employer call that DOT Dr and tell them to send me for more test somewhere else outside of the DOT Dr office when there is no established medical reason to do that?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ David
Why would they do this? What is their reasoning?
This may be a question better answered by the companies HR department.
Wendy says
My Dr is not letting me get a 3 month card. Is there a website with rules and regulations for that?
PJC says
How do I go about updating my Medical Card to the DMV, so it shows current on my reports?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ PJC
Contact your local DLD for their process.
Terri says
I sent for MN Dot health card at end of Nov 2022 and still have not gotten it. I have gotten my vision wavier card. Can’t fins a number to call to see where it is. Help, employer asking.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Terri
This will have to be answered by your local drivers license department.
JB says
Can a CDL driver operate a school bus while wearing a wrist splint/brace?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ JB
This will be a question for your state DLD, unless your cdl is a class A.
Sonya C says
Can u your points on my health rewards card for a DOT physical
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Sonya C
???