Category Archives: News

DOT MEDICAL GUIDELINES -DIABETES

DOT MEDICAL GUIDELINES -DIABETES

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Examination is very highly regulated as illness complications can have serious consequences for the driver, the examiner, and the general public. DOT medical guidelines outline the health criteria that commercial vehicle drivers must meet to qualify for certification. One health condition that is closely reviewed by the DOT is diabetes. Individuals with known or suspected diabetes are required to provide specific medical information to the DOT-certifying physician regarding diabetic control. The DOT definition of diabetic control often causes confusion for individuals seeking certification, as well as their employers. The following information provides answers to common questions and clears up misconceptions about diabetes and DOT certification. The maximum certification for a person with diabetes is one year. According to DOT guidelines, a person with diabetes, whether controlled with diet alone or diet plus medication, must meet the following criteria:

  • Maintain a glycosylated hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A1C or “HBA1C”) of 10% or less.

The HBA1C is a measure of the average amount of sugar in the blood over the last 3 months. A normal HBA1C is less than 5.7%. Values between 5.7 and 6.4% are classified as being in the pre-diabetic range. These individuals should be closely monitored. If the level is above 6.4%, then the person is diabetic. The HBA1C correlates very well with end organ (blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, heart, or eyes) damage and therefore is a popular marker for disease control. Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 90 days before they are removed by the spleen. Glucose sticks to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Therefore, the glycosylated hemoglobin can be a good estimate of the average blood sugar and is much more accurate in assessing diabetic control than a fasting blood sugar that varies from day to day. Obviously, it takes about 3 months for the HBA1C to drop, generally by 1 percentage point.

  • The driver must not have a history of the following:

(a) One or more hypoglycemic episodes in the past 12 months, or 2 or more occurrences in the past 5 years resulting in:

1. Seizure

2. Loss of Consciousness

3. Need for Assistance from another person

4. Period of Confusion

(b) Signs of End Organ Damage: 1. Retinopathy 2. Macular Degeneration 3. Peripheral Neuropathy 4. Congestive Heart Disease 5. Stroke 6. Peripheral Vascular Disease 7. Kidney Failure

Diabetic individuals seeking DOT certification must provide current (within six months) diabetic control information to the examining physician. This information should be available as part of routine diabetes care through the individual’s primary care physician. To avoid delays in certification, SameDayDOT Physical Drug & Alcohol Testing recommends individuals meet with their primary care physician in advance of the examination to obtain copies of the required laboratory information, then bring that information to the DOT appointment. Diabetics who require insulin for control cannot be approved for DOT certification unless they have a waiver. The diabetic waiver application and program details can be found on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. The process for obtaining a waiver is cumbersome and only a small number of drivers have received this exemption since the waiver program was instituted in 1996. “These medical guidelines can be quite complex,” says Michael Tigges, DC, Nationally Registered Certifed Medical Examiner. “The DOT team at Same Day DOT Physical Drug & Alcohol Testing understands the DOT regulations and their importance in promoting driver health, wellness and public safety. We are always available to answer any questions

All drivers diagnosed with diabetes must bring a printed copy of their most recent hemoglobin A1C from his or her primary care physician. This lab value must be 10% percent or less and be done within the last 3 months. The driver will receive a one year certificate if cleared. If the A1C levels are between 10-12% then the driver will receive a 3 month certificate. If, after 3 months, the new AIC levels are 10% or less at the end of the 3 months, the driver will receive a 9 month certificate based on the previous physical exam.

If the driver does not have the lab results available or his or her urine is positive for sugar, a random blood test (RBT) will be done. If this is 250 or less the driver will receive a 3 month certificate in which he should see his primary care physician and obtain an AIC lab. Once he or she returns with the report and it is less than 10% then 9 months will be added to your medical certification expiration date.

INSULIN

Insulin is used to treat high blood sugar in diabetes. Insulin has the potential to cause very low blood sugars which can cause drivers to black out or go into a coma; therefore diabetic drivers who require insulin for treatment cannot be approved for DOT certification. However, some drivers may qualify for a waiver which is a special process requiring additional clearance from your primary care physician and endocrinologist as well as more frequent assessments to maintain the driver’s medical certification.

