DOT Physical Exams Questions and Answers
Walking Urgent Care is registered and approved to perform Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams through their urgent care so patients don’t have to wait for an appointment. For more information, give us a call or book an appointment online if you’d rather not do a walk-in.
What do they do in a DOT Physical?
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a physical exam performed on professional drivers such as bus and truck drivers. Any person who drives a commercial vehicle is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to undergo a DOT physical to ensure that they are able to meet the physical requirements of the job. A DOT physical will consist of collecting a detailed health history, a physical exam and a urinalysis and other testing as deemed necessary. The detailed medical history will go through any medications you currently take, any surgeries you have had, your exposure to and use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, any other substances that could cause impairment, and any other medical conditions you currently have or symptoms you are experiencing. The physical exam will consist of a complete physical exam that will test your hearing, vision, blood pressure and other indicators of your health that could affect your ability to drive and react to issues on the road. Finally, a urinalysis will be taken to test your blood sugar levels, as well as to test for the presence of any drugs or alcohol. Additional in-office tests may be performed if required, such as having blood drawn for a blood test or an electrocardiogram to monitor the functioning of your heart. DOT physical exams have to be performed through a registered and approved doctor, such as those at Walking Urgent Care.
Does a DOT Physical Include a Drug Screen?
The need for a drug screen to be included as part of the DOT physical will depend on the individual company’s on-the-job requirements, but in many cases, this does include a test for the presence of drugs or alcohol in the blood or urine. These substances can greatly impair a person’s ability to drive a motor vehicle, as well as slow down their reaction time, putting them at greater risk of causing an accident that can harm themselves and others, and in some cases cause death. A commercial vehicle can include a bus or a delivery truck, and if driven improperly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can put the driver and public at risk. For this reason, many companies who employ commercial drivers require that they complete a drug screen prior to starting work. The drug screen can be completed onsite during the rest of the DOT physical exam when performed at a center like Walking Urgent Care.
What is the Difference Between a DOT Physical and a Non-DOT Physical?
A DOT physical exam consists of many of the same checkpoints and measures as a non-DOT physical exam. The DOT physical exam is done with the intention of testing and checking a person’s suitability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle, so while the physical test part of the exam will be very similar to that of a non-DOT physical, it will be interpreted in a different light. There may be slightly different aspects to the exam, but the basics are the same. A DOT physical does include additional testing beyond the standard physical exam, such as a urinalysis, and potentially a blood test or electrocardiogram, to test for the presence of drugs, alcohol or other substances. These tests can also be used to test for the presence of medical conditions that could affect a person’s ability to drive such as low blood sugar, as is the case with diabetes, or for heart conditions that could lead to a stroke or heart attack. Walking Urgent Care is able to provide both DOT and non-DOT physical exams to individuals through our walk-in urgent care for quick and convenient physical exams. Reach out today for more information about our physical exam services. We serve patients from Coral Springs FL, Parkland FL, Tamarac FL, Margate FL, North Lauderdale FL, and Coconut Creek FL.
