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Please read and download the DOT Driver Exam Information before coming. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
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DOT Driver Exam
Medical conditions requiring additional information
Affordacare strives to provide you with quality service while you prepare for your required DOT exam. The following information will help expedite your medical certification so that we may assist you though this process and get you on your way!
April 2016 Summary of Changes As announced on 23 April 2015, DOT/FMCSA has implemented important changes related to all DOT medical exams forms as well as significant changes to physical exam certification processes and dates. These changes are effective and permanent as of 20 April 2016 and are summarized BELOW.
DOT PHYSICAL EXAMS/INFORMATION FOR DRIVERS
Driver Documentation
Before you request a DOT physical, please review the DOT information so you are aware of current requirements BEFORE we begin the DOT exam. Once we begin your exam, per DOT regulations, we cannot stop the exam. The information below highlights the most common health problems associated with DOT medical certification or recertification and the required documentation in order to clear the driver.
Documentation in support of the health concern should be brought to the DOT exam /appointment and be presented at the time of the exam. Having the documentation at the time of the first exam will help expedite the process and save you and/or your company money as well as minimize any period of non-certification.
If you have any of the conditions noted below (note that this list is not all-inclusive) and do not have the required documentation at the time of the exam, you will not pass the exam on the first visit. Affordacare is providing this information to assist you with the documentation needed for the most common health problems associated with DOT medical certification or recertification.
Note: The medications/diseases listed below may require a safety letter from the driver’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) indicating the prescribed medication(s) is tolerated and/or that the disease condition is treated/stable and that you have no side effects which would interfere with driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle. The information below highlights information needed for the most common health problems associated with DOT medical certification or recertification.
Vision
Your vision must be 20/40 or better in each eye and in both eyes together or you will be disqualified. You may use vision correction (glasses or contact lenses) to meet the standards. Ensure that you meet the DOT Vision standards before you come to your exam. If you come to the exam and do not meet vision standards, you will be disqualified and will need a complete, new DOT PE once you have your vision within standards, even if it has been 1 day since you were disqualified.
Hearing Requirements
To pass your hearing test, you must be able to hear a harsh whisper in your best ear, at no less than 5 feet, with or without a hearing aid. If you fail this basic hearing test, you’ll be referred for an audiometry test which will further determine if you are safe to drive. In most cases, you’ll be able to get a hearing correction device and then pass your DOT Physical. If you need a hearing aid, you must wear it at all times while driving. You’ll only fail the hearing test if you are completely deaf and cannot pass the whisper test even with hearing aids.
Blood Pressure Requirements
High blood pressure is an extremely common health problem, and the DOT medical exam uses it as a key health indicator. If your blood pressure is 140/90 or below, you’ll pass the DOT physical blood pressure requirements with flying colors. Between 140/90 and 179/109, you may need to have a medical exam more frequently or be given a temporary medical card and be asked to reduce your blood pressure within a 3-month period.
Urine Sample
Testing for protein, blood and sugar that may indicate underlying health problems.
Sleep Apnea
Using a CPAP -Your Medical Examiner may require a letter from the doctor treating you for sleep apnea, stating that your current CPAP works properly, is used regularly and that the CPAP treatment is effectively controlling his/her sleep apnea. Alternatively, your provider may accept a report indicating your on-going use of your CPAP machine. In general, it is expected that you use your CPAP machine at least 70% of the nights for an average of 4 hours or more for each night used in order to meet Federal recommendations.
History of Asthma or COPD
If you have a history of lung disease (COPD/Emphysema) or have symptoms of shortness of breath, chronic cough, chest tightness and/or wheezing or have current asthma, the Medical Examiner may require you to bring a letter from your PCP or specialist indicating that your disease is well-controlled and the use of any medications will not have a negative effect on your ability to operate a Commercial Vehicle. This letter will be kept on file at Affordacare and must be updated at least every 3 years and anytime there has been a change in the driver’s condition or medication.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes that is treated with insulin requires the Driver to obtain https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2022-03/Insulin-Treated%20Diabetes%20Mellitus%20Assessment%20Form%20MCSA-5870.pdf
MCSA 5870 Form completed by their prescribing physician.
If the you have diet-controlled diabetes or diabetes that needs non-insulin medications, the Medical Examiner may require you to bring a letter from your PCP or specialist that includes a list of the non-insulin medications that you are taking and that the medications are well tolerated and will not interfere with your ability to drive a Commercial Vehicle. The letter should state how frequently you are monitored for glucose control and effectiveness of treatment. Your physician must verify that you have had no severe hypoglycemic reactions in the last 12 months as well as include the date and results of your last hemoglobin A1C level, which must be within the past 6 months. If you have any complications from diabetes (example: renal, cardiovascular or neurological concerns), you will need a clearance letter from the appropriate specialist. You may need a letter from your eye doctor or the doctor treating you for your diabetes, stating the date of your last eye exam and that there is no retinopathy. Unstable proliferative or unstable non-proliferative retinopathy is disqualifying.
Obesity
Although there are no current disqualifying rules for being overweight FMCSA guidelines consider a Body Mass Index of over 40 as being at risk for Obstructive sleep Apnea. The examiner could evaluate your neck size which is a risk factor and recommend a sleep study based on BMI, neck size and other medical conditions that put a driver at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Cardiovascular Disease
If you have a history of a heart attack, angina or are post-PCI (angioplasty with a stent): you will need a letter from your cardiologist stating that you are cleared to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle with no restrictions. DOT requires you to have an exercise stress test every 2 years. You will need to bring a copy of your stress test results to the exam. If any of the above has occurred in the past year, a copy of your most recent Echocardiogram is also required. You must have at least 40% LVEF in order to meet DOT standards.
