If you operate a commercial vehicle, you’re required by law to undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical once every two years. At All Health Medical Group, primary care physician Suhel Ahmed, MD, and Linda Davt, NP, offer DOT physicals to bus drivers, truckers, and other transit professionals. To make an appointment at the practice in Hackensack, Englewood Cliffs, Paramus, Paterson & Rutherford, New Jersey, call the nearest office today or book an appointment online.
A DOT physical is a routine checkup that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial drivers to take every two years. It assesses your physical and neurological health, ensuring you’re capable of operating a commercial vehicle.
Driving a semi-truck, bus, or tanker is physically demanding and emotionally stressful. The demanding schedule and long hours behind the wheel can increase the risk of certain issues. Regular DOT physicals keep you healthy, allowing you to do your job safely.
DOT physicals are required by law for all drivers who:
Once you complete a DOT physical, you receive a certificate that’s good for two years. If you have an underlying medical issue like obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, annual checkups may be necessary.
At All Health Medical Group, a DOT physical begins with a review of your medical history. Your provider asks about the medications you take, the type of food you eat, how often you exercise, and if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Next, they conduct a physical exam, assessing your hearing, vision, and blood pressure. They also order laboratory tests, including urinalysis and blood work to test for illicit substances or issues like high cholesterol or hormone imbalances.
If all of your results come back normal, your provider will sign off on a certificate that you submit to your employer. If your provider uncovers any issues, like high blood pressure or prediabetes, they make recommendations for treatment and monitor your progress over time.
Make sure to bring the following items to your DOT physical:
If it’s time to renew your commercial driver’s license, don’t wait to book a DOT physical at All Health Medical Group. Click the online scheduling tool today or call the office.