Physicals

5 Best Tips for Passing a DOT Exam

The DOT physical is important because it helps ensure that drivers are physically able to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. By checking for things like vision and hearing impairments, the DOT physical can help identify potential problems before they become serious safety concerns.

If a driver has poor vision, they may not be able to see another vehicle in their blind spot when changing lanes. This could lead to an accident if the other driver is not paying attention or does not have time to react accordingly. Similarly, if a driver has difficulty hearing other warning sounds while on the road, it could lead to accidents, since they would not be aware of potential dangers until it’s too late. Heart problems are also a serious consideration because a heart attack while driving is a safety risk. All things considered, a DOT exam is highly critical for safety on the road.

If you’re looking to pass a DOT exam, here are five tips that may help.

1.  Get Adequate Rest

Get plenty of rest before your exam. This will help ensure that you’re well-rested and relaxed on the day of your test, making it more likely that you’ll pass. Not getting enough sleep can throw your vitals off and cause you to feel ill.

2.  Eat a Healthy Meal Beforehand

Eating nutritious foods will give you the energy you need to make it through the exam without feeling fatigued or lightheaded or increasing your blood pressure. Try to eat a light meal that’s low in sodium before your test.

3.  Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can interfere with your blood pressure readings and other vital signs. If possible, try not to drink any caffeinated beverages for at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time, and no alcoholic drinks for at least 48 hours in advance. It is even recommended that you start getting into a healthy routine weeks before your DOT physical to ensure that you pass the test.

4.  Dress Comfortably

Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing and not wear any jewelry to make it easier for the medical examiner to conduct the exam. Certain tight clothing and jewelry can make it difficult to place the blood pressure cuff placed over the upper arm. Wear shoes that are easy to take off, because the provider may check your feet for problems such as diabetic neuropathy.

5.  Be Honest with the Medical Examiner

Be honest when answering questions about your medical history and medications. The DOT physical is designed to determine if an individual is physically capable of operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Lying about any medical conditions or medications that could potentially impair one’s ability to safely operate a CMV is not only dishonest but could also result in serious injury or death – not only for yourself but also others out on the road. Many drivers have chronic medical conditions that are well managed with the help of their doctor, so don’t worry if you have a health problem – it may not necessarily disqualify you.

DOT Exam in King, NC

Cardinal Urgent Care is a licensed provider of DOT physicals in King, North Carolina. We care about our patient’s health, comfort, and safety, and strive to create a positive experience for each one. Should you have any questions about DOT physicals, our friendly staff is more than happy to answer them, as well as help you be best prepared for your test. Call us for any concerns or to schedule your DOT physical: (336) 983-9111. You can also use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you in our urgent care clinic in King.

4 Things To Avoid When Getting A DOT Physical

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to have a DOT physical to ensure they are physically qualified to operate a CMV. The physical must be performed by a DOT medical examiner.

DOT physicals are an important part of keeping commercial drivers safe on the road. The DOT physical follows guidelines established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). During a DOT physical, a certified medical examiner will check your health numbers, such as your blood pressure, heart rate, vision, and hearing, among other things. The examiner will also ask questions about your medical history and identify any medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely. Drivers must pass all aspects of the DOT physical in order to be cleared for driving duties. A DOT physical is critical to becoming a commercial driver.

Here are 4 things to avoid when getting a DOT physical.

1.  Choosing The Wrong DOT Physical Provider

First and foremost, anyone who needs to undergo a DOT physical should make sure that they get their DOT physicals from a licensed, certified, and registered DOT medical examiner. Use the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, or call the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at (202) 366-4001 to check for a DOT medical examiner located near you. Seeing the wrong provider will result in wasted time on your part, as a DOT physical cannot be completed by just anyone.

2.  Not Being Forthright with the Medical Examiner

Second, you should be honest with the medical examiner about your health history and any medications you are currently taking, and be prepared to discuss your medical conditions. The medical examiner is not there to judge you, but rather to ensure that you are healthy enough to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Also, just because you have a medical condition, doesn’t mean you will fail the exam. The important thing is to have your health and chronic medical conditions under control – which is what the examiner will be assessing.

