Why is a DOT Physical Exam Required?

Why is a DOT Physical Exam Required?

March 18, 2022
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In order to operate a commercial vehicle professionally, drivers must obtain two very important documents: a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card. These documents help certify that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are medically fit to safely operate large vehicles and minimize the risk of safety incidents.

To obtain a valid DOT medical card, truck drivers must successfully complete the DOT physical exam every 1–2 years. The DOT exam can be performed by any licensed medical examiner who is listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry.

So, CMV drivers need to pass the DOT exam in order to maintain employment, but why is it required? Keep reading to learn all about why the DOT physical exam is required and how to obtain a DOT medical card.

What is a DOT Physical Exam?

what is a dot physical exam

The DOT medical exam is a physical examination required by the FMCSA. It certifies that CMV drivers are physically and mentally fit enough to perform their jobs safely and that they do not have any medical conditions that will interfere with their job performance.

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

Who needs to get a DOT Physical Exam?

Who needs to get a DOT Physical Exam

The DOT physical exam is required for CMV drivers who operate 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 the medical history form before your visit.

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

• height and weight
• blood pressure
• vision test
• hearing loss
• vascular system and pulse rate
• mouth and throat
• urinalysis
• blood sugar levels
• hernias
• skin
• lungs and breathing
• neurological issues and reflexes
• sleep apnea and narcolepsy
• and more

 

How often do you need a DOT Physical Exam?

In most cases, the DOT medical examiner’s certificate is valid for up to two years.
However, in some cases, an underlying medical condition will require a CMV driver to have an exam more frequently. Some conditions that require annual or quarterly testing to monitor your health include:

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

 

If health conditions are well-managed and improve, then a driver can be cleared for a medical card that is good for one to two years.

Why do you need a DOT Physical Exam?

Operating a CMV is no small feat! With the intense schedules, long hours, and mental stress and exhaustion, becoming a CMV operator can put the driver’s life at risk, as well as the lives and safety of the general public. Not just anyone is qualified for this job — drivers must be in good health with high awareness of surroundings, quick reflexes, and sound judgment skills.
Therefore, the DOT physical is a comprehensive health evaluation. The goal is to identify and prevent any medical reasons that could interfere with the safe operation of a commercial vehicle and keep everyone safe.

The exam includes things such as vision and hearing tests to ensure that CMV drivers can see and hear well enough to be aware of their surroundings, safely operate a vehicle, and avoid potential accidents. Screening for health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, high blood pressure, and hernias is important to minimize the risk of a driver having a medical emergency while driving. Finally, while the DOT exam does not include a drug test, questions about the use of controlled substances is included in the medical history section in order to minimize the occurrence of impaired driving.

How to prepare for your DOT Physical Exam?

To prepare for your exam and minimize the risk of disqualifying for a DOT card, you should do your best to take care of your health and wellness. Focus on eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping your mind sharp, and avoiding excessive smoking or drinking.

It is also best to regularly see a healthcare professional and keep up to date with things like your vision prescription and any medications or treatment regimens (if prescribed).

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, including your primary care physician and any specialists
  • A complete list of any medication you are taking, including the dosage and prescribing doctor’s name
  • Eyeglasses, corrective lenses, and/or hearing aids, if you use them to drive
  •  Any letters or medical records from specialist doctors regarding special health conditions and your health history

 

How Much Does a DOT physical cost?

Since the DOT physical is a requirement of the job, many employers will cover some or all of the cost for you. Otherwise, the cost is $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 in New York City?

At Great City Medical in New York City, our doctors provide DOT Physical Exams. Feel free to give us a call if you have general questions about DOT exams, or if you want to schedule an appointment!


