Can We Go to Urgent Care for DOT Physicals?

A DOT physical is a specific medical examination that is required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers are physically and mentally able to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. The DOT physical is a large extensive exam that assesses a driver’s overall health, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, and physical ability.

The DOT physical is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is necessary for all drivers who operate vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds or transport more than eight passengers. The exam must be performed by a certified medical examiner who is registered and listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

During the exam, the medical examiner will review the driver’s medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. The examiner will also assess the driver’s ability to perform specific tasks, such as climbing in and out of the vehicle, operating the foot pedals, and turning the steering wheel.

If the driver meets all of the requirements of the DOT physical, they will be issued a medical certificate that is valid for up to two years.

All drivers who operate vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds or transport more than eight passengers are required to undergo a DOT physical. What can happen at a DOT physical is as follows:

Drivers who are subject to the FMCSA’s alcohol and drug testing program must also undergo a DOT physical. This includes drivers who operate vehicles that weigh over 26,001 pounds or transport hazardous materials and are required to have a CDL.

A DOT physical is a comprehensive medical examination that assesses a driver’s overall health, physical ability, and mental ability to operate a commercial vehicle. The exam must be performed by a certified medical examiner.

Here is what can happen during a DOT physical:

1. Health history review: The medical examiner will review the driver’s medical history, including any chronic medical conditions, previous surgeries, and medications.

2. Vision test: The driver’s vision will be tested to make sure they meet the minimum vision requirements for driving a commercial motor vehicle. The driver must have a minimum of 20/40 vision in both eyes with or without contacts or glasses.

3. Hearing test: The driver’s hearing will be tested to make sure that they can hear a forced whisper.

4. Blood pressure check: The driver’s blood pressure will be checked to ensure that it is within the acceptable range for driving a commercial motor vehicle.

5. Urine test: The driver will be required to provide a urine sample to test for underlying health conditions.

6. Physical exam: A thorough physical exam will be required to assess the driver’s overall health and physical ability. This may include checking the driver’s reflexes, range of motion, and joint stability.

7. Additional tests: If the driver has certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea or high blood pressure, they may be required to undergo additional testing or treatment to make sure that they are fit to drive.

DOT physicals must be done by a certified medical examiner who is qualified to complete the exam. While urgent care centers may have medical professionals who are qualified to perform physical exams, not all urgent care centers have a certified medical examiner on staff.
If you need a DOT physical, it is important to ensure that the medical examiner who performs the exam is certified by the FMCSA and listed on the National Registry.

While urgent care centers may not be the best option for DOT physicals, there are many other medical facilities where you can get a DOT physical. This includes primary care physicians, occupational health clinics, and specialized medical centers that focus on commercial driver health and wellness.

It is important to schedule your DOT physical in advance to ensure that you have enough time to complete the exam and receive the necessary documentation for your commercial driver’s license.

Immediate Care of Oklahoma’s DOT physicals have been developed to make sure that commercial drivers fulfill the health requirements needed for driving vehicles effectively on the road. 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, and Bethany OK.