What is a Dot Physical Exam?

What is a Dot Physical Exam?

March 18, 2022
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Working as a commercial truck driver can be a very demanding job. Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is a large responsibility, as you are responsible for both your own safety and the public safety of many others. CMV drivers often have to manage long hours, intense physical demands, and mental stress.

That’s why CMV operators are required to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to ensure that they are fit to perform their job safely under all conditions.

If you have to pass a DOT exam to perform your job as a commercial driver or are just interested in learning more about the exam, keep reading for all the information you need and learn how to make an appointment today.

 

What is the Exam?

what is the exam

The DOT medical exam is an extensive health check-up that is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for jobs requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The point of the exam is to certify that commercial drivers are fit to perform their jobs safely and that they do not have any medical conditions that will interfere with their abilities.

 

The exam consists of two main parts: a medical history review and a physical examination.

 

When is a DOT Physical Exam required?

when is the dot physical exam required

The DOT physical exam is required for many drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You’ll need a medical exam if you drive a vehicle that:

  • has a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds;
  • is paid to transport over 8 passengers, including the driver;
  • is used to transport over 15 passengers, including the driver;
  • or hauls hazardous materials that require a placard.

 

What is included in a DOT Physical Exam?

What is included in a DOT Physical Exam

The DOT exam includes a comprehensive review of your medical history and a physical examination by a certified medical examiner.

For the medical history portion, you must fill out medical history form that includes questions about:

  • any current medications
  • any history of health conditions
  • if you’ve ever had surgery
  • use of illicit substances and drug testing history
  • any current symptoms
  • other relevant parts of your health history

 

To help make your visit quick and efficient, you can fill out the medical history form in advance of your visit.

During the DOT physical examination, your certified medical examiner will check things such as:

  • height and weight
  •  blood pressure
  • vision test
  • hearing test
  • vascular system and pulse rate
  • mouth and throat
  • urine test
  • blood sugar levels
  • hernias
  • skin
  • lungs and breathing
  • nervous system and reflexes
  • and more

 

How often do you need a DOT Physical Exam?

Why is a DOT Physical Exam Required

In most cases, if you pass the exam, you’ll receive a DOT medical card that is valid for up to two years. You’ll need to have an exam every two years as long as you drive a commercial vehicle.

In some cases, if you have an underlying medical condition you’ll be required to have an exam more frequently. Some conditions that require annual or quarterly testing to monitor your health include:

  • diabetes
  • very high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • heart disease

While more frequent testing can be a bit inconvenient, it helps keep you healthy and minimize the risk of impairment or injury while operating a commercial vehicle. If over time your treatable health condition improves (such as high blood pressure), you may be eligible to receive a medical card that is good for one to two years.

 

Is it possible to fail your DOT Physical Exam?

It is possible to fail your DOT exam if your health does not meet the DOT physical requirements. Reasons for failing the exam might include:

  • failed vision or hearing test
  • narcolepsy
  • epilepsy
  • poorly managed health conditions such as very high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart or lung disease
  • controlled substance abuse or failed drug testing

 

If you fail your exam and believe you are fit to operate a CMV, you have the right to receive a second opinion from another doctor. Also, you can re-apply if your medical conditions improve. However, you cannot apply again if you fail a second time.

 

How to prepare for your DOT Physical Exam?

To prepare for your DOT exam and maximize your likelihood of passing, you should do your best to take care of your health and wellness. Focus on eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive smoking or drinking.

 

What do you need to bring to the DOT Physical Exam?

To help the exam run quickly and smoothly, it is best to bring anything you think might be relevant to your health and ability to perform work. Things to bring might include:

  • A complete list of your doctors and their contact information
  • A complete list of any medication you are taking, including the dosage and prescribing doctor’s name
  • A letter from your doctor if you’re taking any medicines that can cause sleepiness
  • A letter from your doctor if you’re taking the blood thinner called Coumadin
  • Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or hearing aids, if you use them
  • If you have diabetes, recent Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) test results and blood sugar logs
  • If you have a sleep disturbance such as sleep apnea, a data readout from your machine of at least 90 days
  • If you have a history of heart disease or other heart health issues, a letter from your cardiologist and/or results from any recent stress testing
  • If you have any history of brain injury, a letter from your neurologist
  • A letter from your doctor if you’ve lost permanent use of an arm or leg, including any work restrictions

 

How Much Does a DOT physical cost?

