Corey Lesieur

What Is a DOT Physical?

A DOT physical, which is a head-to-toe physical assessment mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is essentially your ticket to securing and maintaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). It is geared toward ensuring you have no medical conditions or physical limitations that can interfere with your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

If you’re seeking employment in the transport industry and you’ve been told you need a DOT physical, keep reading to learn more about it, particularly what it involves, what you should bring with you to your appointment, and your safest course of action in the event that you fail it.

What Does the DOT Physical Involve?

A DOT physical can include the following assessment categories:

  • Medical history
  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Vitals signs (heart rate, breathing, respirations)
  • Body weight and body mass index (BMI)
  • Head to toe exam
  • Urinalysis

A DOT physical is similar to an annual physical exam given by primary care physicians but focuses specifically on the ability to safely drive a commercial motor vehicle. More testing may be necessary based on medical history.

What Must I Bring to My DOT Physical?

When preparing for your DOT physical appointment, make sure to include the following in your checklist:

  • Any routine medications you take (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter medicines, etc.)
  • Corrective lenses (contacts and/or eyeglasses) and hearing aids
  • Medical records: those from your primary care physician and any specialty providers, such as orthopedic doctor, cardiologist, etc.
  • Doctor’s names and addresses
  • Your photo ID
  • Most recent lab results (if you have diabetes)
  • Urine sample
  • A letter from your sleep medicine specialist (if you have sleep apnea)
  • Current medical insurance information

What to Do When You Fail Your DOT Physical

If you fail an assessment in your DOT physical, keep in mind that it does not necessarily mean that it is already the end of the line for you—there might just be something off that can still be corrected.

Your best bet is to talk to your examiner to find out why you failed the physical and ask if they have any suggestions as to what particular steps you can take to pass. If the reason for your being deemed ineligible for a CDL is not within your control, find out if you can apply for an exemption.

The FMCSA will review your case by assessing your medical records, employment history, driving experience, and other information you have provided to determine your capacity to safely operate a commercial vehicle. They usually release their decision within 180 days after they receive your application. Keep in mind that exemptions are only granted to interstate drivers: the FMCSA is not authorized to grant intrastate requirement exemptions.

DOT Physicals in King, North Carolina

If you’re looking for a reputable healthcare facility that offers DOT physicals within the King area in North Carolina, visit us here at Cardinal Urgent Care. DOT physicals belong to a vast array of ancillary services that we offer for the people in our community as part of our commitment of providing them with comprehensive healthcare services.

To schedule an appointment for a DOT physical, contact our staff at (336) 985-9111, and we will gladly guide you on how to go about the process. You may also use this form to send an appointment request. We look forward to serving you!

FAQs About COVID-19 Testing

While there are some people who believe that the we’re now close to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, some scientists assert the virus is here to stay, and it could just take on a similar ebb and flow to the flu.

Regardless of which school of thought you adopt, one thing that cannot be refuted is that COVID-19 testing remains crucial for preventing and mitigating the spread of the disease that has already upended the lives of billions of people the world over.

Learn more about COVID-19 testing through the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about it, as listed below:

Q: When Do I Need A COVID-19 Test?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get tested for COVID-19 if any of the following circumstances applies to them:

  • Have symptoms of the virus (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.)
  • Have had known or suspected close contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19- Even if the person is fully vaccinated, they should be tested 5 to 7 days after their exposure.
  • Not fully vaccinated and had known or suspected exposure to someone who’s confirmed to have COVID-19- If the test is negative, they should test again 5 to 7 days later or immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Starting an academic year or returning to work
  • Need to travel
  • Have been required to do so by a public health official or healthcare professional

Q: What Type of Covid Test Should I Have?

There are two types of COVID-19 viral tests available that are designed to check for current infection:

  • PCR test- This involves taking a sample which can either be a nasal swab or saliva. It is reliable for people with and without symptoms as it is highly sensitive to detecting even very small amounts of the virus. Test results are usually available within 1 to 3 days, and no follow-up test is usually required.
  • Rapid test (Antigen test)– Rapid tests usually involve also taking a nasal swab sample. They provide quick results (within 15 to 30 minutes) and are useful screening tests, but they are generally less sensitive compared to PCR tests and may be less reliable for people without symptoms. Follow-up tests may therefore be necessary.

Q: What If I Don’t Have Symptoms, Do I Still Need to Get Tested?

COVID-19 symptoms may take 2 to 14 days to appear after a person’s exposure to the virus. If you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus, you should take the correct precautionary measures right away.

One recent study estimated that 35 percent of all COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic, meaning the virus could be potentially transmitted to others unknowingly. Regular antigen testing is a quick and effective way to help identify asymptomatic cases of COVID-19.

Q: Where Should I Go for a Covid-19 Test?

You can get a COVID-19 test from an urgent care facility near you. However, you have to call the provider beforehand, so they can tell you how to safely go about the process—without the potential risk of disease transmission.

COVID-19 Testing in King, NC

At Cardinal Urgent Care, we are your one-step destination for your healthcare needs. In addition to providing top-notch urgent care, we offer a vast array of ancillary services—including COVID-19 testing, occupational health services, and diagnostic services—as part of our goal of delivering comprehensive health care for the men, women, and children in our community.

If you would like to find out more about COVID-19 testing or our other healthcare services, call us today at (336) 983-9111. Got an urgent medical situation? Simply walk in! We offer convenient extended opening hours, so you can get the care you need, when you need it.