Here Are the 3 Steps In Your DOT Exam

Here Are the 3 Steps In Your DOT Exam

Driving a commercial vehicle is a big deal, especially when you’re driving other people or carrying hazardous materials. It’s important to your safety and the safety of others that you’re healthy enough to drive long hours on the road.

Our team at Integrated Body and Medicine is happy to provide Department of Transportation (DOT) exams when you need to keep up your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Our team has several certified medical examiners who take the appropriate steps to ensure your health.

What is a DOT exam?

A DOT physical is an exam that you need to have every two years if you drive a commercial vehicle. The exam is mandated under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ensure that you’re physically and mentally healthy enough to drive commercial vehicles.

A licensed medical examiner performs the physical exam to the DOT’s specifications. Our team has several providers that are able to provide this specialized exam.

The main reason you need a DOT physical is if you carry a commercial driver’s license. Other reasons you need this exam include:

If you fall under any of these categories, you need a DOT exam in order to continue driving and to ensure your safety and the safety of the public.

Understanding the 3 steps

When you come in for your DOT physical exam, you can expect three distinct steps in the process. These three steps include:

Reviewing your medical history

The first step in your DOT exam is the medical history. This is when we go over your medical history and any current medical problems you have.

We also need to know what medications, prescription or over-the-counter, that you take. This includes how often you take them, the dosage, and the strength of each medication.

You need to provide details of any surgical procedures you’ve had and a brief description of your family medical history.

The physical exam

After we review your medical history, it’s time for the physical exam portion of the exam. During this part of the exam, we:

You also must pass an eye exam and a hearing test.

Receiving your certification

The last step of your DOT exam is the certification process. We review your medical history and the results of your physical exam. If you’re healthy enough to carry a CDL license, we complete the necessary paperwork to give you clearance to drive.

You get copies of the completed physical exam to take with you, one for your employer and another to keep with you. We also keep electronic records if you need to reference them.

After we process your paperwork, you receive a medical examiner's certificate, which you must keep with you at all times when you’re driving a commercial vehicle.

If you’re looking to schedule your DOT physical exam, don’t hesitate to call our office in the greater Highland and Hammond, Indiana, area. You can also send us a message on this website.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Natural Injections That Ease Knee Pain and Inflammation

You know the symptoms too well — unbearable pain and swelling in your knee. If you're living with these symptoms, you can achieve natural relief. Read on to discover natural injections that ease your knee discomfort without nasty side effects.

Why Are My Hands and Feet Tingling?

Tingling in your hands and feet is annoying, but it could also be a sign of something more serious. Keep reading to discover the causes behind tingling in your hands and feet and when to seek help for the problem.

4 Ways a DOT Exam Is Different From a Routine Physical

Routine physical exams help you stay on top of your health, but if you drive a commercial vehicle, you need a particular exam called a DOT physical. Keep reading to discover how a DOT exam differs from your annual physical.

3 Strange Causes of Sciatica That Can Trigger Back Pain

If you have back pain with symptoms in your legs, you may be dealing with sciatica. But did you know it’s not always due to spinal issues? Keep reading to discover strange causes of sciatica and how you can ease your back pain.

Why Your Body Thrives with Alkaline Water

When you're drinking to stay hydrated, water is water, right? Not necessarily. Alkaline water may be a better choice, especially when you suffer from joint pain. Keep reading to discover why alkaline water benefits your body and your health.