Preparing for your visit
A DOT physical is to assess if a person is healthy enough to operate a commercial motor vehicle. These physicals are required for certain class licenses, and are performed by a Certified Medical Examiner who is a member of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Certified Medical Examiners are responsible to assess your medical fitness for duty, and are NOT diagnosing or treating your medical conditions.
During your DOT physical your medical history will be reviewed, this includes all medications that you are taking on a daily basis.
If you have ANY health conditions ( high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.. ) take any medications on a daily basis, wear glasses/contacts/ or hearing aids, have had recent surgery in the last five years please read the information below to help better prepare you for your appointment.
If you have:
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Blood pressure requirements for individuals on medication require a reading of <140/90 while in office.
DIABETES: Please contact the provider who manages your diabetes to have your most recent hemoglobin A1C lab work. This lab will need to be within the last 3 months, be under 10, and show good control. If you are on insulin a packet will be provided for your managing provider to fill out, and 3 months of blood sugar logs will be needed.
SLEEP APNEA: If this is a chronic issue you will need to bring in 90 days of sleep compliance showing 70% or greater for 4 hours or more. You must bring a letter from your managing provider stating that your sleep apnea is stable and you are undergoing treatment. IF you had surgery to fix your sleep apnea, you must bring a letter from the surgeon noting the condition is resolved.
Everyone will be screened for sleep apnea at your visit. This screening is based on your body mass index, neck circumference, and day time sleepiness, and snoring.
HEART ATTACK ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, PACEMAKER, STENTS, ANGINA, CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, OR OTHER HEART CONDITIONS: Please bring critical information from your cardiologist to your appointment ( most recent stress test, and if conditional is stable and currently being treated). There are certain wait times for many heart conditions, if you have been hospitalized, or undergone any procedure a clearance letter from your cardiologist will be needed stating you are safe to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
STROKE, TIA, SEIZURE, OR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: Please bring letter from neurologist regarding this health conditions stating what condition you have or had, if you are currently being treated and with what medication, and if you are safe to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
The list above covers the most common health conditions. IF you have any further question you can call or email prior to your appointment to see what documentation will be needed prior to your visit. Failure to provide necessary documentation may result in a delay of you obtaining your medical card. By bringing all necessary documentation will save you time, money, and additional paperwork.