More information is available through the FMCSA through the Federal Diabetes Exemption Program at:

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Diabetes/diabetes-exemption-package0706.pdf.

Tips for managing your blood sugar:

  • Eat healthy food portions at least three times a day.
  • Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods. Keep healthy snacks with you.
  • Do a moderate activity for 30 minutes 3-4 times a day. Doing laps along a rest stop is a good way to stay active during long hauls.
  • Carry you glucose meter with you during trips to check your levels. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, be sure to carry glucose tablets with you.
  • Maintain good blood pressure and have a yearly eye exam with an eye professional to avoid diabetic complications that reduce your ability to drive.

Contact us for any questions you may have: https://samedaydot.com/contact-us/

 

DOT CERTIFIED PHYSICAL EXAM IN SUMNER COUNTY. Gallatin; Hendersonville; Portland; Tennessee.

DOT CERTIFIED PHYSICAL EXAM IN SUMNER COUNTY. Gallatin; Hendersonville; Portland. NASHVILLE; GOODLETTSVILLE, Lafayette

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Dr. Michael Tigges

DOT Certified Medical Exams are now being offered at Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing in Gallatin, TN. Also serving Hendersonville and Portland, TN. We are focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction – we will do everything we can to meet and exceed your expectations. We offer low-cost, quick, convenient and comprehensive medical exams for commercial drivers to meet federal DOT regulations needed to obtain and maintain commercial driver’s licenses.

Our goal is to provide a worry-free experience to our patients. Your Certified Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Tigges will treat you with the respect you deserve. Our experienced healthcare professional will address medical issues upfront, avoiding delays in obtaining your medical examiner’s certificate.

Call Today to schedule an appointment (615) 452-1575
529 Hartsville Pike Gallatin, TN

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you. Please use one of the various methods below and we’ll look forward to connecting with you soon!

Phone Number:
615-452-1575

Email Address:
[email protected]

Our Location:
529 Hartsville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066

Right next to Sumner Regional Medical Center across from Perkins Drugstore. Parking for your big rig next door in the Food Lion parking lot.

Preparing for Your DOT Medical Exam

Preparing for Your DOT Medical Exam

The DOT’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) program has ushered in a new era of driver and employer responsibility in regard to understanding the DOT medical examination process. The NRCME program aims to elevate the DOT medical exam to its originally intended level of scrutiny that can ensure safer drivers and safer roads across the country.

By requiring certification of all medical examiners, the DOT made an obvious statement about quality and their continued efforts to eliminate “doctor shopping” by drivers, the practice of visiting provider after provider until someone finally issues a medical card, whether it is warranted or not.

Certain conditions have always led to shorter card terms or disqualification, and the new certification program has brought these to the forefront for many examiners who either never knew the regulations or never paid close enough attention to allow the regulations to guide their decision making.

The goal, hopefully is that medical examiners across the country will be holding drivers to a more consistent standard when issuing cards.

In preparation, drivers and employers should pay particular attention to the conditions below that may exclude drivers from certification or require intermittent medical monitoring.

Assembling the necessary documentation in advance of the exam can save drivers and employers considerable time and money.

These are the most common health problems associated with DOT medical certification or recertification that require documentation during the DOT exam to help expedite certification.

History of Asthma / COPD

If you have a history of lung disease (asthma or COPD) or have symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or drivers over the age of 35 who smoke, you will need spirometry. You can arrange to have this done at your doctor’s office or occupational medicine clinic.

