DOT Physicals

Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals are necessary for anyone who drives a commercial vehicle for a living. These screenings ensure you’re healthy enough to operate heavy machinery and help you stay in compliance with the law. At Advance Telemedicine, based in Orange, Connecticut, the team of board-certified primary care providers offers DOT physicals to professional drivers. Call Advance Telemedicine to schedule a DOT physical, or book your appointment online today. 

What are Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals?

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a routine test that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires of all professional drivers. 

It screens for health problems that might affect your professional responsibilities and ensures you’ve met all legal requirements to maintain a commercial driver’s license. 

Who is required to undergo a DOT physical?

The FMCSA requires DOT physicals of anyone who:

• Transports hazardous materials in a vehicle that requires hazmat placards
• Is paid to operate a motor vehicle that carries eight or more passengers
• Operates a vehicle that carries 15 or more passengers
• Operates a vehicle that has a gross combination weight rating of 10,000 lbs. or more

After you pass your DOT physical, your Advance Telemedicine provider gives you a medical certificate that’s good for two years. However, if you have an underlying medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, you’re required to schedule a DOT physical annually. 

What do DOT physicals involve?

At Advance Telemedicine, DOT physicals involve three steps:

Step 1: Detailed health history

Your provider has you fill out a medical questionnaire that asks about your lifestyle, including the medications you take, whether you smoke or drink alcohol, and if you've been diagnosed with any chronic conditions, like high blood pressure. Answer the questions honestly and provide as much detail as possible.

Step 2: Comprehensive physical

Next, your provider completes an exam. They measure your height and weigh you, check your blood pressure and respiratory rate, test your reflexes, and complete a head-to-toe physical. 

Step 3: Lab testing

At the end of your exam, your Advance Telemedicine provider orders lab testing, including urinalysis. They also collect blood samples to check for underlying health problems, like high cholesterol and diabetes. Similarly, if you have a history of heart disease, they complete an echocardiogram. 

Each test confirms if you’re healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle.

What should I bring to a DOT physical?

Bring the following items to your DOT physical at Advance Telemedicine:

• Medical records from any specialists you see
• Recent lab test results, especially if you’re being treated for diabetes or sleep apnea
• Auditory and/or visual aids (for example, hearing aids, glasses, or contact lenses)
• A list of the medications and supplements you take, including dosage amounts

Call Advance Telemedicine to schedule a DOT physical, or book your appointment online today.