5 Ways a DOT Physical Differs from a Routine Physical

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires people in certain jobs to undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. The DOT physical ensures commercial drivers are safe. It reduces the risk of harm to themselves and others caused by heart attacks, poor vision, or erratic behavior.

The exam itself is much like the regular annual physicals and other routine checkups we offer at Triad Internal Medicine’s offices in Asheboro, North Carolina. However, there are five significant differences, as we’ll now illustrate.

1. DOT and routine physicals have different purposes

Routine physicals aim to evaluate your current health, discover problems at an early stage, and identify risk factors for disease. They cover a broad spectrum, checking every aspect of your health. Routine physicals are the foundation of preventive medicine, helping patients avoid health issues and live longer, happier lives.

DOT physicals have a single purpose — to ensure you’re fit to drive for a living. For example, it isn’t safe for someone at high risk of having a heart attack to drive a school bus or someone with severe psychiatric symptoms like psychosis to drive a tanker full of dangerous chemicals.

This doesn’t mean you must be 100% healthy — many conditions are acceptable, providing you’re receiving treatment that manages your condition. For example, you can drive with less-than-perfect vision provided you wear appropriate corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

2. Anyone performing a DOT physical must be FMCSA-certified

Only medical professionals certified by the FMCSA can perform a DOT physical. Certified medical examiners undergo specialized training and pass an exam. They also have to stay up-to-date with regulation and medical requirement changes, and they must complete ongoing training. In contrast, any healthcare provider can perform a routine physical.

3. Only commercial drivers need a DOT physical

Only people whose job requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) need to undergo a DOT physical. In North Carolina, you can find out more about various CDL classes and endorsements at the state DMV website. In summary, drivers whose vehicles carry more than a certain weight or a specific number of passengers and those who transport hazardous materials must get a CDL.

Routine physicals are beneficial for everyone, regardless of their occupation. However, they’re entirely voluntary.

4. You must attend a DOT exam at least every two years

The FMCSA requires those with a CDL to retake the DOT physical every two years. You’ll likely need an annual DOT exam if you have medical issues.

We recommend that all patients have an annual physical and offer other preventive medicine services, such as well-woman exams.

5. DOT and routine physicals have different criteria

A DOT exam consists of the following:

• Detailed physical exam
• Vision screening
• Hearing tests
• Urinalysis
• Drug screening
• Vital signs check
• Cardiovascular assessment
• Neurological evaluation
• Physical ability review

We also review both your medical history and your family’s medical history.

The DOT physical always contains the same checks, matching the current requirements. Afterward, we complete the necessary paperwork to demonstrate you’ve passed the DOT exam so you can get or renew your CDL. If you don’t pass, we’ll discuss the outcomes with you and offer the appropriate treatment.

Routine physicals often include similar checks and lab tests, but we tailor each exam to the patient’s requirements. There’s no defined checklist for an annual physical like there is for a DOT physical, and there is also no accompanying paperwork or certification.

At Triad Internal Medicine, we provide a complete range of physical exams, ranging from annual physicals to DOT and immigration physicals. To learn more and discuss which physical you need, call or complete the Contact Us form on our website. Please note that DOT physicals are only available at our Mack Road offices.