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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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My license is ca and I’m gonna renew my medical card. It expired recently. Can I go to doctor, and DMV in Nevada to renew and submit?
@ Jeremy r
Welcome to CA. stuff. Your drivers license was suspended at midnight of your medical card expiration date. You can get the medical examination done anywhere in the US, as long as the CME is on the national registry. You will need to get copies of your medical examination and medical card to someone who can walk it into a CA.DVM. Only then will your cdl be validated. You cannot do it from NV. Exam in NV, yes. Paperwork for CA. in CA. only.
I have a question. So I just received a 2 year DOT physical card with a perfect, clean bill of health that I am required to pay for because I am an independent contractor. The company I am leased onto just informed me that because I am 5’11 and 300lbs, apparently I am (too over weight) “for their liking” so they are telling me that I have to get a new Medical Card every year. I’m not happy with this as I am the one paying out of my own pocket to have these physicals done. So my question is- I’m I required to get another Physical in one year from now if they are not the ones paying for it and I am already cleared for 2 years??? This seems very unfair and quite obsured to me.
@ Ryan
It is the company’s policy, not DOT/FMCSA. They can ask for it and you decide whether you will comply to not. If you like the company, then you will need to do a new physical yearly, or not.
I was given a 3 month certificate based on an ECHO exam which I passed. then I was asked to pay for another dot physical. does that seem right? I expected to get a new card for a year
@ Shirley S
The medical examiner should have issued a 3 month card and placed your status on the federal registry as pending. That would give you the rest of the one year card without a new medical examination. If the CME did not place as pending, then the new examination would be required.
Does the dot doctor have the right to look at the full medical file from the hospital before they issue the dot medical certification card and how far back do they look at the surgical procedures
@ James
The CME must look at all available information to make a risk evaluation. “A history of” anything means going as far back as possible for information.
I have diabetes and have to get blood work done for my DOT med card but i wont be able to come back for 11 days after i do the blood work. Is that too long of a gap? Will i have to get blood drawn again?
@ Logan T
You should be OK, but it will depend on the CME.
What does CME mean?
@ Logan T
Certified Medical Examiner on the national registry with DOT/FMCSA.
I’m a class a CDL driver and have a medical card that’s up-to-date until 5/24/24 I am in the heavy equipment, construction industry and typically in the summer and spring were pretty busy right now however, I’m not I was wondering if I’m allowed To get my medical card updated here soon so that I won’t have to miss work when we’re very busy and so that it won’t expire and leave me not able to haul equipment
@ Josh
Yes, it would be better to get it done now and then be busy, rather than busy and no time.
If my medical certificate expires in 1 day and can’t get into a doctor until Monday what happens is there a grace period
@ Tammy
Technically there is no grace period AND every state is running behind. So you do have a few days before anyone will notice, unless you are in California. Then get the physical done and get results to the state ASAP.
If your Med Cert expires on 9/22/2023, is it valid until midnight on 9/22 or expires midnight 9/21?
@ Tamara M
Midnight of the 22nd.
As a city government we are supposed to be exempt from needing the medical card. is there a form that we need to fill out and if so where do i find the form?
@ Darrin H
Your local drivers license department (DLD) should have the forms you need.
Can you use a FSA debit card to pay for a D.O.T card
How far, in history, do you have to go back, on the medical form, for surgeries and hospital stays? I had an appendectomy in 1993, hernia surgeries in 2000,01 & 2004. I had an overnight stay in the hospital, for atrial fibrillation (1x 24 hour episode), in 2009. One DOT doctor said 5 years, another said all history.
@ B Robert
It’s a choice. The form is asking for any history of. Some read it with a 5 years history, other read it as any history. Best to answer as any history.
In 2019 I had a sleep study done and was prescribed an oral device to meet DOT requirements. Ive gotten my medical every year since with no hassle from the examiner until this year. Examinier didnt know oral devices were allowed and issued a 90 day cert ordering another sleep study.
