If you’re employed in a position that is considered to be “safety-sensitive” by the Department of Transportation, you may be required to receive a DOT physical. People who work in these positions have been determined to have a job that can have a direct impact on their safety and potentially that of the public. Strict guidelines have been set by the FMCSA, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, to ensure that those in these jobs are able to perform these jobs safely. MD First Primary & Urgent Care has been providing DOT physicals to the Lancaster, SC community for years through appointments and walk-ins at the Urgent Care center.
What Is Required For My DOT Physical?
You should bring a list of your doctors’ names and office locations and the medications you are presently taking. Included should be the doses and how often you take them. You can save yourself some time by being sure to fill out a medical history before coming to the clinic for your physical. Some medical issues may require you to bring additional items and documents for the test.
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and contacts must be brought by drivers with related conditions.
- Diabetic drivers will require logs of their blood sugar and their most recent lab results for HgAIC.
- Drivers who have heart-health issues must provide a letter from their cardiologist, indicating they are safe to work. This must include the aforementioned medications and medical history.
If you have a health condition not mentioned here or have additional questions, please call our clinic at 1-803-283-2300 for answers from our qualified medical staff.
What Is Covered During My DOT Physical?
Your visit to our clinics for a DOT physical will involve tests covering a number of senses and health concerns. These will include the following:
- Vision – To pass the physical drivers must have vision with no worse than 20/40 acuity after any necessary corrective equipment. In addition, horizontal meridian peripheral vision should be no less than 70 degrees in each eye.
- Hearing – A forced whisper must be audible at less than 5 feet with or without a hearing aid.
- Blood Pressure/Pulse – High blood pressure and irregular heartbeats will be checked for.
- Urinalysis – This test checks for diabetes or other underlying medical concerns.
In addition to these concerns, a broad range of concerns will be checked during the physical to ensure that the driver meets the minimal health requirements of the condition. These include:
- Eyes – macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, etc.
- Ears – Perforation of the eardrum, tympanic membrane scarring, etc.
- Mouth/Throat – Swallowing or breathing problems will be checked.
- Heart – Pacemaker, unusual sounds, murmurs
- Lungs – Cyanosis, impaired or abnormal breathing
- Abdomen – Enlarged liver, colon, muscle weakness
- Vascular – Varicose veins, carotid artery, abnormal pulse
- Genito-urinary (hernias)
- Impaired limbs
- Spinal and musculoskeletal concerns
- Neurological concerns
These exams must be completed by a medical examiner who has an FMCSA certification. MD First Primary & Urgent Care has qualified staff members available to perform these tests and get you driving again in no time. Call 1-803-238-2300 for an appointment or drop by our clinic at 1130 Hwy 9 Bypass W in Lancaster, SC, to receive a physical today.
