dot physical King NC

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.

Your Healthcare Partner: DOT Medical Card

Commercial driving is a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding occupation. To ensure commercial drivers are healthy and fit to be navigating the roadways, they need to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card to show for it. This card is a prerequisite to getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Let’s talk a little bit more about why you need a DOT medical card and how to get one.

What Is a DOT Medical Card?

Simply put, a DOT medical card is an essential certification document given to drivers who operate commercial vehicles. Before you can get it, you need to undergo a DOT physical exam administered by a qualified medical examiner first.

A DOT medical card is only valid for a maximum of 2 years, after which a renewal will be necessary. However, should the medical examiner see a need to monitor an individual driver’s condition, they may issue a card that is valid for less than that amount of time.

Why You Need a DOT Medical Card

Compliance with the Law

Every commercial driver in the United States is required by law, specifically by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), to have a DOT medical card. Noncompliance can lead to a fine or the cancellation of your CDL. Furthermore, your employment opportunities in the transportation industry will be limited without a DOT medical card.

To Ensure Safety on the Road

All drivers should be in good physical condition to drive, but even more so if they are operating a commercial vehicle. That’s because these vehicles may:

  • Weight 10,000 pounds or more
  • Be hauling potentially hazardous materials
  • Carry 15 passengers or more

The main purpose of a DOT medical card is to ensure that you are healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle on public roadways.

It’s an opportunity to Monitor Your Health

It is recommended for every individual, whether they drive or not, to regularly monitor their overall health. Thus, being required to get a DOT medical card offers you a good opportunity to do just this.

To get a DOT medical card, you typically need to have the following assessed:

  • Medical history
  • Illegal substance consumption
  • Vision and hearing
  • Neurological function
  • Circulatory and urinary function
  • Orthopedic capacity

Disqualifying conditions may include substance abuse, diabetes, hypertension, vision and/or hearing impairment, neurological incapacities, and more.

How Do You Get a DOT Medical Card?

Contact a Qualified Medical Examiner

To get a DOT medical card, you need to be examined first by a qualified medical examiner. A medical professional qualified to administer DOT physicals and distribute DOT medical cards will be listed in the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Get a DOT Physical

Your medical examiner will conduct your DOT physical exam to ensure you are in the best physical condition for a commercial driving career. If you are not, you will either be disqualified from getting a DOT medical card or provided with one under certain limitations and limitations.

When going to your DOT physical appointment, make sure to bring your medical records with you as well as any physical aids you currently need. Depending on your medical history, you may be required to undergo a further assessment.

Submit the DOT Medical Card to the DMV

Once you obtain your DOT medical card, you are required to submit it to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You can do this by going in person or by sending it by fax or email.

Remember to submit your medical card to the DMV as soon as it is provided to you by your medical examiner. Most states’ DMV departments set a specified range of time after which your DOT medical card will no longer be valid for submission.

Follow Renewal Guidelines

Your DOT medical card will expire after 2 years, under normal circumstances. Hence, you should be aware of your state’s renewal guidelines, since they can vary from state to state. If you develop any disqualifying medical condition within those 2 years, inform your physician to keep your records updated. It is recommended that you get a new DOT physical before your current medical card expires – so there is no interruption in your ability to drive a commercial vehicle.

Getting a DOT Medical Card in King, NC

Are you looking for work as a commercial vehicle driver in King, North Carolina? Look no further than Cardinal Urgent Care for your DOT physical exam. We have a team of friendly and experienced physicians who can offer you a variety of services, including occupational medicine and DOT physicals.

To get a DOT medical card, we’d love it if you would schedule an appointment through our online request form in advance. You may also contact us by calling (336) 983-9111. We believe in ensuring the health and safety of those who navigate our roadways, and we look forward to becoming your trusted healthcare provider.

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!

How It Works: Getting a DOT Medical Card

Driving is a very serious responsibility. To help ensure public safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all commercial drivers have a valid medical certificate – also called a DOT card. A DOT medical card is a document showing you have received clearance from a certified medical examiner that you are fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

Getting A DOT Medical Card

The process of securing a DOT medical card is not difficult, but there are a few steps you need to follow. Here’s how it works:

Undergoing A Physical Examination

First, you need to get a physical examination from a certified medical examiner.