Sleep Apnea

  • A letter from the doctor treating for the sleep apnea stating that your current CPAP treatment is effectively controlling your sleep apnea
  • Documentation that verifies your equipment (CPAP machine) is operating effectively and shows that you are compliant with the use of the CPAP (smart card printout)

Diabetes

  • A letter from the doctor treating you for the diabetes stating you are being treated for diabetes is required. A list of the medications you are taking and that the medications are tolerated and would not interfere with the ability to drive must also be provided. The frequency of your glucose control and efficacy of treatment monitoring must be documented, along with verification that you have had no severe hypoglycemic reactions in the last 12 months. The date and results of your last hemoglobin A1C level must be provided. Any complications from diabetes (example: renal, cardiovascular or neurological concerns) must be documented.

Diabetic on insulin is disqualifying, unless you have a federal diabetes waiver.

A letter from your eye doctor or the doctor treating you for your diabetes must state the date of your last eye exam and that there is no retinopathy.

  • Unstable proliferative or unstable nonproliferative retinopathy is disqualifying.
  • If you are on incretin mimetic treatment, such as Byetta (exenatide) or Bydureon (exenatide extended-release), a letter from your doctor prescribing this medication describing your tolerance to the medication is required.
  • How frequently you are monitored for adequate blood glucose control and efficacy of treatment must also be documented.

Cardiovascular Disease

  • History of heart attack, angina, or post-PCI: You will need a letter from your cardiologist stating that you are cleared to drive a commercial motor vehicle with no restrictions. DOT requires an exercise stress test every 2 years. You will need to bring a copy of the stress test results to your exam. The above has occurred in the past year, a copy of the most recent Echocardiogram is also required.
  • History of cardiac bypass surgery: A letter is required from you cardiologist stating that you are cleared to drive a commercial motor vehicle with no restrictions. After 5 years from the date of surgery you will need a yearly exercise stress test. Please bring the stress test results to the DOT exam. If the bypass surgery is within the past year, a copy of your most recent echocardiogram will be required.

Anticoagulant Therapy

If you are taking warfarin for cardiovascular disease, please bring a copy of the most recent INR results to your DOT exam.

Anticonvulsant Medication

If you a taking topamax, neurontin (gabapentin), or other seizure medication for other than a seizure disorder (example: chronic pain or migraine prophylaxis), bring a letter from the doctor prescribing the medication stating that the medication is not being prescribed for seizure. Also, if you are experiencing side effects, the letter must state that the side effects would not interfere with driving a commercial motor vehicle.

Histories Requiring Limited Certification (one year or less):

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Heart Surgeries

Medications Requiring Limited Certification (one year or less):

  • Lithium
  • Byetta
  • Provigil
  • Warfarin (cardiovascular disease)
  • Antidepressants

Pristiq, Cymbalta, Effexor, Effexor XR, Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem, Paxil, Paxil CR, Zoloft

  • Antipsychotics

Abilify, Abilify Discmelt, Saphris, Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis, Seroquel, Seroquel XR, Risperdal, Risperdal M-Tabs, Geodon, Symbyax, Nardil, ESAM, Parnate

Note: The medications listed above require a safety letter from the driver’s Primary Medical Provider indicating the prescribed medication is tolerated and no side effects interfere with driving a commercial motor vehicle.

More questions, call ahead, communication is what makes everything run smoother.

By Michael Tigges DC, NRCME

SameDayDOT.com

Call 615-452-1575

OCCUPATIONAL RESOURCES ON THE WEB

Occupational Health Resources on the Web

For Occupational Health information, including state and federal regulations, take a look at some of the sites listed here:

1.   Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA): www.osha.gov

2.   Department of Transportation (DOT): www.dot.gov

3.   National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME): https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/Drivers.seam

4.   Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

5.   FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing information: http://www.dot.gov/odapc/part40

6.   Center for Disease Control (CDC): www.cdc.gov

7.   National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): www.cdc.gov/niosh

8.   Department of Public Health (DPH): www.state.ma.us/dph

By Dr. Michael Tigges

Crane operators can use a DOT physical certification to prove they are fit to work.

Crane operators can use a DOT physical certification to prove they are fit to work.

http://www.nccco.org/nccco/news-center/archived-press-releases/news/2016/09/28/nccco-clarifies-physical-requirements

Even though the NCCCO certification medical form was not mandatory by any federal and state organizations. It was adopted as the standard for certification for crane operators.

