Category Archives: Tips

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.
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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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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

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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.

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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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Your Best Driver Failed a DOT Drug Test, Now What?

failed drug
What CDL Drivers & Employers Need to Know

For many employers it can be a stressful and confusing time when an employee tests positive on a DOT mandated drug or alcohol test.

Does the employer now have to “DO” anything?

Must the employee be fired? How long will the driver be out?

Can the driver be re-hired?

The key is to precisely follow the DOT regulations in order to handle the situation correctly and maintain regulatory compliance.

Once an employer has received a verified positive drug test result, the employer must immediately remove the employee from DOT covered safety sensitive functions. The employer should not wait for a written report from the Medical Review Officer or the results of a split specimen test (if one has been requested by the employee).

A verified positive DOT drug or alcohol test is a direct violation of the federal drug and alcohol testing regulations.

Employers who are required to comply with DOT regulations must provide an individual who has tested positive for drugs or alcohol on a pre-employment (including an applicant or new employee), random, reasonable suspicion or post-accident test with information about qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs). Employers are not required to pay for the employees evaluation or treatment; however they must provide a list of locally available DOT SAPs. Employers may provide the list of SAPs through a Third Party Administrator (TPA).

In order to be eligible to perform safety sensitive duties, the employee in violation must successfully complete the DOT Return to Duty Process. This process involves being evaluated by a DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), completing treatment and/or education as recommended by the SAP, and a follow-up evaluation by the SAP. The time it takes to complete the DOT SAP process varies and depends upon the level of treatment and education recommended for the employee, as well as the employee’s dedication to the process. The SAP is not an advocate for the employee or the employer. Rather the SAPs function is to protect the public’s interest in safety.

It is important to note that only a DOT qualified SAP may provide the required evaluation, recommendations and determination of successful compliance required to become eligible for consideration for a return to safety sensitive duty by an employer. In order to be qualified to act as a DOT SAP, the SAP is required by federal regulations to have specialized training, maintain specific professional credentials and undergo continuing education. They are also required to adhere to specific rules and regulations regarding facilities in which they recommend for treatment and education.

Once the employer has been notified by the DOT SAP in writing that an employee has successfully completed the recommendations, the employer may choose to return the employee to safety sensitive duty pending a negative return to duty test. The employer must also ensure that the employee is in follow-up testing as recommended by the SAP.

What if I fail or refuse a test?

You fail a drug or alcohol test by testing positive to a drug test, or registering a 0.04 or greater alcohol content. Either of these results requires you to be immediately removed from performing safety-sensitive functions (i.e., driving CMVs) until successful completion of the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional.

Your refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test is generally equivalent to testing positive to a drug or alcohol test. You must immediately be removed from performing safety-sensitive functions (i.e., driving CMVs) until successful completion of the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional. The DOT regulations outline refusals to test for drugs and alcohol. Some refusals are determined by medical review officers (49 CFR Part 40 Subpart G) and alcohol technicians (49 CFR Part 40 Subpart N). For others, the determination is the employer’s responsibility. Refusals to submit to a drug or alcohol test are defined in §382.107. The employee handbook available on the ODAPC Web site provides examples of conduct that the regulations define as refusing a test (49 CFR Part 40 Subpart I and Subpart N) and what happens if you test positive, refuse a test, or violate FMCSA regulations. It is, therefore, critical to understand the specific circumstances that define a refusal, which can be found in §40.191, §40.261 and §382.107.

DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Services, Evaluations and Drug Free Workplace Solutions Need a Drug and/or Alcohol Test? Call Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing.

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.map for DOT

About Us

Dr. Michael J. Tigges

Certified DOT Medical Examiner
Chiropractic Physician

Dr. Michael TiggesDr. Tigges is one of the first in TN to become a certified DOT Medical Examiner of the United States Federal Government. The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners requires all medical examiners performing physical examinations for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers to be trained and certified in FMCSA physical qualification standards.
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7 Delayed injury symptoms after a car crash

7 Delayed injury symptoms after a car crash
auto accident whiplash2
Everyone reacts differently to a crash. Some experience pain, headache or a mental fog, making it difficult to think or focus. Others might find their minds flooded by thoughts and concerns. Some have a rush of adrenaline and they don’t feel anything at all.

