If you’re a commercial vehicle driver, a DOT physical is essential to ensuring the safety of both you and the public. At The Women’s Center at Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia, Monique Petteys, FNP-C, offers convenient in-office DOT physicals. Monique and her team specialize in women’s health and wellness and provide a wide range of personalized, holistic medical services. To schedule your DOT physical, call the office or book your appointment online today.
A department of transportation (DOT) physical is a test required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The DOT physical determines if you’re healthy enough to be a commercial driver.
Commercial driving can increase the risk of health concerns like heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. The DOT physical screens drivers and potential drivers for underlying medical conditions and ensures they can safely operate a commercial vehicle.
The FMCSA typically requires DOT physicals every two years. You may need additional testing if you suffer from an underlying condition like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Your DOT physical consists of:
The team at The Women’s Center at Life Point Medical uses these tests to determine the status of your overall health. Certain conditions like severely poor vision, deafness, or epilepsy can disqualify you from becoming a certified driver.
If you suffer from a manageable condition like diabetes or high blood pressure and can show you’re receiving appropriate care, you can still obtain your certification.
Your DOT physical begins with a review and discussion of your medical history and overall health. You and your provider discuss any medications you’re on, as well as past surgeries and your consumption of cigarettes or alcohol.
Next, your provider performs a physical exam, checking for abnormalities like impaired breathing, limited motion, muscle weakness, or an irregular pulse. They then perform a vision and hearing test to ensure you meet the standards set by the FMCSA.
The final test is the urinalysis, which helps identify underlying conditions like diabetes. In some cases, urinalysis is also used for drug testing.
Depending on your results, you may require additional testing like a blood test or echocardiogram. The team can determine which tests are right for you.
Although a DOT physical is a comprehensive health exam, it isn’t a replacement for your annual wellness checkup. To speak with a provider at The Women’s Center at Life Point Medical about your DOT physical, call the office or book your appointment online today.
