DOT Physicals Specialist

What are DOT physicals?

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a routine checkup required of all commercial drivers. During the exam, your Everyday Urgent Care provider orders a series of tests, ensuring you’re able to perform your professional responsibilities.  

Even if you feel fine, you’re required by law to participate in a DOT physical. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all professional drivers to participate in a DOT physical every two years, and sometimes sooner. 

Who needs to participate in a DOT physical?

You’re required to schedule a DOT physical if you:

• Transport hazardous materials in a vehicle that requires a hazmat placard
• Receive payment to transport eight or more people
• Operate vehicles that carry up to 15 people
• Operate vehicles with a gross combination weight of more than 10,000 lbs.

Following the completion of your DOT physical, your Everyday Urgent Care provider fills out a medical certificate you can submit to your employer and the FMCSA.

How frequently do I need to schedule DOT physicals?

All commercial drivers are required by law to undergo a DOT physical once every two years. Even so, there are certain medical conditions that require more frequent checkups. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you must participate in DOT physicals annually.

What do DOT physicals involve?

At Everyday Urgent Care, a DOT physical is a simple, three-step process:

Step one - Overview of your health history

At the beginning of a DOT physical, your provider asks various questions, including the type of medications you take, if you’ve had surgery in the past, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol. They also ask if you’re living with an underlying medical condition, like diabetes or heart disease.

Step two - Complete physical exam

Next, your Everyday Urgent Care provider conducts a physical exam. During the exam, they check your hearing, vision, and blood pressure, test your reflexes, and order several screens to assess other health indicators.  

Step three - Lab work and additional testing

Lastly, your provider orders lab work, including a complete blood count (CBC), a complete metabolic panel (CMP), and urinalysis. If you have a family history of heart disease, they might also order an electrocardiogram.

Once the exam is finished, your provider fills out a medical certificate you can submit to your employer and the FMCSA.

If it’s time to schedule your next DOT physical, make an appointment at Everyday Urgent Care by calling the practice or clicking the online booking feature today.