In addition to the mental disorientation, and emotional trauma, sometimes vehicle accidents cause physical damage that’s hard to notice due to the immediate distractions and flight and fight reflex that occurs. Even serious physical issues might not present any signs for several days.

The first six weeks after a whiplash injury are usually conservative in care. Chiropractic care and physical therapy may be part of the comprehensive healing program. Pain that continues past 6 weeks without continued improvement with conservative care is appropriate to seek the care of an interventional pain doctor and your chiropractor should have a network of doctors both orthopedic and neurosurgical that he or she works with along with the ability to refer for further testing with Credentialing that allows referral to the hospital for that testing.

For those who have been in an accident, here are some of the more common symptoms that can appear several days later.

1. Headaches

Headaches that develop several days after a vehicle accident are common. Sometimes they can signal a potentially serious problem, such as, a blood clot on the brain, injury to the neck or head or even a serious concussion.

2. Neck or shoulder pain or stiffness

Whiplash is the classic delayed symptom injury associated with accidents.

“Most cases of whiplash injury occur as the result of rear-end vehicle collisions at speeds of less than 14 miles per hour,”

Whiplash injuries can be serious and may require x-rays, CT scans or MRIs for proper diagnosis.

3. Back pain

Back pain that appears after an accident could be caused by injury to the muscles, ligaments or nerves in the back or even by damage to the vertebrae.

“Low back pain is found in more than half of rear impact-collisions in which injury was reported, and almost three-quarters of all side-impact crashes,” reports the Back & Neck Pain Center.

4. Abdominal pain or swelling

These signs could indicate internal bleeding. Other symptoms include large areas of deep purple bruising, dizziness and fainting. Internal bleeding can remain undiscovered for hours or days. It can be a life-threatening condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated by trained emergency medical personnel.

5. Numbness

Loss of feeling in arms and hands is another indication of whiplash injury (also called whiplash associated disorder). The loss of feeling results from damage to the neck or spinal column. Modernmedicine.com notes about 20 percent of people involved in rear-end vehicle accidents develop some symptoms of whiplash.

6. Changes in personality or physical function

These could signal traumatic brain injury resulting from a concussion. Signs include impaired thinking or memory, movement, problems with vision or hearing, or personality changes or depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports motor vehicle crashes are the third overall leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. Vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death from traumatic brain injuries.

7. PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is common after a vehicle accident. PTSD victims often have vivid and disturbing memories of the event and nightmares. Sometimes victims feel as if the accident is recurring or have flashbacks. Children are especially susceptible.

It’s a good idea for any person involved in an accident to seek immediate evaluation. If these or any other symptoms appear even several days after the accident, it is important to visit a doctor experienced in post car accident injuries symptoms to diagnose and treat potential lingering problems.
whiplash3 [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]

By Dr. Michael Tigges

Dr. Michael Tigges is the Owner and Chiropractic Physician of Tigges Chiropractic & Wellness clinic and has over 28 years of health care experience in private practice with advanced training through The Spine Research Institute of San Diego is committed to providing research and education in the area of spinal health and injury prevention. We are especially concerned about cervical spine injuries that result from whiplash trauma.

If You Take These Medications, You Might Not Get A CDL

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If You Take These Medications, You Might Not Get A CDL

If you suffer from anxiety, depression or other mental illnesses but take medication to treat the symptoms, you may be ineligible for a CDL or you may need a Medical Release Opinion letter.

Millions of Americans suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses or chemical imbalances. The symptoms of these illnesses can range from minor to severe and most are easily controlled with medication. The medications given for mental illnesses can help suffers live a normal, happy life.

