What Does a DOT Physical Cover?
If you get paid to use a motor vehicle, you might need to have a DOT physical. The Department of Transportation (DOT) makes bus and truck drivers have this exam. You need to have a DOT physical so you can maintain or get a commercial driver’s license. That way, nothing will impact the way you drive. A qualified nurse or doctor will perform the physical. Read on to learn more about what the DOT physical will involve.
What to bring to a DOT physical
Commercial drivers will need to bring in a list of the medications they are taking. This includes the dose of each medication. The name and address of the driver’s doctor should also be brought in. It is often recommended for the driver to fill out the questionnaire about health history first.
If a driver has a medical issue or condition, some items may need to be brought in. For example, hearing aids, contacts or eyeglasses. If the driver has diabetes, then the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) results should be brought in. The blood sugar log should also be brought. If the driver has heart conditions, then a letter from a cardiologist is also needed. This letter should indicate that the driver will not suffer adverse effects from working.
What the physical involves
The vision of the driver will be checked. It needs to be at least 20/40 for each of the eyes. If corrective glasses are needed to obtain this, they will need to be worn while driving. The driver will also need to have 70” peripheral vision in the horizontal meridian. This is measured in both eyes.
Next, the doctor will check the driver’s hearing. The driver will need to hear a “forced whisper” at five feet or closer. A hearing aid can be worn if necessary. This equals an average hearing loss of no more than 40 dB.
The driver’s blood pressure and heart rate will be checked. This exam is to find any high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. To look for medical conditions or drugs, a urine sample will be given. Finally, the physical exam will be performed and it looks for many possible conditions, including:
- Heart: pacemakers, extra sounds or murmurs
- Overall appearance
- Eyes: macular degeneration, cataracts or glaucoma
- Ears: perforated eardrums or scarring
- Throat and mouth: issues with swallowing or breathing
- Chest and lungs: problematic respiratory functions or abnormal breathing
- Abdomen: issues with the internal organs or weak muscles
- Spinal: musculoskeletal problems, limited motion or tenderness
- Vascular system: varicose veins, abnormal pulse or carotid issues
- Neurological: limb problems or balance and coordination issues
Get your DOT physical today
Your DOT physical must be completed by an examiner that works with the FMCSA. The goal is to see that you will be healthy while you are performing your job. The medical examiner will determine if you meet the requirements. Making an appointment today can help you determine if you are a good candidate to be a commercial driver.
Get more information here: https://spine-chiropractic.com or call Spine Chiropractic at (423) 910-2302
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
It is no secret that your physical health greatly impacts your day-to-day functioning and, in turn, your mental health. This is why chiropractors are dedicated to promoting healing within your musculoskeletal system—to help your overall well-being. Take a closer look at how this medical professional can greatly impact how you view and care for your…
Chronic pain can be debilitating and affect every aspect of your life. Pain management treatment plans through a chiropractor offer a non-invasive and natural solution for those suffering from chronic pain. Chiropractic care not only alleviates pain but also addresses the underlying cause of it, providing long-term relief and improving overall quality of life.Unlike surgical…
A chiropractor assesses the body to determine its needs without using conventional medicines. If you are experiencing limited mobility or aches and pains from sleeping on a bad mattress or a result of a full-blown injury, we have ways of helping you feel more flexible and pain-free. Take a look at our various techniques to…
A spinal adjustment, also known as a chiropractic adjustment, is a non-invasive treatment that can prevent and address various issues affecting different systems in the body. It involves chiropractors using their hands, elbows, knees, or equipment to align the spine properly. Many people choose spinal adjustments as standalone treatments, while others use them to complement…