3.  Forgetting Important Documents for the DOT Physical

Third, make sure to bring important health records and reports to your DOT physical appointment. A DOT physical includes a vision and hearing test, which means you should bring eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids with you to the clinic. If you have diabetes, take your latest Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) lab results. If you have heart disease, you should bring the latest report from your cardiologist.

4.  Being Unprepared for the DOT Physical

Finally, and most importantly, you must remember to prepare for your DOT physical by avoiding caffeinated and sugary food and drinks at least 24 hours before the exam. Eat smaller meals and avoid putting too much salt in your food, as sugar, salt, and caffeine can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, try to get eight hours of sleep before your test. It’s important to be alert and present during your appointment to best engage with the provider.

Schedule Your DOT Physical in King, NC

Cardinal Urgent Care in King, NC provides a variety of physical exams, including the DOT physical. Our providers are licensed and certified DOT medical examiners, who are compassionate and caring toward our patients. Cardinal Urgent Care is committed to providing convenient and affordable medical services to our patients.

Our friendly and helpful staff is more than happy to help you prepare for your exam. Call our office today at (336) 983-9111 for any questions or to schedule your DOT physical. You can also use our online appointment request form.

5 Factors to Consider When Hiring DOT Physicals in King, NC

Do you want to drive large commercial vehicles, such as trucks or buses, for a living?

For that, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a valid DOT medical card. And the only way to obtain the card is to pass a DOT physical, which you’ll need to take every 1-2 years for the duration of your commercial driving career. Getting a DOT physical ensures that you’re performing at your peak and that nobody else will be put at risk.

If this is your first time getting a DOT physical, you might wonder what to expect. Here are the steps involved in getting a DOT physical.

Physical Exam

You can face serious penalties if you fail to comply with the strict DOT exams and requirements. So, it’s important to be familiar with the components of a DOT physical. It is necessary to verify that you don’t suffer from any serious medical conditions that might hinder you from safely operating a commercial vehicle. The exam needs to be conducted by a certified medical professional listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

During your physical, the examiner will assess the following:

  • General Appearance
  • Eyes (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration)
  • Ears (e.g., perforated ear drums, tympanic membrane scarring)
  • Throat and mouth (e.g., swallowing or breathing problems)
  • Heart (e.g., extra sounds, heart murmurs)
  • Chest and lungs (e.g., respiratory conditions)
  • Driver’s abdomen (e.g., muscle weakness, liver enlargement, visceral issues)
  • Vascular system (e.g., abnormal pulse rates, varicose veins, carotid problems)
  • Genitourinary system (e.g., hernias)
  • Extremities (e.g., limb deformities or defects)
  • Spine and musculoskeletal system
  • Neurology (e.g., neurological impairments and reflexes)

Preparation

If you’re physically fit and in good health, there’s very little you need to do to prepare. After all, it is simply a checkup to ensure you’re fit enough to operate a commercial vehicle.

But if you’re overweight, managing any health issues, or recovering from a serious condition, you’ll likely need to make additional preparations. Here are some good practices for anyone that is getting ready to take their DOT physical:

  • Make healthy choices. Adopt a healthy routine as soon as you can – and at least 3 weeks before your DOT physical. Start eating healthy and being physically active. Make sure to get enough sleep every night as well.
  • Bring all the necessary documents and paperwork. Prepare to bring all relevant medical records, including a list of your medications and health conditions.
  • Be diligent in taking your medications. Take your medications at the right time and in the right dosage. Being inconsistent with or stopping your medications altogether might impact your results in the physical.
  • Avoid unhealthy habits. Smoking, consuming sugary foods and drinks, and excessive caffeine intake are some habits you should try to avoid.
  • Be honest when discussing your health history. Don’t embellish or withhold any information from your examiner. Be honest and consistent with the information you’ll provide them during your exam.

Requirements

Here are some of the things you need to bring:

  • Medical records
  • Recent laboratory results if you have diabetes or similar conditions
  • Glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if you need them to drive
  • List of your current prescription medications and health conditions

You might also need forms that must be signed and returned to your employer. You will also be asked to fill out a health history questionnaire before your exam.

Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions may disqualify you from getting a CDL. These are conditions severe enough to disrupt your ability to safely operate a large commercial vehicle and may include diabetes, hernias, obesity, and sleep apnea.

