DOT Physical Exam Clinic in Choctaw, OK

A DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is a specific type of CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) physical. Both are required for individuals driving commercial vehicles in the U.S. DOT physicals are a very important part of working in the transportation sector, as these are done to not only see where your health is currently but also to monitor any health changes during your time working. These fitness tests include your physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being, as they need to determine your safety while working but also to reduce the risk of potential injury to the general public. They are also done to review any current or previous injuries you have suffered to make sure they do not affect your ability to do your job. DOT physicals are done not only for the safety of the worker but also for the general public as required by the government.

When you are going for your DOT physical, you should bring general information such as your current primary care physician, any previous doctors you have seen, your contacts, glasses, or hearing aids if you have any, and any recent heart tests you may have undergone. Other information that you should have with you for your DOT physical includes all your medical history.
 
If you have had any previous medical issues, such as heart conditions or neurological problems, you should have your cardiologist or neurologist write a letter for you stating you are able to complete any necessary testing and that you are safe to do so from their determination. In some situations, such as those who have lost an extremity or use of an extremity, you will be required to have your primary care doctor write a letter stating any work-related restrictions you have. You should also make sure you have an accurate list of any medications you are on and all side effects, as there are some medications that may require bloodwork from your doctor to determine the safety of the use of these medications while working. If you are unsure that you have all the appropriate documents for your DOT physical, you can confirm with the physician’s office who is going to be doing the physical and what is required of you. You may also speak with your primary care physician, as they will also have an idea of what will be required at the physical. 

You will undergo physical testing that can involve blood pressure testing and vision testing, along with hearing testing, as these are very important to determining eligibility. The reason that blood pressure testing is as important as hearing and vision testing is that high blood pressure can indicate risks to health, such as myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) or other cardiovascular-related issues such as left-ventricular hypertrophy, which can increase the risk of heart attacks in the long term. Vision testing is important for someone who is going to be driving professionally. You need to be able to meet at least the minimum requirements of vision, even if it is assisted with the use of glasses or contact lenses.

The average amount of time a DOT physical exam is valid for is two years (24 months) from the date of passing the exam. This can also vary, as those who have conditions that require monitoring may have to undergo additional DOT physical testing within three months to a year after the passed physical, and this is for the safety and wellbeing of the driver, plus the general public that they may come in contact with depending on the job they do. It is important to remember that once your testing has expired, you are not allowed to continue to work, and it is recommended that if you know you are due for your next DOT physical, you book in before the expiration of the previous one since there is no grace period.
 
A DOT physical exam is available at Immediate Care of Oklahoma in Choctaw, OK. For more information, contact us. We are located at 1664 S Choctaw Rd, Choctaw, OK 73020. We serve patients from Chocktaw OK, Edmond OK, Spencer OK, Midwest City OK, Jones OK, Woods OK, and surrounding areas.