If you’re a bus or truck driver, you’ve most likely heard of the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. Required to ensure the public’s safety and your safety, this check-up verifies employees are in the best of health to work safely. Here’s everything you need to know about the DOT physical.
Dr. Brian Bellinger at Bellinger Chiropractic in Arcata, CA provides DOT physicals to ensure commercial drivers are in the best health to be on the road.
Common Questions About Chiropractic DOT Physicals
Do you work a job that requires a CDL? Dr. Bellinger at Bellinger Chiropractic in Arcata, CA answers common questions about the DOT physicals necessary to keep you on the road.
Why are DOT physicals necessary?
If you drive a vehicle that carries more than 15 people, contains hazardous materials, or carries a lot of weight, you need a DOT physical. Each of these types of jobs carries a high risk, so it’s important that the operators are in good enough health to operate these vehicles safely. DOT physicals are a step in the direction of saving lives – yours, passengers, and others on the road.
Can chiropractors really do DOT physicals?
There are many types of medical professionals who can perform DOT physicals – and yes, that includes chiropractors. However, you need to choose a chiropractor who is a registered medical examiner with the FMCSA in order to get your medical card.
It’s also important to note that some employers require that you have a drug test, too. Dr. Bellinger does not perform drug testing in conjunction with your DOT physical.
How long does a DOT physical take?
Several things will go on during your physical to get a good look at your general health. This includes testing your hearing, vision, blood pressure, lungs, motor skills, and more. You can typically expect to spend about 45 minutes completing your physical, but it might take a bit longer if you need any additional testing or to visit other specialists.
How often will I need a DOT physical?
The general rule is 24 months, but that typically only occurs when you are in good health. If you have any signs of trouble or conditions that need more frequent monitoring, like high blood pressure or heart trouble, you’ll likely need a physical more often. In some cases, they are only valid for three months.
Can a herniated disc prevent me from passing my DOT physical?
This depends specifically on how that herniated disc is impacting you. Sometimes, herniated discs produce no symptoms. Other times, they compress nerves and cause weakness and numbness in the extremities. Such symptoms can make it dangerous to operate a vehicle, which could make you fail your DOT physical.
Visit Dr. Bellinger at Bellinger Chiropractic in Arcata, CA for DOT physicals by calling (707) 308-2992 for an appointment.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates a DOT physical for everyone applying for a commercial vehicle driver’s license. This includes people who operate:
- Vehicles that carry more than 15 people or more than eight people if the driver is paid
- Vehicles that transport hazardous material and have a placard
- Vehicles that have a gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more
What Does a DOT Physical Consist Of?
All DOT physicals must be completed by a medical examiner licensed by the FMCSA. In the first part of the physical, you will need to fill out a medical examination form with your detailed medical history. This form can also be filled before the appointment to save time.
For the medical checkup, your doctor will test:
- Hearing
- Vision
- Blood pressure
- Urinalysis (drug testing)
- External and internal health including, but not limited to: motor skills, lungs, neurological reflexes, heart conditions, sleep apnea, and limb impairments.
What to Bring to a DOT Physical
Before you come to your physical, bring a complete list of all medications with dosage amounts and the prescribing doctors’ names and addresses. If you’re a driver with medical issues, you’ll have to bring documentation from your physician. Below are a few examples:
Drivers With Vision or Hearing Problems:
- Bring contact lenses, glasses, or any device you normally use to see
- Hearing aids
Drivers With Heart Issues, Brain Tumors, or Previous History of Strokes:
- A detailed history of your health and a letter that designates you as safe to work from your cardiologist or neurologist.
- For heart issues, results from a recent stress test or cardiogram test
Drivers With Permanent Limb Loss:
- A Skilled Performance Examination (SPE)
- An overview from your doctor about any work restrictions of the injury