Occupational Health | DOT Physical

Service Description

Driving extended hours can be both physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to monitor and detect physical and mental health issues in commercial drivers before they arise. For public safety, commercial motor vehicle drivers are required by federal law to receive regular physical exams. Department of Transportation, only allows certified medical examiners to perform DOT Physical exams. All Urgent Care TX & Occupational Medicine providers are certified medical examiners (CMEs) in Cleburne and Lancaster. DOT Physical Requirements The physical examination assesses the driver for conditions including: Vision problems Digestive problems Behavioral health / mental health Blood pressure problems Diabetes / other endocrine issues Hearing issues Sleep Apnea Medical issues due to alcohol or drug abuse Potential for stroke Chronic pain Brain injuries or other neurological issues Epilepsy or seizure issues Underlying heart disease Respiratory (breathing) issues The driver will also perform basic medical exams including: Blood pressure measurement High blood pressure can put you at risk for a variety of health problems. It puts strain on your heart and arteries and can cause a heart attack or stroke. Vision check Aside from a vision test, the provider will also be looking for proper eye dilation and appropriate movement. Hearing test Hearing loss is a common problem, especially as we get older. It’s important for commercial drivers to be able to hear things like emergency sirens while on the road. Urinalysis for glucose levels Urinalysis is necessary to check the driver for medical conditions like diabetes. What happens after the exam? After the driver passes the physical exam, their certification is good for two years. That is, unless they have an exemption—a health status that won’t keep them from driving but may necessitate more frequent physical exams. The driver will receive a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate and their DOT Physical forms will be sent electronically to the Department of Transportation.