DOT Physicals

DOT Physicals services offered in Hackensack, NJ

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.

DOT Physicals Q&A

What are DOT physicals?

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.

Who needs a DOT physical?

DOT physicals are required by law for all drivers who:

Transport hazardous materials and display a hazmat placard
Are paid to operate a vehicle with eight or more passengers
Operate a commercial vehicle with 15 or more passengers
Operate vehicles with a gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds

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.

What happens during a DOT physical?

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.

What should I bring to a DOT physical?

Make sure to bring the following items to your DOT physical:

Medical records
Any recent test results
Any hearing or vision aids (i.e. hearing aids, eyeglasses, or contact lenses)
List of the medications you take

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.