DOT Physicals

Compassion Health Care, Inc. (CHC) is proud to offer a local option for individuals needing to complete DOT Physicals. The following is a summary of what to expect:

  • What are DOT Physicals? Federal law requires drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to receive regular physical examinations. The official name for these exams is “Department of Transportation Medical Examinations,” but it’s often shortened to “DOT physicals.” DOT physicals are designed to detect physical, mental, and emotional issues that can impact a CMV driver’s ability to safely spend long hours on the road. Because there are so many regulations for commercial drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) only allows certified medical examiners (CMEs) to perform DOT exams. CFMC has CMEs on staff.
  • What drivers should expect from the exam? A DOT exam will include an evaluation of an employee’s vision, hearing, blood pressure/pulse rate, and overall physical ability. It will also test for illegal drugs. If drivers take any medications, they’ll need to bring a complete list to the exam, including the doses and doctors’ information. Any drivers that require corrective vision or hearing need to bring their eyeglasses, contacts, or hearing aids. If your drivers suffer from any other medical condition, they may be required to bring additional information.
  • How much does a DOT Physical cost? A DOT Physical at CHC costs $95. CHC does not accept insurance for DOT physicals and payment is due at the time of visit.
  • What to Bring to a DOT Physical Exams:
    • All drivers:
    • Drivers who require eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids:
      • Bring your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids.
      • You will be required to pass a vision and hearing test.
    • Drivers who have high blood pressure:
      • Your blood pressure MUST be below 140/90 on the day of your exam or you may not qualify for a DOT card.
    • Drivers who have diabetes:
      • Your blood sugar must be controlled.
      • Bring the most recent results of a lab test called a Hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C) and your blood sugar logs or other records related to your diabetes.
    • Drivers who have nighttime sleep disturbance (sleep apnea) and use a CPAP machine:
      • Bring at least 90 days of data, but data from the past year is best.
    • Drivers who have heart-related issues (including the use of a stent, valve replacement, pacemaker, open-heart surgery, cardiac bypass surgery, or heart attack):
      • At a minimum, bring a letter from your cardiologist (heart specialist) that outlines your medical history and current medications and indicates you are safe to drive a DOT vehicle.
      • You may need to bring the results of a recent stress test, ECHO cardiogram, or other testing completed within the past 1-2 years.
    • Drivers who have suffered a stroke, a brain tumor, a seizure disorder, or bleeding in the brain:
      • Bring a letter from your neurologist (brain and nerve specialist) that outlines your medical history, current medications, and current neurologic and psychiatric state.
    • Drivers who have experienced the permanent loss of use in an arm or a leg:
      • Bring an overview from your physician of the injury and if you have any work restrictions due to the injury.
      • You may need a Skilled Performance Examination in order to qualify for your DOT card.
    • Drivers who are taking any medications that may cause sedation or sleepiness or controlled substances (including narcotics, sleeping pills, anxiety medication, ADHD medication):
      • You will most likely need a note and medical records from your treating physician regarding the safety of driving a DOT vehicle while using these medications.
    • Drivers who are taking the blood thinner Coumadin (Warfarin):
      • Bring a recent INR (blood level and clearance) letter from your doctor.
    • NOTE: If you are uncertain if you will qualify for a DOT card, you may want to schedule a visit with your primary or specialty physician BEFORE your recertification date. Each physical examination, just like each DOT applicant, is unique. Above are guidelines only, and not meant to be all-inclusive or as a guarantee of passing the exam. Additional testing or information may be required by your DOT examiner.
  • Things to make your exam flow smoother:
  • Other things to know:
    • CHC can only verify immunizations administered at CHC or with appropriate documentation.
    • A DOT physical should not replace an annual wellness physical.
    • The summary of your visit can be sent to your primary care provider with your permission.
  • Process:
    • Schedule Exam:
      • DOT physicals require an appointment with CHC Primary Care. To schedule an appointment, call 336-694-9331.
      • We will make every effort to schedule your appointment for a time that is convenient for you during our regular office hours (Monday – Wednesday, 8 AM – 5 PM; Thursday 8 AM – 7 PM; Friday 8 AM – 12 Noon).
      • The Caswell County office is located at 439 US Hwy 158W, Yanceyville, NC 27379
      • Be sure to choose an appointment during a time that will allow at least 1 hour to complete the DOT physical.
    • Get your Physical: The DOT examination will include a health history review, a thorough physical exam captured in an online version of the Medical Examination Report (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Medical-Examination-Report-(MER)-Form-MCSA-5875.pdf) and a urine test for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination.
    • Medical Exam Report: Results will be reported electronically to the NRCME when the exam is completed and certified drivers will receive a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Medical-Examiners-Certificate-(MEC)-Form-MCSA-5876.pdf)