 

At the physical examination, they will determine if you are physically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle. Your examiner will look at:

  • Your medical history
  • Your current health status
  • Whether or not you use corrective lenses

 

The medical examiner will also perform vision, hearing, and urine tests.

 

If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive, the medical examiner may require you to get additional testing or treatment. These conditions may include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea

Securing A Medical Exam Report

After the examination, the medical examiner will give you a DOT Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875). This form will list any medical conditions that could affect your driving ability.

 

Suppose the medical examiner determines that you are not medically qualified to drive. They will give you a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) that will list the reason why you are not qualified.

 

You can then take it to your physician for additional testing or treatment. Once you have addressed the concerns, you may return to the medical examiner for another examination.

Receiving Your DOT Card

Once the medical examiner has determined that you are physically qualified to drive, they will give you a DOT card. This card is valid for up to two years.

 

You must carry your DOT card with you whenever you are driving a commercial vehicle. Authorities will ask to see your DOT card if you get pulled over.

 

If your card expires, you must undergo another physical examination and obtain a new DOT card.

A DOT Medical Card vs. A Driver’s License

It’s important to note that the DOT medical card differs from a state-issued driver’s license. A DOT card only shows that you are medically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle. It does not permit you to drive.

 

You will need a separate permit or license from your state’s DMV to drive a commercial vehicle legally.

 

For example, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) offers a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). To get a CDL, you must pass a written exam and a skills test. You will also need to have a valid DOT card.

Getting A DOT Medical Card In King, NC

All commercial drivers in the United States are required to have a DOT card. You can obtain it through a physical examination from a certified medical examiner. They will determine if you are physically qualified to drive commercial vehicles.

 

Do you need a DOT medical card in King, NC? Look no further than Cardinal Urgent Care. We have expert providers who can help you with the process of securing a DOT medical card. You may call our friendly staff at (336) 983-9111 to learn about our comprehensive services. You may also fill out our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation.

 

We look forward to serving you!

DOT Medical Card: How to Get It?

Driving can be physically taxing. So, to ensure that a driver is in the right condition to drive, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has mandated all commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders receive a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card.

DOT medical card is a certificate a commercial driver gets to demonstrate that he/she is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a commercial vehicle.

Let’s talk about how you can get a DOT medical card in North Carolina.

How to Get DOT Medical Card?

You need to follow a few simple steps to get a DOT medical card.

  1. Contact Healthcare Provider. First, you are required to pass a DOT physical to get a DOT medical card or renew it (usually renewal is required every two years). For this, contact FMCSA-certified medical examiners (CMEs).

If you’re an interstate driver, find an approved provider in your state who is able to administer your physical.

  1. Get Physical Done. The second step is taking the DOT physical examination. During your physical, your healthcare provider will ask about your detailed medical history, including your history of:
    • Surgical procedures
    • Prescription and OTC medication use
    • Tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substance use
    • Medical condition
    • Failed drug test

You will also receive a physical exam, which involves checking your:

  • General appearance
  • Height
  • Wight
  • Blood pressure
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Eyes
  • Skin
  • Heart
  • Lungs
  • Extremities and joints
  • Circulatory system
  • Gait and much more

The medical provider will also do additional tests to check for other medical problems. During the physical, you will be checked for your sleeping habits, like heavy snoring, daytime sleepiness, gasping for breath during sleep, and much more. Your medical examination provider will also record your physicals and submit a report to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You will receive DOT medical card on passing the physicals.

  1. Submit DOT Medical Card. After receiving the medical card from a medical provider, you must submit the card to the office of the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It’s pertinent to mention here that drivers who pass their DOT physical and get their card are required to renew it every 24 months. But if you have problems like sleep apnea, diabetes, and high blood pressure, you may be asked to renew your card every 12 months.

DOT Medical Card in King, North Carolina

At Cardinal Urgent Care, you can fulfill all your healthcare needs under one roof. We have a team of medical providers who offers a wide range of ancillary services, including sports physicals, DOT physicals, school physicals, and occupational medicine services.

If you’re planning to get your physicals done, please let us know ahead of time or book an appointment. You may call us at (336) 983-9111 or fill out this form.