Many employers who require a DOT exam will cover the cost for you. However, the cost of the exam will be $100. Call our offices today and we can help you determine the cost of getting a DOT physical exam.

 

Where can you get a DOT Physical Exam?

At Great City Medical in New York City, we provide DOT Physical Exams. Call our offices today to make an appointment!

 

 


I had a deadline to submit my I-693 and Great City medical came through just right for me. Timely and speedy process and the best customer service nurses I’ve experienced.
Ralph M.
Ralph M.
14:06 24 Mar 23
I had a good experience here. Everyone was courteous and friendly. I liked the lady at the front desk who attended to me, although I didn’t catch her name. She actually remembered my name the second time I went in. They have good attention to details.The doctor was also kind and friendly..just as any doctor should be.
uzoezi G.
uzoezi G.
20:37 23 Mar 23
I received such courteous and expedited services from Great City Medical, Staff was so friendly and helpful, The best for immigration medical forms!!
gayle W.
gayle W.
15:15 22 Mar 23
Great service. Fast turnover. Reasonable prices. Highly recommend for immigration services.
Ania P.
Ania P.
16:20 15 Mar 23
Una atención muy buena, gracias por su ayuda, en especial a Antony , me aclaro todas las dudas. Muy buena atención
Martha Echeverri I.
Martha Echeverri I.
18:12 10 Mar 23
La doctora y todos los que me atendieron muy amables y educados
virginia F.
virginia F.
22:51 21 Feb 23
Siempre están para uno ! El personal es muy amable y servicial y mi Doctora siempre dispuesta ayudarme , gracias Marly grana por siempre estar ahí para mi 🙏
I J
I J
21:53 20 Feb 23
I’ve been using Great City Medical for more than 5 years now. I use their services because their staff is professional, and Drs Grana and Axelrud are caring, compassionate, thorough and take their time. The facility is spotless and clean. They follow up and make referrals when necessary. There are always patients but never overcrowed or long wait times. What more do you need? They’ve got it all!! I highly recommend them.
GREGORY S.
GREGORY S.
21:13 14 Feb 23
I really appreciate you guys
deboria G.
deboria G.
20:21 13 Feb 23
Todos bien.,Me la atención de mi doctora y las muchas son muy amables.
Mildred E.
Mildred E.
22:12 09 Feb 23
Been going to Dr. Yelena Tsyba for my Reproductive health for years, I see her and/or other medical staff/NPs who are just as wonderful and attentive as her I feel comfortable with them all. Im grateful to have found Great City Medical and wont change them for the world. They take great care of me, their clinic is clean and cozy, and their bedside manner and staff is exceptional!
Shay L.
Shay L.
15:20 08 Feb 23
Excelente atención
GABY
GABY
18:02 24 Jan 23
I think Dr. Akselrud’s bedside manner is exceptional. It mimics the hospitality depicted in movie, s yet rarely experienced in actual life. As such, I appreciate his expertise and welcome his opinion regarding my health and well-being.I consider him to be a Grade A physician without question!
latia H.
latia H.
20:23 19 Jan 23
Me gusta mucho ir a esta consulta todos son muy profesionales y amable.
Aurys H.
Aurys H.
17:21 13 Jan 23
It was a good experience.
Randy G.
Randy G.
21:29 12 Jan 23
They are so polite and pay very close attention. They know how to make you feel comfortable.
aggie U.
aggie U.
19:35 06 Jan 23
The place is very clean and nice and staff is very professional the doctors are Great I have been going there for few years now all is good
Ldot
Ldot
04:37 06 Jan 23
Escelente
Gilberto P.
Gilberto P.
20:55 04 Jan 23
Excelente servicio
Ginna Paola Garzon A.
Ginna Paola Garzon A.
18:03 20 Dec 22
friendly staff 🙂 and its a quick transaction. thank you
Mark Anthony L.
Mark Anthony L.
21:39 14 Dec 22
My experience is always top notch here! Thank you…
ALL W.
ALL W.
18:58 07 Dec 22
These team of professionals are the best, so happy they are taking care of me.
Elsa N.
Elsa N.
21:46 06 Dec 22
They are very professional and treat with care.
Uptothe T.
Uptothe T.
19:31 05 Dec 22