History of Cardiac Bypass Surgery (CABG):
Your cardiologist must send a letter, indicating what procedure was performed, date of procedure, medication(s) including dose and frequency of your medication(s), including if you are on anticoagulant therapy. This letter must also state that you have no restrictions to operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). You must provide the results of your last Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT-stress test) since having Bypass and your most recent ECHO (heart ultra sound test). You must have at least 40% LVEF in order to meet DOT standards.
Anticoagulant Therapy
If you are taking warfarin (Coumadin) for any reason, please bring a copy of your most recent INR results to your DOT exam. You will need a letter from your PCP stating what the medical condition is which requires you to take Coumadin. The letter must state that you have your INR level monitored at least monthly. This letter is required to be updated annually. If you are taking any other anticoagulant for any reason, you will need a letter from your PCP stating what the medical condition is which requires you to take the anticoagulant. The letter must state that you are tolerating the medication well and have no significant side effects or complications. This letter will be kept on file at Affordacare and must be updated at least every 3 years and anytime there has been a change in the driver’s condition or medication.
Anticonvulsant Medication
If you are taking Topamax, Neurontin (gabapentin) or other seizure medication for other than a seizure disorder (example: chronic pain or migraine prophylaxis), you must have a letter from the doctor prescribing the medication stating that the medication is not being prescribed for seizure. Also, the doctor’s note must indicate what the condition is that you take the medication for; that the condition is stable; and that any side effects you may be experiencing would not interfere with safe operation (driving) of a Commercial Motor Vehicle. This letter will be kept on file at Affordacare and must be updated at least every 3 years and anytime there has been a change in the driver’s condition or medication.
Mental Health Conditions
If you are being treated for any mental health condition and/or using any medication listed below under “Antidepressants” or “Antipsychotics” you must have a letter with clearance from a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who understands the functions and demands of commercial driving and states that you are compliant with your treatment program and are tolerating your medication(s)/treatment without disqualifying side effects (e.g., sedation or impaired coordination).
Maximum Certificate Length Per Affordacare standards, which are based on FMCSA guidance, a maximum certificate of ONE-YEAR is issued for drivers with any history of the following health conditions and/or medication.
Note: Use of any of these medications requires a letter from the driver’s prescribing physician, stating the reason the medication is being used, that the medication is effective, well-tolerated and the driver does not suffer any significant side-effects that would affect safe operation of a Commercial Motor Vehicle. This letter must be updated at least every 3 years and anytime there has been a change in the driver’s condition or medication.
Letter may be required. SEE ABOVE
Driver will need an ANNUAL letter from his/her PCP stating the medical condition is for which they need to take Warfarin/Coumadin and state that the driver’s medication use and underlying medical condition do not interfere with the safe driving of a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
Note: the underlying condition that requires use of these or any other medications may be disqualifying. Be advised that any other disease state or medication use may result in a certification restricted to a maximum of one year (or less) based upon the decision of the Medical Examiner on a case-by-case basis. the Medical Examiner on a case-by-case basis.
What to Bring:
Day of the Examination:
UPDATED AUGUST 2022
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Regular screenings from your primary care physician are an essential part of maintaining your health and wellness. An annual wellness exam is a type of preventative care focused on maintaining wellness and identifying health issues before they occur. Don’t wait for a problem to stop you in your tracks–plan ahead to ensure your health and peace of mind.
What can you expect from an annual wellness exam? Doctors need to establish a clear picture of your overall health in order to guide you in making the best choices for your specific health goals. These exams may include:
Annual wellness exams vary depending on several factors, such as age and gender. During your exam, screening may include cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes. You may also be asked about your current stress levels, activity levels, diet, and drug and alcohol use. Be open and honest with your answers so we may better serve you and your health. Always tell your doctor about any health questions or concerns you may have. When it comes to your health, being proactive is the best medicine–schedule your annual wellness exam today!
Many schools and sports require athletes to complete a physical prior to participating. This is a great way to make sure an athlete can safely play. Athletes should have a physical six weeks before the start of their season to allow for the opportunity to address an existing injury or improve conditioning prior to participation. Even if they are not required, sports physicals help to keep immunizations up to date, and provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have. Much like an annual wellness screening for adults, a school physical is reliant on medical history and a physical examination, so be prepared to discuss serious family illnesses, previous issues, past injuries, allergies, and any medications currently being taken. It is never too early to keep an eye on your health!
When working for the Department of Transportation, it is important to ensure you are in good health, as operating vehicles can affect the safety of yourself and those around you. A DOT physical is valid for up to 24 months, depending on whether the doctor feels it necessary to monitor other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, more closely.
No one wants to be responsible for negligent hiring. Employee safety is paramount, therefore some job positions may require their applicants to undergo a screening prior to being hired. This allows employers to know whether the person they hire is able to perform the job safely, and gives everyone some peace of mind. Pre-employment screenings are specific to the job, but may include background checks, drug and alcohol screenings, health screenings, and physical examinations.
Affordacare Urgent Care Clinic is a walk in Urgent Care Clinic that provides care for most common illnesses and minor injuries. Next time you or someone in your family need medical care, stop in to one of our clinics or check in online. We’ll get you feeling better fast.