According to the FMCSA, “individuals who live under chronic emotional upsets may have deeply ingrained maladaptive or erratic behavior patterns. Excessively antagonistic, instinctive, impulsive, openly aggressive, paranoid or severely depressed behavior greatly interfere with the driver’s ability to drive safely. Those individuals who are highly susceptible to frequent states of emotional instability (schizophrenia, affective psychoses, paranoia, anxiety or depressive neurosis) may warrant disqualification.

For more information follow this link: https://goo.gl/9t6ttF

“Careful consideration should be given to the side effects and interactions of medications in the overall qualification determination. See Psychiatric Conference Report for specific recommendations on the use of these medications and potential hazards for driving.”

A 2009 FMCSA Medical report states:

It is the opinion of the MEP that all individuals with a history of the following psychiatric disorders should undergo additional medical and psychiatric evaluation to further assess functional ability before being considered qualified to drive a CMV:
•Psychotic Disorders
•Bipolar Disorders
•Major Depressive Disorder with a history of psychosis, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation or a suicide attempt
•Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
•Antisocial Personality Disorder

The MEP believes that all individuals currently taking benzodiazepines or similar drugs which act on benzodiazepine receptors should be immediately prohibited from driving a CMV.

Individuals who take benzodiazepines for any length of time should not be allowed to drive until the drug has been cleared from their system (i.e., within seven half-lives of the drug and any active metabolites). Chronic users of benzodiazepines (i.e., regular use for more than a month) should also wait an additional week after the drug has cleared from their system before resuming driving to ensure that the drug has been completely eliminated. It is also suggested that FMCSA provide information regarding the half-life and seven half-lives of benzodiazepines and active metabolites to medical examiners for use at the time of examination.

Given the functional impairments and increased crash risk associated with benzodiazepine use, the MEP believes that:
•individuals currently taking benzodiazepines not be allowed to drive a CMV
•individuals who are taking benzodiazepines should stop taking them long enough ahead of driving for them to be cleared from their systems before being allowed to drive a CMV (it takes seven half lives for a drug to be completely eliminated from the body)
•chronic users of benzodiazepines should wait an additional week after the drug has been cleared from the body (i.e., seven half lives plus one week) before driving a CMV to ensure that it has been completely eliminated.

The MEP is of the opinion that all individuals currently taking lithium be excluded from driving a CMV at night.

What to do?

Give your Certified Medical Examiner all the information so he may contact and discuss with the prescribing doctor and if necessary get a ………………..

……………………………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

As always if you have questions drop me a message or a phone call and we will help you in any way we can:

By: Dr. Michael Tigges

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.

About Us

Dr. Michael J. TiggesDr. Michael Tigges

Certified DOT Medical Examiner
Chiropractic Physician

Certification:

Dr. Tigges is one of the first in TN to become a certified DOT Medical Examiner of the United States Federal Government. The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners requires all medical examiners performing physical examinations for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers to be trained and certified in FMCSA physical qualification standards.


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Where are you going this year with your HEALTH?

Where are you going this year with your HEALTH?       office-from-street

Get Your Screenings Chiropractic and Medical

Now it’s time to kick your year off by making a doctor’s and Chiropractic appointment to really understand and access your current health status. Getting a physical will test your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and numbers, blood sugar, vitamin deficiencies and will screen for other potential ailments. Find out what your number are and then do something about it-Diet-Exercise and the RIGHT supplements-don’t guess.medical-issues

Find a Workout You REALLY Like

Every January, the gym is packed with people hogging up the treadmills and elliptical and by February they are gone. Why? Sometimes folks get bored or they burn out. The key to working out consistently is finding workouts that you can’t get enough of. What’s my favorite workout? Rock climbing at Climb Nashville during the Winter, Slackline and wakeboarding during the Summer- If I can do it (almost 54 years of age) you can to. https://youtu.be/3pE00qEyibU  click here to see Slacklinehealth6

If you have a gym membership, explore the classes they offer. You might discover that you really like Spin, Hip-hop dance or CrossFit. If you don’t have a gym membership, you can find a variety of workouts on your cable’s On Demand, Hulu and/or online—or keep it old school and use DVDs. But whatever you do, just get to sweatin’ 3-5 days a week and don’t forget to add in days of strength training too!