I saw Dr. Yelena Tysba and she was very professional and courteous. She took her time with me and listened to my concerns. In addition, she was very gentle during my procedure and was very knowledgeable on various gynecological conditions. The ultrasound tech, Pat, was also very professional. During my ultrasound she was very kind, patient, and gentle. The two receptionist at the front desk and the nurse were also very professional while making my follow up appointment. I have been to this doctor’s office before and her diagnosis was accurate. I would recommend the GYN office to my family and friends.
Mary S.
Mary S.
22:09 01 Dec 22
Excellent service it’s a lot better than what it used to be and I am grateful for that.. doctor is wonderful.. and the PCA’s that work there are the best all of the women are caring and patient.. they make you feel welcomed..🙇‍♂️
Thomas R.
Thomas R.
22:30 28 Nov 22
Awesome service & very professional staff. I highly recommended this place.Specially Patrisha she is so helpful.Thank you so much!!
K K
K K
21:43 28 Nov 22
Everyone at the office is always very pleasant. The office is always clean, which is always top on my list. The doctor is always very thorough when explaining herself and also takes her time with you. I would highly recommend great city medical.
Luisa M
Luisa M
16:36 23 Nov 22
It was a great visit.
Willie E. A.
Willie E. A.
18:57 17 Nov 22
This is the best clinic I’ve been! The nurses and doctors treat you with kindness. They are all super friendly. Will definitely keep doing my check ups here!
Yikaury H.
Yikaury H.
23:56 15 Nov 22
I’ve been coming here for years and my doctor shows true concern about all my health issues staff here are also great
Trina M.
Trina M.
23:35 10 Nov 22
My visit was very quick for the first time I didn’t have to wait,
Monìque
Monìque
23:21 09 Nov 22
Great service.
Diego V.
Diego V.
21:16 07 Nov 22
Todos el personal es muy amable gracias
Tony D.
Tony D.
23:52 02 Nov 22
Great hospital
Fatoumata K.
Fatoumata K.
20:02 02 Nov 22
Professional, clean, not wait depend on time schedule appointment. I love evening hours appointment that do rush morning when traffic lot cars out there. I get keep my same doctor when Montefiore Oscar because not in New York so happy that my doctor professional his work, losing 200 pounds so happy after 410 for longest time. My diabetic 2 improve so much went from 8.9 too 5.7 that very jump. So his staff for very professional, and polite with me.
Bevelynn T.
Bevelynn T.
20:38 28 Oct 22
Very professional and friendly. Offices and waiting rooms are always clean, the employees work fast and effectively. They make sure your comfortable and understand what’s going on.
NADYA O.
NADYA O.
18:26 28 Oct 22
Very nice always very professional
Madeline C.
Madeline C.
23:52 25 Oct 22
Great. Wait was surprising ok. Everyone was very nice 👍 Always a pleasant experience 😊
Lex G.
Lex G.
18:52 10 Oct 22
Great experience each time I go . Professional clean and very respectful office. Staff always pleasant. Doctors very caring.
Juanita R.
Juanita R.
17:40 05 Oct 22
Amazing staff. Little to no wait time. Worth the experience was in and out within a heart beat and all my questions and concerns were answered. MA and Doctor made me feel really comfortable. 10/10
Fatoumata K.
Fatoumata K.
22:17 04 Oct 22
Muy buena atención y el personal muy amable.
Linet Leyva B.
Linet Leyva B.
18:28 03 Oct 22
Great attentions !!!!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Jonathan S.
Jonathan S.
17:15 12 Sep 22
I have a great experience this was my first time and I recommend the staff are all welcoming
Oneisha R.
Oneisha R.
19:55 09 Sep 22
I’m very happy that I choose this clinic for my medical exam for green card. I was afraid about my not perfect english and that I can’t understand everything correctly but all nurses and doctor were very patient and attentive. All procedures were made very professional and quick.
iren H.
iren H.
19:28 08 Sep 22
Very Professional Thanks
Saury G.
Saury G.
21:02 07 Sep 22
I love they how the staff was really friendly to me. Making me feel more comfortable with my visit, just love how pretty the place was and clean💕.
Andala M.
Andala M.
21:30 06 Sep 22
Always good service and kind people over there. I had 3 year’s going to there and I had good service with good doctors. Thank you for all the staff.