If you have any of these conditions, one of the following may happen:

  • The examiner will determine if you’re qualified to drive, despite the condition. You may still pass the exam if your condition isn’t serious enough to prevent you from safely driving in a professional capacity.
  • You might be temporarily disqualified. In this case, you’ll need to retake the exam before a medical card can be issued.
  • You may apply for an exemption. Some conditions can be exempted as long as you and your medical examiner believe you can still drive a commercial vehicle.
  • You’ll apply for a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate. If you have a missing or impaired limb, you’ll need an SPE to prove you can safely drive a commercial vehicle.

Cost

Getting a DOT physical will, of course, cost money. The price will vary depending on where you get it and whether or not you’ll be paying for it. The range can be anywhere from $50 to 300. But the good news is that most employers usually pay the cost!

DOT Physicals in King, NC

DOT physicals are crucial to helping to prevent accidents and protect public safety on the roadways. These examinations are important because they ensure you can safely perform the functions of your job.

Looking for DOT physicals in King, North Carolina? Here at Cardinal Urgent Care, our expert providers deliver the comprehensive and compassionate care you deserve. We are here to ensure that you‘re on the road, at peak performance levels. Call our friendly staff at (336) 983-9111 to learn about our services or book an appointment through our online request form.

We look forward to serving you!

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a head-to-toe physical assessment that ensures you meet all the health standards required to drive a commercial vehicle. Even the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has mandated DOT physicals to make sure you have no medical condition or physical limitation restricting your ability to drive a commercial vehicle and putting you and others’ road safety at risk.

Let’s talk about who needs a DOT physical, what it consists of, and where you can go to get one if you are located in North Carolina.

DOT Physical: Who Needs It?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA), you need a DOT physical done every two years if you drive a commercial vehicle. FMCSA refers to commercial vehicles as any self-propelled or towed vehicle driven on highways and involved in transporting passengers or property. Commercial motor vehicles are involved in interstate commerce.

So, according to FMCSA guidelines, you will need a DOT physical, if you:

  • Drive a vehicle that is designated to carry more than 15 people
  • Drive a vehicle that carries hazardous material and requires the vehicle to display a hazmat placard
  • Operate a vehicle on the interstate gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds
  • Transport over 8 passengers for a fee

DOT Physical: What does it Consist of?

DOT physical involves a medical history and a standard physical exam. For medical history, you will be asked about your history of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication use, surgical procedure, alcohol consumption, illegal substance use, etc. The physical exam covers your whole body from head to toe. The functioning of your bodily systems, such as the genitourinary, neurological, and cardiovascular systems, is also checked.

During a DOT Physical, your doctor confirms that you have no limb loss and physical impairment. You will also be checked for any current clinical diagnosis of a medical condition like heart disease, respiratory dysfunction, orthopedic or neuromuscular disease, etc. In addition to physical exams, DOT physical covers your hearing, vision, general appearance, sleep, and gait.

Requirements To Pass the Test

To pass the test, you must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, at least 70-degree horizontal peripheral vision, and be able to recognize traffic signal colors. You may use corrective lenses. You must also be able to hear a whisper at a distance of not less than 5 feet. Moreover, on an audiometer, your hearing loss in the better ear must not be greater than 40 decibels at various frequencies.

Have any medical conditions due to which you can’t pass the test? You are allowed to apply for an exemption. You can seek an exemption from vision, hearing, and seizure requirements.

DOT Physical Near Me in North Carolina

At Cardinal Urgent Care, our healthcare providers offer DOT physicals as a part of our commitment to providing the people of North Carolina with comprehensive healthcare services. We also offer sports physicals, school physicals, and much more.

If you would like to make an appointment with one of our healthcare providers for a DOT physical, call us today at  (336) 983-9111  or request an appointment now.

Benefits of Getting a DOT Medical Card

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), there are more than 13.3 million people who work in transportation and transportation-related industries, accounting for roughly 9.1 percent of employees in the United States.

If you want to pursue a career in the transport sector as a driver of a commercial vehicle, your first step is to secure a DOT medical card to be able to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Below, we’ve provided some more information about the importance of a DOT medical card and what the process of getting it involves.

