What’s Included in a DOT Physical?
Many jobs require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you think only people who drive big rigs need a CDL, you’re about to be surprised. In fact, bus drivers, limousine drivers, people who transport hazardous materials, or who drive vehicles that carry more than eight people all need CDLs. In some cases, driving is only a small portion of what you may do.
At Northview Medical in Cheyenne, Wyoming, our team provides physical examinations for people who need a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical in order to get or maintain their CDL. Whether you need an annual physical or one every other year, we can help.
Not all medical professionals are certified to give DOT physicals. A provider must be listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s national registry in order to provide this service.
What the exam covers
You can expect a general physical exam when you come for a DOT physical. We test your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and perform a urinalysis in addition to performing a rigorous physical exam.
You should be ready to discuss your medical history in detail, because understanding your current health is an important part of administering a DOT exam.
The physical exam includes considering your general appearance and a close look at your eyes, ears, mouth, and throat to check for any obvious signs of health problems. We also listen to your heart, lungs, and chest to make sure everything sounds healthy and normal.
We also check to make sure there’s no problem with your liver, that you don’t have any hernias, and that your limbs aren’t impaired. We also examine your musculoskeletal system to be certain you have a good range of motion and no limitations or tenderness when you move. Finally, we look for neurological problems by checking your equilibrium, speech patterns, and reflexes.
What you should bring
There are a few things you should do to prepare for your DOT physical. You should bring a list of all your current medications along with the dosage you take of each. Along with that list, you should bring a list of your doctors’ names and contact information.
We also require you to complete a set of forms. You should print them, fill them out prior to your appointment, and bring them.
Conditions that could disqualify you
There are some conditions that disqualify you from getting a CDL, such as deafness and poor vision that can’t be corrected with corrective lenses.
There are also several conditions that disqualify you only if they are poorly managed. For example, if you have diabetes mellitus and can’t control your glucose levels, your condition is considered poorly managed and you may be disqualified from getting a CDL. Similarly, poorly managed heart disease can be a disqualifier.
However, you shouldn’t assume that your condition automatically disqualifies you. If you’re under the care of a medical specialist and your condition is well-controlled, you may still be able to pass a DOT physical.
If you have any questions, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment for a DOT physical, book an appointment over the phone with Northview Medical today.