Yaneth P.
Yaneth P.
15:40 02 Sep 22
Great service. The intake with the nurse was pleasant and fun. The time with the doctor was very comfortable, she listened very attentivet all my concerns, she was very gentle and professional.They have late afternoon appointments wich is a plus.The final step was the scheduling of the next appointment wich was fast!My mom was right to recommend her and I recommend them as well.
Juana G.
Juana G.
22:07 30 Aug 22
Nice, quick, and ON TIME attention.Very clean; excellent and very kind staff.Special thanks to Patricia and to theDr. Grena.Highly recommended.
H. O. L.
H. O. L.
19:59 22 Aug 22
Muy bueno
jose T.
jose T.
07:18 20 Aug 22
Best plce
Mimi O.
Mimi O.
19:33 18 Aug 22
Starting from front desk very professional ladies Excellent thenTiffany very sweet I had so much anxiety & after I spoke w her I took a few deep breaths & I felt very comfortable she actually made me feel so comfortable thanks TiffanyThen Doctor Tsyba wow I couldn’t believe I didn’t feel a thing I was relaxed & she was great & then Patty sonogram very professional they all answered all my questions they’re great then I went to do blood work & the lady (I didn’t get her name) very professional.. when I encounter a place w such professionalism it makes me wanna Bragg to all females in my life Want great care, professionalism & feel comfy go to GREAT CITY MEDICAL these ladies do their job w a smile can’t wait to go back THANK YOU LADIES FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT WORK🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹MARY DIAZ
Ivy Deborah D.
Ivy Deborah D.
00:59 18 Aug 22
Great Place for immigration exams
Kyle S.
Kyle S.
18:07 08 Aug 22
Excelente atención desde secretarias enfermeras y doctora, el tiempo de espera fue largo ,pero el trabajo excelente, estoy muy satisfecha
Jose R.
Jose R.
23:58 28 Jul 22
Buen trato y buen servicio
Clsa 0.
Clsa 0.
08:43 28 Jul 22
Dr Grana is an amazing doctor! Facility is clean and some of the staff members are super friendly.
Shaula Neekasky (.
Shaula Neekasky (.
18:02 18 Jul 22
👍👍👍
Jann D
Jann D
19:22 15 Jul 22
Always ❤️ Love the care I get at Great City Medical the staff and my doctor are caring and attentive to my medical issues or concerns. We work as a team to make sure I understand my results and are happy with the outcome.
M I
M I
17:53 14 Jul 22
I’ve been going to this office for primary and gyn care for 3 or 4 years now and have had an outstanding experience every time. The staff and practioners are always super welcoming, helpful, and efficient. Thank you all for everything you do! 🖤
Sarah K.
Sarah K.
22:50 13 Jul 22
Super specialists, very kind personnel.
Kacper P.
Kacper P.
20:44 13 Jul 22
Professional staff, nice atmosphere. Recommend
Yelena C.
Yelena C.
21:49 08 Jul 22
Muyyyyyy buena soy una de las primera paciente hace más de 5 años y no voy de hay hasta que dios quiera excelente servicio amabilidad y profecionalismo sigan así
Escarlet C.
Escarlet C.
16:01 06 Jul 22
Dr Yelena was amazing, she really made my visit easy and comfortable. Loved her, highly recommend!
Valentina M.
Valentina M.
18:12 24 Jun 22
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Doctor in New York City

Looking for a primary care provider in New York City that you can depend on? Make your appointment with the physicians at Great City Medical by calling (212) 281-8600

Manhattan

68e 131st Street Suite 100, New York, NY 10037

Phone: (212) 281-8600

Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednessday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-5pm


Brooklyn

1513 Voorhies Ave 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Phone: (212) 281-8610

Monday:9:00AM-5:00PM
Tuesday:3:00PM-7:30PM
Wednessday: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Thursday: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Friday:10:00AM-2:30PM


Address

68 East 131st Street, Suite 100
New York, NY 10037


Call us anytime

Phone: (212) 281-8600
Fax: (212) 281-8601


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Copyright © 2020 Great City Medical. All Rights Reserved.



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