Why a DOT Medical Card Is Necessary

A Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card, which is actually less of a card and more of a document, is what every person desiring to land and maintain safety-sensitive job needs. The DOT defines safety-sensitive jobs as those in which the employee’s performance can impact their own safety and that of the public.

A DOT medical card is essentially proof that you’re in optimal physical condition to operate a commercial motor vehicle, specifically:

  • A truck carrying 10,000 pounds or more gross weight
  • A truck carrying hazardous materials (hazmat)
  • A vehicle carrying 15 or more passengers

What the DOT Exam Involves

To obtain a DOT medical card, you must undergo a physical exam, as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Once you’re issued a DOT medical card, you need to renew it every two years. Medical examiners are required to keep a copy of the physical examination results for three years, so individuals can get copies of those results as needed.

A DOT exam includes various assessments, such as the following:

  • Vision check
  • Hearing test
  • Skin check
  • Blood pressure check
  • Physical exam (general appearance, abdomen, musculoskeletal system, lungs, neurological function, etc.)
  • Urinalysis

If you fail in any of these evaluations, talk to your medical examiner if there’s anything you can do to correct the problem. If the problem is not something you can fix, ask if you can apply for a waiver or an exemption.

DOT Physical Exam in King, North Carolina

At Cardinal Urgent Care, we desire to be your one-stop destination for your healthcare needs. Our professional team, headed by Dr. Samir Patel, offers an extensive range of ancillary services, including DOT physicals and occupational medicine services, because we believe health care should be convenient, comprehensive, and efficient.

While our patients can walk in anytime during our business hours for most of their needs, we encourage those coming to get a DOT medical card to schedule an appointment ahead of time to ensure streamlined care.

To book an appointment, you may call us at (336) 983-9111 or fill out this form. We look forward to serving you!

Why Do I Need to Get a CDL Physical?

A CDL physical exam, more appropriately known as a DOT physical, is part and parcel of seeking and maintaining employment in the transportation industry. It is essentially your ticket to obtaining and keeping a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Here, you’ll learn why drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are required to undergo CDL physicals every two years.

Why Does Someone Need a CDL Physical Examination?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the lead federal government agency assigned to regulate and provide safety oversight of CMVs, mandates that each state administer comprehensive physical examinations to every person applying for or maintaining a CDL.

A potential or current employee’s medical status must be evaluated, certified, and added to the commercial driver’s license system (CDLS). The purpose of this is to ensure they have the overall capacity to safely operate a commercial vehicle and withstand the physical rigors involved in the job.

People who need a CDL license are those who operate the following types of vehicles:

  • Single or combination vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds
  • Those carrying hazardous waste materials in amounts that require placarding
  • Those designed to transport more than 16 people (including the driver)

What the CDL Physical Involves

The following are the things that you should bring or provide during your DOT physical appointment:

  • Hearing aid (if applicable)
  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
  • A list of your current prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as the name and contact information of your prescribing physician
  • Your health insurance information
  • A medical opinion release letter from your primary care physician or specialist if you are under treatment for a medical condition, such as sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder, or you’ve recently had an injury or surgical procedure.

The CDL physical exam is much like your routine wellness exam with your primary care physician. Your height, weight, vital signs, BMI, and reflexes will be checked. The doctor will also examine your ears, nose and throat, muscles, joints, and skin. He will listen to your heart and lungs as well. Additionally, the doctor will go over your medical history and medications. He will take a urine sample, order routine blood work, and take an EKG to assess your heart function and rhythm.

If the doctor does discover a problem that may disqualify you from getting a medical certification for the CDL, he will discuss ways to improve your chances of future eligibility or to apply for an exemption for your condition.

CDL Physical in King, NC

If you’re in search of a healthcare facility that offers highly efficient and reliable CDL physicals within the King area in North Carolina, visit us here at Cardinal Urgent Care. Our team – led by Dr. Samir Patel, a board-certified emergency medicine physician – has helped numerous people complete the licensing process and get on the road safely.

Arrange your CDL exam appointment today. Call ahead at (336) 983-9111. We are open seven days a week for your convenience.

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!