Question: 1) Are oral devices allowed? 2) If so, how long will this satisfy DOT requirements?
@ Ed
Oral devices are not accepted without some form of supporting documentation from your prescribing doctor. CME needs some form of compliance and proof of effectiveness. This what DOT/FMCSA is looking for, for class A OTR drivers. Your CME is correct, but may change his mind if the compliance portion can be substantiated.
Hello i have a question please i have been using cpap for since march 2023 i have been using as i should daily minimum 4 hours a day usually 5-7 hours a day my phyisical is good until sept 2024 i had called the office for the dot physical and they said that when i renew my physical is when i should inform them and after they check if i am using the cpap properly i would only get one year medical card is that how it works or should i go sooner , my next question is i am going for a new job and they require a phyisical so at that point i would bring my cpap usage that i am complying do i need my pulmanary dr to write a note ? and should i have any other issues such as high / low blood pressure i know i would get the 3 month medical card to get my condition back to normal would the company accept that ? or i would disqualified from the company ? thank you
@ Tony
Since the new company is requiring a new DOT medical, all you should need is your cpap readout. We have no idea about the company policy for hiring. Check with their Human Resources for better answers.
Thank you have a great weekend
How can I make sure you received my medical card
@ Thomas M H
We do not receive anything from anyone. You need to check with your local DLD for an answer.
Is there a lower age limit for a medical certificate? Is a 17 year old eligible for a certificate?
@ Michael L. S APRN NP
If they have a valid drivers license, not a cdl, they may need a medical card to do basic delivery. ex, auto parts delivery.
Dot physical .passed all except for vision issue an medication issue depth perception was vion issue an medication was because what I took for the most part they are prescribed as needed .doctor told I would have to go to my regularroctors to clear this so eye doctor tested me vision fine gives me clearance letter…go to pain doctor he also clears to drive no restrictions I have been driving since 2008 on same medication prescribed to me with clearance letters …now all set both letters like je she asked ……she tell me well at this time I don’t feel comfortable passing u………so she failed me.would not except letters……what can I do she will caus me to loose my career.or deal with life in pain .,……..,,###№##
@ David s
Go get a second opinion and make sure you take your letters of clearance with you.
I live in. Mass and my employer is requiring me to get a dot physical even though my dot card is still valid for another year. I recently had COVID and for that reason they are forcing me to get the dot physical even with a doctors note clearing me without restrictions. Do I have to get the physical even though my card is valid for another year?
@ Christelle D
For a class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA requires a new medical certification examination for any driver that has had any illness or injury which removed them from behind the wheel of a cmv.
I have my DOT physical coming up in two months. but the issue is.. I will be 8 months pregnant at the time.. I dont drive anymore and I’m going to be a stay at home mom but I need to keep my CDL. will they pass me being pregnant?
@ Jasmine M
Maybe best to wait until you have had the baby before retesting for your DOT medical card.
Are all cdl holders required to have health certificates. What if they are grandfathered in?
@ Robbie
You would need to clarify this with your local DLD.
Do I need to submit a self certification form everytime I renew my DOT card? If nothing has changed since the last time I submitted it and I have kept my DOT card and CDL current can I just submit my renewed DOT card and not the self cert form to the DMV?
@ Megan
You will need to confirm that thought with your local DMV.
We are in MN and the person that was the head of the Occ Health Department told our new provider that she could not look into the patient chart to review medical information or check medications as they had a client that lied about what he was on, that he had cardioversion not even a year ago, etc…and the list goes on and on with this guy.
I am trying to find the best practice for our provider who is new to doing DOT physicals, can or should they review patient charts to verify client information and medical concerns they may have after interviewing them and continuing the physical?
@ Debra B
The CME can and should review all available medical records. He needs this information to aid in his/her decision making process according to the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations. If he is caught falsifying information, it could cost him his cdl.