It now refers to the ASME B30 medical standard or defers to the DOT medical Certification

ASME B30.5-3.1.2 (a) in order to be certified by CIC.

1.   Vision of at least 20/30 Snellen in one eye and 20/50 in the other, with or without corrective lenses.

2.   Ability to distinguish colors, regardless of position, if color differentiation is required.

3.   Adequate hearing to meet operational demands, with or without a hearing aid.

4.   Sufficient strength, endurance, agility, coordination, and speed of reaction to meet crane operation demands.

5.   Normal depth perception, field of vision, reaction time, manual dexterity, coordination, and no tendencies to dizziness or similar undesirable characteristics.

6.   Negative results for a substance abuse test. (The level of testing determined by the standard practice for the industry where the crane is employed and confirmed by a recognized laboratory service.)

7.   No physical defects or emotional instability that could render a hazard to myself or others, or which, in the opinion of the examiner, could interfere with my performance operating the crane. If evidence of this nature is found, it may be sufficient cause for disqualification.

8.   Not subject to seizures or loss of physical control; such evidence shall be sufficient reason for disqualification. (Specialized medical tests may be required to determine these conditions.)

By Dr. Michael Tigges

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/crane-operators-can-use-dot-physical-certification-prove-tigges/?trackingId=qzTE0uEWtpa3%2B9IoC1KylA%3D%3D

1. Audiometric Hearing Tests – OSHA Compliant

On-Site Audiometric Testing, Professionally Trained Staff OSHA Compliant

Let Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing bring Audiometric Testing to your location(s) according to your schedule. We offer a professionally trained staff to provide all of the required audiometric testing and reporting for the following:

 Baseline and Annual Audiometric Testing
 Review and interpretation of each test
 Analysis, recommendations, summary report and notifications
 Meets OSHA regulations

Our screening services are federal standard compliant and clinically sound. Health tests are professionally reviewed by our physicians or consulting audiologists, as applicable, giving your employees reliable recommendations.

Our prices are competitive and our testing accurate and reproducible. Why go anywhere else?

Annual Audiograms at Your Facility

Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing will come to your facility with our state-of-the-art Microprocessor Audiometers. With no extra on-site setup fee, we can take care of your OSHA-required hearing-conservation training and test 8-10 people at a time every hour.

All tests are conducted using the top-of-the-line Microprocessor Audiometers. Our calibrated sound-level meter assures that ambient noise will not interfere with your hearing tests.

We can even do retests, make-up tests and work-related reviews if needed. We are happy to schedule any shifts you need tested, any time of day.

Audiometric Testing is required by OSHA & MSHA annually to all employees who are exposed to noise levels equal or greater than 85dBA.

Audiometric Testing

The fact is, most companies are noisy work environments. As an employer, you are required to assess your employees’ hearing annually and educate them in hearing conservation. Our team can help you safeguard your employees’ hearing and comply with all OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 regulations.

After setting up our audiometry unit on-site, we will obtain a medical and “noise” history from each employee. At the same time, at your discretion, we will instruct them in hearing conservation techniques as required by law. We will then inspect the ear canals and drums for abnormalities and/or wax obstruction – anything that might decrease their hearing – then perform the 10-minute test. Our audiometer is computer-controlled and exceeds all ANSI S3.6-1989 requirements. Upon completion of all testing, the data is reviewed, adjusted for age (as required), compared against baseline and finalized. All employees with a presumptive STS are identified and reports are returned to your designated representative, usually within 72 hours. Data is provided in PDF form for easy assimilation into your company’s files. In addition, we provide the required employee notification letters at no additional charge, relieving you of that regulatory burden.
audiometric 3
Because we are local, repeat testing for those with a presumptive STS can be done in our office at the employee’s convenience. We also understand that your employees’ time off the clock affects your bottom line, that’s why – unlike out-of-state companies who tell YOU when they can do your testing, Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing is flexible and can schedule according to your schedule. That means your third-shift employees can be tested on third shift, reducing employee disruption and lessening downtime.

Our service areas include: Tennessee

Our Traditional Industrial Audiometric Testing services include the following:

• On-site Audiometric Testing In-Plant Testing
• 6 – 10 Employees tested per hour
• Microprocessor audiometer Testing
• Employee database tracking capabilities
(name, social security number *, birth date, date of employment)
• Otoscopic (ear) examination on all employees
• Hearing and ear histories on all employees
• Immediate on-site notification letters for all employees, following hearing test procedure
• Brief industrial audiometric testing consultation, following Hearing test procedure
• In-Plant Testing (Passing OSHA noise level requirements)

If you would like to find out more about Audiometric Testing or become a client of Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing, please contact us using the link below or give us a call today.
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audiometric5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Local Doctor Certified in Whiplash Injury Biomechanics & Traumatology 3 Million Whiplash Injuries A Year from Vehicle Crash Gallatin, TN Tigges Chiropractic & Wellness, 2017

auto accident whiplash2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Local Doctor Certified in Whiplash Injury Biomechanics & Traumatology 3 Million Whiplash Injuries A Year from Vehicle Crash Gallatin, TN Tigges Chiropractic & Wellness, 2017 – Did you know that over three million whiplash injuries occur each year resulting from motor vehicle crashes? Of these whiplash injuries, 500,000 people will develop chronic pain, and up to 300,000 will have some degree of disability. Apart from the effect on health, there’s a significant cost to society. Approximately $43 billion of total annual HARM is attributable to whiplash and related injuries. (HARM is a metric for quantifying the total societal cost of road trauma.) Dr. Michael Tigges of Tigges Chiropractic & Wellness says consumers need to be educated about the issues surrounding whiplash – both concerning its treatment and, importantly, its prevention. In order to more effectively treat persons injured in motor vehicle crashes, Dr. Tigges is certified in Whiplash and Brain Injury Traumatology through the Spine Research Institute of San Diego (SRISD), a research center devoted to the investigation of motor vehicle crash injury. For the past 28 years, SRISD has focused research and education on the more common injuries sustained in everyday motor vehicle crashes, such as whiplash and mild traumatic brain injuries. As part of this intensive 48-hour training program, Dr. Tigges became familiar with the epidemiology of whiplash and brain injuries, the mechanical factors of motor vehicle crashes, and the wide range of physical injuries and clinical conditions that can occur. He learned how to conduct comprehensive physical examinations and all about the latest applications of cutting edge imaging technologies such as CT, MRI, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and others. Dr. Tigges learned how to provide patients with the most effective and comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation strategies to ensure optimal outcome potential. The program also included an intense discussion of forensic risk analysis which considers how the various known risk factors can increase a person’s chance for injury or long-term symptoms. “By understanding the unusual biomechanics of this form of trauma, diagnostic methods and treatment can be much more effectively administered in the clinical setting,” said Dr. Tigges. About the Spine Research Institute of San Diego The Spine Research Institute of San Diego (SRISD) provides research and education on spinal health and injury prevention, in particular, cervical spine injuries resulting from whiplash trauma. Since 1992, the Institute offers the only available multi-module training program for health care professionals on critical aspects of whiplash traumatology. Dr. Arthur C. Croft is director of SRISD and is considered a leading national authority on whiplash trauma. He is the author of Whiplash and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, published by SRISD Press, along with several other textbooks, chapters, and over 350 professional papers. For more information, visit http://www.srisd.com/ or call 1-619-423-5475.

srisd.com Whiplash and related whiplash injuries such as spinal injury, brain stem injury and associated disorders are the focus of Spine Research Institute of San Diego.

Contact Us

Tigges Chiropractic & Wellness [contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form] 529 Hartsville Pike Gallatin, TN 37066 (615) 452-1575

DOT Checklist Need to know what to bring to your DOT physical?

DOT Checklist

Need to know what to bring to your DOT physical?

To contact us directly to discuss what you need to bring to a DOT Physical, Click Here

All drivers

Drivers who have high blood pressure

 

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 diabetes

  • Your blood sugar should be controlled
  • Bring the most recent results of a lab test called a Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) and your blood sugar logs or other records related to your diabetes.
  • For info click here DOT MEDICAL GUIDELINES -DIABETES

Drivers who have nighttime sleep disturbance (sleep apnea) and use a CPAP machine

  • Bring a reading from your machine documenting your proper use of the machine; a letter from your sleep specialist may also be required
  • Bring at least 90 days of data, but data from the past year is best
  • Click here for more info on OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA): How To Know If You Have It

Drivers who have heart-related issues, (including the use of stent, valve replacement, pacemaker, open-heart surgery, cardiac bypass surgery, or heart attack)

  • At 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 also need to bring the results of a recent stress test, ECHO cardiogram, or other testing completed within the past 1-2 years
  • For more info on DOT REGULATIONS AFTER A HEART ATTACK click here

Drivers who have suffered a stroke, a brain tumor, 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 (includes narcotics, sleeping pills, anxiety medication, ADHD medication)

Drivers who are taking the blood thinner Coumadin (Warfarin)

  • Bring a recent INR (blood level and clearance) letter from your doctor

Does a DOT Physical Include a Drug Test ?

The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.

However, companies do often require a pre-employment drug test.

So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical.

Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service at Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol testing we are certified to provide drug & alcohol testing and participate in the required consortium utilizing Team CME services.

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 re-certification date. Each physical examination, just like each DOT applicant, is unique. AS always if you have questions or concerns call us at 615-452-1575 or email your questions to [email protected]

The 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.

Contact us with any questions you may have.

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you. Please use one of the various methods below and we’ll look forward to connecting with you soon!

Phone Number: 615-452-1575

Email Address: [email protected]

Our Location: 529 Hartsville Pike Gallatin, TN 37066

Right next to Sumner Regional Medical Center across from Perkins Drugstore. Parking for your big rig next door in the Food Lion parking lot.

By Dr. Michael Tigges         Dr. Michael Tigges

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Dr. Tigges knows how important it is that you continue your livelihood as a commercial driver. With his extensive knowledge of the DOT Physical Exam medical guidelines, Dr. Tigges will steer you through the DOT Physical Exam requirements so you can Keep on Truckin’.

Does a DOT Physical Include a Drug Test ?

Does a DOT Physical Include a Drug Test ?

Urine Sample

“Does a DOT physical include a drug test” is a recurring question asked by CMV drivers. Most CMV drivers are required to take a DOT physical exam every 2 years to maintain their DOT medical certificate and CDL. For many, the DOT physical is extremely stressful, since it can determine the fate of their careers.

Being prepared and knowing what to expect from your DOT physical can make all the difference.

For Drivers Wondering if a DOT Physical Includes a Drug Test, SameDayDOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing Offers Answers

What will my DOT physical evaluate?

The objective of a DOT physical is to evaluate whether or not a driver is healthy enough to operate a commercial motor vehicle. A driver with health issues like sleep apnea, diabetes, poor vision and high blood pressure could be hazardous if their medical conditions become unmanageable while driving. The job of a DOT physical is to keep unsafe CMV drivers off the road, making a safer road for everyone.

Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?

The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.

However, companies require a pre-employment drug test.

So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical.

Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service.

SameDayDOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing are qualified to perform CDL/DOT physicals in Tennessee, as well as BAT (Breath Alcohol Testing) and Drug Testing through a split urine collection (in compliance with the DOT employment drug test requirements).

What drugs will I be tested for?

The medical examiner will take urine samples that test for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine and amphetamines/methamphetamines.

What if I fail the drug test?

Failing any portion of the DOT physical exam could cause your DOT medical certificate to be denied. On top of that, if a driver tests positive for drugs, he/she could lose his CDL and be required to meet with a substance abuse professional.

What if I refuse to take the drug test?

According to the FMCSA website, refusing to take a drug test is generally treated the same as testing positive and could follow the same consequences.

SameDayDOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing offers the best healthcare for the best price and works with your schedule. SameDayDOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing knows that health needs are not always planned, which is why we welcome Walk In’s, Monday thru Friday. No appointment needed.

The content presented on this page is not intended to diagnose health problems or take the place of professional medical care.

Contact us with any questions you may have.

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you. Please use one of the various methods below and we’ll look forward to connecting with you soon!

Phone Number:
615-452-1575

Email Address:
[email protected]

Our Location:
529 Hartsville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066

Right next to Sumner Regional Medical Center across from Perkins Drugstore. Parking for your big rig next door in the Food Lion parking lot.

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

Medical Condition – Medical Release Opinion

One of the complications of getting your medical certificate is if you have a medical condition that may pose a risk to safety while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

How does this play into the FMCSA DOT physical exam?

The medical examiner has a responsibility to ensure that a commercial driver does not have any medical condition which could impact that driver’s ability to meet all the physical and mental demands of the job, now or for the period for which the medical card will be issued.

Here’s what the DOT doctor is checking for:
•Have you had a medical condition which poses a risk to safety?
•Do you have symptoms that may indicate an undiagnosed condition?
•Do you currently have a diagnosed condition?
•Is the condition being treated?
•Is the treatment effective, and safe, for you to drive a CMV?
•Is the medical condition stable, and safe, for you to drive a CMV?

If a medical condition is a concern, the medical examiner must evaluate whether the condition is a risk for incapacitation:
•Is the onset of incapacitation symptoms so rapid as to interfere with safe driving?
•Is the onset so gradual that you may be unaware of diminished capabilities?

Medical Release Opinion

To ensure that the medical examiner can complete the DOT physical exam at your appointment you should bring a Medical Release Opinion letter from your treating physician. You can download instructions and a letter template here, or refer your treating physician to this page for the necessary information.

Download Medical Release Opinion information here.

If you do not have the necessary documentation with you, for the DOT physical exam, the medical examiner may have to temporarily disqualify your medical certificate. You will need this documentation before you can be reconsidered for qualification for a medical certificate.

Medical Conditions

These are the medical conditions listed on the FMCSA long form for which you should have supporting documentation for the medical examiner:

Illness or injury within the last 5 years • Head/Brain injuries, disorders or illnesses • Seizures, epilepsy • Eye disorders or impaired vision (except corrective lenses) • Ear disorders, loss of hearing or balance • Heart disease or heart attack; other cardiovascular condition • Heart surgery (valve replacement/bypass, angioplasty, pacemaker • High blood pressure • Muscular disease • Shortness of breath • Lung disease, emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis • Kidney disease, dialysis • Liver disease • Digestive problems • Diabetes or elevated blood sugar controlled by diet or pills or insulin • Nervous or psychiatric disorders e.g. severe depression • Loss of, or altered consciousness • Fainting, dizziness • Sleep disorders, pauses in breathing while asleep, daytime sleepiness, loud snoring • Stroke or paralysis • Missing or impaired hand, arm, foot, leg, finger, toe • Spinal injury or disease • Chronic low back pain • Regular, frequent alcohol use • Narcotic or habit forming drug use

Role Of A Commercial Driver

It’s important that your primary care physician, who is treating you for the medical condition, also understands the physical, mental, and emotional demands of your job, as well as the responsibilities, work schedule and job stresses you have to deal with.

These are extraordinary factors that a family practice physician or specialist does not encounter when dealing with their general patients. These factors must be considered in the doctor’s Medical Opinion Release letter. See Driver’s Role – FMCSA 49 CFR 391.41 pg4

Qualification For Your Medical Certificate

The DOT doctor, aka certified medical examiner, has been certified for evaluating the special circumstances of a commercial driver.

The Medical Opinion Release letter from your primary care physician helps the DOT doctor to evaluate your medical condition in view of the safety risk in driving a commercial vehicle. However, the decision to qualify or disqualify you for a medical certificate rests with the DOT doctor, not your primary care physician.
DOT CERTIFIED AD1

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