I went to Great City Medical for an immigration medical exam. Very friendly staff! The lady who worked with me was so sweet, explained everything and answered all my questions. I spent 15 min in my first visit there (blood work and fill out forms).Bring your immunization records to avoid extra charges for vaccine shots.UPD: I received I-693 in a sealed envelope as well as a copy of I-693. The whole process was smooth and straightforward.
Ksenia K
Ksenia K
17:23 26 May 23
Amazing service and fast !!!
White P.
White P.
20:21 23 May 23
Our experience was great we had great service and would recommend anyone with immigration medical examination to try this service. Thank to Great City Medical.
Joe V.
Joe V.
17:53 23 May 23
Excellent service. Great staff.
Ivette T.
Ivette T.
17:18 22 May 23
Super friendly and efficient. They know their stuff.
Chris S.
Chris S.
15:48 22 May 23
Great. Wait was surprising ok. Everyone was very nice 👍 Always a pleasant experience 😊
Lex G.
Lex G.
15:28 22 May 23
The wait was a little long, but worth it. They were great. Very nice ladies😁
Amanda P.
Amanda P.
16:55 17 May 23
Me encantaron las atenciones de principio a fin. Especialmente el trato de Anthony que se mostró muy empatico con mi caso y SUPER servicial y amable.También son muy considerados con lo que realmente a uno le hace falta y lo que no. Ellos hacen las cosas como se debe sin importar que cobren más o menos dinero.En general la experiencia fue excelente.
Nicanor N.
Nicanor N.
11:27 17 May 23
Great visit. Very efficient
Glenda C.
Glenda C.
21:05 15 May 23
Son muy amables las chicas del front desk y las doctoras también
luisaa L.
luisaa L.
19:31 08 May 23
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.Even the way they accommodate those who do not speak clear English is impressive. I must confess, I have never seen nor experienced such courtesy, patience and civility amongst healthcare professionals.The quality of service was also excellent. Very humble people. The doctor, very humble, accommodating, and HIGHLY professional.I’m glad I found this place. I highly recommend! 👍
Victoria A.
Victoria A.
19:31 04 May 23
Didn’t have an appointment and the money but I was taken care of staff where very friendly I do appreciate your service thank you.
Abdul M.
Abdul M.
16:31 01 May 23
They were so nice and patient and caring the best Clinic in New York
Stephanie H.
Stephanie H.
10:00 27 Apr 23
I love this place. The staff is the best, fluent Spanish, great service. I would come to their facility any day of the week!
Paul C.
Paul C.
16:09 26 Apr 23
Started my journey with Great City medical early this year, and it has been a positive experience soo far. Great team
Laila B.
Laila B.
18:35 18 Apr 23
Always have a pleasant experience with Dr. Granna.
Guillermo P.
Guillermo P.
17:40 17 Apr 23
Very professional all the staff in the front. My doctor the best and I am so thankful him. I have improved in my health. I so happy that get better and go part time job when 68 year in September turn 68years old.
Bevelynn T.
Bevelynn T.
17:29 14 Apr 23
Fue mi primera vez y me gusto mucho dan Excelente atención, las recepcionistas,la enfermera y la doctora muy amables, atienden muy rápido, dan un magnífico servicio, lo recomiendo al 💯
Zery M.
Zery M.
23:13 12 Apr 23
Great people great service
Ac B.
Ac B.
12:55 07 Apr 23
Very professional I recommend going to this facility. Staff was very friendly and courteous…
Charles Hackett J.
Charles Hackett J.
21:11 06 Apr 23
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.
22:45 05 Apr 23
As a holistic & integrative practitioner, my PCP, Dr. Marly Grana is Amazing, has ALWAYS been & Is totally Respectful, Wise, patient, Gifted, extremely Understanding & smart treating me!Her staff, from the front desk-to-the-back is always accommodating & Extremely Professional as well!The facilities are clean.I’m blessed to have been invited to this new establishment when they began building.In this community, I’m fortunate to visit Amazing Acupuncturists, & GrowNYC.Sometimes it’s a win-win excursion.The gynecologist & her NP, on the other hand, does not support my insightful wholistic approach to healing & sustaining.
Bonita B.
Bonita B.
21:03 05 Apr 23
This is the best doctor office I have ever been ,the staffing it’s so professional and welcoming specially patricia I love her she’s amazing. My doctor Mikhail AkselRuD it’s the best ,he always give all the details about what you have and what treatment you need god bless all of them.
adalgisa S.
adalgisa S.
00:04 31 Mar 23
Great staff and service. Dr. Tsyba is the best!
Jackie L.
Jackie L.
20:05 30 Mar 23
Fast service, understanding. My Questions were answered and I felt very comfortable. Will definitely go again for follow up. Many blessings 🙌 🙏
Juanita E.
Juanita E.
23:17 29 Mar 23
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 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
Paola A.
Paola 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 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
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
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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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