Who Can Serve as a Medical Examiner and Perform DOT Physical Exams?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations defines a Medical Examiner as a person who is licensed, certified, and/or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to perform physical examinations. The term includes but is not limited to doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, doctors of chiropractic, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice nurses.
Interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers must have valid medical certificates issued by medical examiners listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months.
What Can You Expect Upon Your Physical Examination?
Complete history evaluation including discussion of your prescription medications, over the counter medications, supplements, and vitamins.
Blood pressure evaluation to meet regulation compliance.
General examination of your heart to evaluate for heart disease or heart conditions.
General vision examination that includes eye chart screening, check pupil reflex, and check peripheral vision.
General hearing examination that includes voice whispering test, and otoscope exam to check for blockage in ear canal.
General abdominal exam to screen for abdominal conditions, pain or tenderness.
General examination of your lungs to detect abnormal lung sounds or lung diseases.
Complete urine analysis (UA) that will look for specific gravity, protein, blood or sugar in your urine.
Complete examination of your muscles, joints, spinal screen, upper and lower extremities to detect any impairment that affect your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle.