What Can Cause You to Fail a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a comprehensive health examination required for commercial drivers to ensure their fitness for safe operation. Common reasons for failing a DOT physical include vision problems, hearing impairment, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, substance abuse, and sleep apnea. At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, Dr. Kevin Penwell (D.O.), and his team offer DOT physicals to ensure drivers meet the necessary health standards for safe operation. For more details, contact us or you can also book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Edmond OK, Norman (24th) OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Tecumseh OK, West Moore OK, I-240 and Sooner RD OK, Yukon OK, and Choctaw OK.




Table of Contents:
Can I pass a DOT physical if I have a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea?
Can I pass a DOT physical if I have a history of substance abuse?
What happens if I fail a DOT physical?
Can I get a DOT physical online?
Sleep apnea, a condition that causes frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, can lead to excessive daytime drowsiness and impair a commercial driver’s ability to operate safely. To address this risk, the FMCSA has established guidelines to identify and manage sleep apnea among commercial drivers.
However, it is entirely possible to pass a DOT physical with sleep apnea depending on the severity and treatment status of the condition. At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we help drivers with treated sleep apnea to be eligible for a medical certification. Our team of qualified professionals can provide a diagnosis of sleep apnea and advice on treatment options.
During a DOT physical, our medical examiners will assess your overall health and specifically look for any signs of untreated sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is diagnosed during your DOT physical, we can guide you through the necessary steps to initiate treatment and help you return to driving once treatment is shown to be effective.
At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we ensure the safety of commercial drivers and the public. We also understand the complexity added by a history of substance abuse. Our experienced medical team knows how to navigate these complexities.
We provide comprehensive DOT physicals that assess your overall physical and mental health, including a thorough review of your medical history. If you have a history of substance abuse, our medical team is trained to handle this sensitively and professionally.
Your honesty and disclosure are crucial during these exams, including openness about any past substance abuse. Our medical examiners will inquire about your history, including the dates, frequency, and duration of substance use. This information is critical in evaluating your current health status and ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Sobriety is essential for passing a DOT physical, and we will require proof of a specific period of sobriety, depending on the substance used. Our staff can guide you through this process, ensuring you understand what documentation is needed to substantiate your sobriety claim.
During the physical examination, we will conduct a variety of tests, including blood pressure measurement, vision and hearing screening, neurological examination, and respiratory and cardiovascular assessments. We will also consider any existing health problems that may have resulted from your substance abuse history.
If you fulfill all the eligibility requirements, you might get certified as medically qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles. However, this certification may come with certain conditions, such as periodic drug testing or follow-up appointments with our healthcare professionals.
The consequences of failing a DOT physical range from license revocation and employment loss to legal consequences. In the event of a failed examination due to a disqualifying medical condition, we provide guidance and support. Our team can help with the documentation and medical evaluation needed to apply for a waiver, allowing you to potentially obtain a CDL despite having a disqualifying medical condition. It’s vital to remember that these waivers are given on a case-by-case basis.
We also emphasize the importance of regular physicals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Routine health check-ups at Immediate Care of Oklahoma can help identify potential health issues before they become disqualifying, increasing the chances of passing the DOT physical. Our medical practice is dedicated to supporting the health of commercial drivers, ensuring you are physically fit to handle the demands of your job, and promoting safety on the roads.
Our DOT physicals are conducted by certified medical examiners (CME). A DOT physical must be completed in person, during a visit to our clinic our CME will conduct:
● A thorough review of your medical history
● A comprehensive physical examination
● Vision and hearing tests
● Urine sample collection
● Completion of the DOT Physical Examination Form
We believe in the importance of in-person examinations to ensure the accuracy of the results and to prevent any potential legal complications down the road.
At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we’re committed to ensuring your health and safety, making your DOT physical a straightforward and efficient process. Our certified providers and streamlined approach will have you back on the road quickly. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Oklahoma City, OK. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Choctaw OK, and surrounding areas.


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