Services Occupational Medicine Services

DOT Physical Exams

If you or your employees operate commercial motor vehicles, a DOT physical is an important part of staying compliant and keeping drivers safe on the road. At Patient Plus Urgent Care, our certified medical examiners perform DOT physicals that meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements, making the process simple, efficient, and convenient.

Whether you're an individual driver renewing your medical certificate or an employer managing a fleet, our team is here to help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.

What is a DOT Physical?

A DOT physical is a medical examination required by the FMCSA for many commercial drivers. The purpose of the exam is to determine whether a driver is physically and medically qualified to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Because commercial drivers spend long hours behind the wheel and are responsible for the safety of others on the road, the examination helps identify medical conditions that could affect safe driving.

Upon successfully completing the examination, eligible drivers receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate that allows them to continue operating commercial motor vehicles in accordance with FMCSA regulations.

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

A DOT physical is generally required for drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles that meet FMCSA requirements. This may include drivers who:

  • Transport hazardous materials requiring placards
  • Operate vehicles designed to transport passengers in situations covered by FMCSA regulations
  • Drive commercial vehicles that meet applicable federal weight requirements
  • Are required by their employer or state regulations to maintain a valid DOT medical certificate

If you're unsure whether a DOT physical is required for your position, our team can help answer your questions before your appointment.

What Happens During a DOT Physical?

The exam begins with a review of your medical history. You'll be asked about:

  • Current medications
  • Previous surgeries
  • Medical conditions
  • Ongoing treatments
  • Alcohol and tobacco use
  • Current symptoms
  • Your treating healthcare providers

After reviewing your history, one of our FMCSA-certified medical examiners will perform a physical examination that includes:

Vision Screening
Your vision will be evaluated to ensure it meets FMCSA standards, including visual acuity and peripheral vision. Corrective lenses are permitted if they allow you to meet the required standards.

Hearing Evaluation
The hearing portion of the exam determines whether you can safely hear sounds necessary for operating a commercial vehicle. Hearing aids are permitted when appropriate.

Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Assessment
Your examiner will evaluate your blood pressure, pulse, heart sounds, and overall cardiovascular health to identify any conditions that may require additional evaluation or monitoring.

Urinalysis
A urine sample is collected to screen for medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and other underlying health concerns. Please note: The urinalysis performed during a DOT physical is not the same as a DOT drug test.

Respiratory Evaluation
Your lungs and breathing will be assessed to identify respiratory conditions that could interfere with safe driving.

Mus­cu­loskele­tal Evaluation
The examiner will assess your strength, mobility, range of motion, and overall physical ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Neurological Evaluation
Your balance, coordination, reflexes, and other neurological functions will be evaluated to identify conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely.

General Physical Examination
The examination also includes an overall assessment of your general health, including your abdomen, skin, mouth, throat, and other body systems as required by FMCSA guidelines.

How Long is a DOT Medical Certificate Valid?

Most qualified drivers receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate that is valid for up to 24 months.

However, drivers with certain medical conditions may receive a shorter certification period and be required to complete more frequent examinations.

What Medical Conditions May Require Additional Evaluation?

Having a medical condition does not automatically disqualify you from receiving DOT certification. Many conditions can be successfully managed with treatment and regular medical care.

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Heart disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Other chronic medical conditions

What Conditions Can Disqualify a Driver?

Some medical conditions may prevent a driver from receiving DOT certification until they are appropriately treated or meet FMCSA requirements. These may include:

  • Vision that cannot be corrected to meet FMCSA standards
  • Hearing loss that does not meet FMCSA standards
  • Narcolepsy
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Certain seizure disorders
  • Certain severe heart or lung conditions

Why Choose Patient Plus for Your DOT Physical?

At Patient Plus, DOT physicals are performed by licensed medical examiners listed on the FMCSA National Registry. Our providers stay current on the latest federal regulations and complete all required documentation, including:

  • Medical Examination Report (MER) Form MCSA-5875
  • Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) Form MCSA-5876
  • Medical Examination Results Form MCSA-5850

We understand that your time is valuable. That's why we work to make the DOT physical process as efficient as possible while ensuring every examination meets FMCSA requirements.