Get More Zzzzs In and get more Water!!!!!!!!

Sleep is incredibly important. It’s our bodies’ way of healing and refueling. It also gives our brains time to process and strengthen our memories and is great for our mental health, productivity and mood.

To get in more Zzzz’s, try to not drink coffee six hours before bed, rest before bedtime to take down those stress levels, try not to watch television or internet surfing in bed, don’t eat super heavy meals and drink a lot of liquor before bed, don’t sleep with the television on and keep your bedroom nice and dark. If that’s not working try natural supplements but get expert advice about what to take and not. What you don’t know can hurt you.

Try Going With-out Eating Meat One Day (or More) A Week

health9

There is something to be said about eating less red and processed meats and incorporating more of a high fiber plant-based diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lentils and beans, nuts and healthy oils. Studies have found that a high fiber plant-based diet helps improve health, will help you lose weight, reduce your risk for certain cancers and can stabilize and even reverse chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Always start slow, one day a week. It might be hard, but you can get creative with it. Take the meat out of your chili, tacos and burritos and add in more chopped veggies. Or eat lentil and other low-sodium hearty soups with fiber filled salads.

Check out two of my recommended web sites to motivate and steer you’re the right way for Diet and Exercise.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/

https://youtu.be/3pE00qEyibU  click here to see Slackline

http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing Gallatin, TN

Same Day DOT Physicals
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Gallatin, TN

Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing
529 Hartsville Pike
Gallatin, TN
37066
Phone: 615-452-1575
Fax: 615-230-6041

Directions

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3211.7611205317266!2d-86.4369601846469!3d36.39077648003489!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8864300c3a6a5295%3A0xe9776969a4616c84!2s529+Hartsville+Pike%2C+Gallatin%2C+TN+37066%2C+USA!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sph!4v1481597926763&w=550&h=200]

Parking

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Parking for big rigs, buses and tractor trailers is available right next door at Food Lion Grocery Store.

615-452-1575

 

Same day appointments
Walk in’s welcome

Please call for appointments

Office Hours (Central Time)

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 5:00pm

Weekends
By Appointment

Having affordable and fast testing is crucial to keep drivers on the road and that’s what we strive to provide our clients.

We’d love to hear from you
Call Us Today at 615-452-1575
or email Dr. Mike at [email protected]

DOT Physical Doctor

Dr. Michael Tigges
National Registry #9693225035

Pass Your DOT Medical Exam!

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’.

DOT Medical Exam Services

  • DOT/CDL MEDICAL EXAM  ~  Our prices are the lowest in the area. $75.
  • Certified DOT Drug Testing
  • Certified DOT Breath Alcohol Testing
  • School Bus Driver Physicals
  • Pre-employment Physicals
  • DOT Random Drug Testing Programs

We will gladly answer any questions you may have prior to your exam.

We provide a friendly atmosphere that is stress free. Our office staff Virginia and Shelia will do whatever it takes to help you. We are a TeamCME Clinic! Nationally Recognized as a Provider of Fair, Ethical DOT Physical Exams!

No Waiting! We are committed to getting you back on the road in no time. Our goal is to perform a complete exam and have you on your way within an hour.

We print your certificate out right after you pass your physical – PLUS a Laminated Medical Card.

For more information see our Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing website.

We take care of your DOT Medical Card process and get it done right the first time at Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing!

 

Other Services

    • Digital X-ray on site
    • Chiropractic treatment
    • Physiotherapy
    • Rehabilitative exercises
    • Workers’ Comp and Personal Injury Auto Accident Whiplash Treatment
    • Physical Abilities Testing Certified
    • Nutrition

 

Local Business Information

Food Lion Market. Perkins Drugs. Sumner Regional Medical Center. Hardens. Sonic Drive In.