5 Things You Didn’t Know About DOT Physicals

 

5 Things You Didn’t Know About DOT Physicals

The DOT physicals are special physical/medical exams required by the Department of Transportation. The exams are a must for those wishing to obtain or maintain a commercial driving license (this includes truck and bus drivers).

Even if you’ve already been advised to take one, you might not know exactly what to expect. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about the DOT exam and how they affect you.

Tip #1: A drug test is NOT part of the DOT Physical unless ordered by the employer or required due to past failed drug tests.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/does-dot-physical-include-drug-test-dr-michael-tigges/

Tip #2: The urine test for your DOT Physical is not for Drugs

The urine test performed during a DOT physical test checks for the presence of protein or sugar in your urine. These are important because they could indicate elevated glucose, an early sign of diabetes. They can also show whether you’re having other underlying medical issues, such as kidney problems.

Tip #3: The typical DOT card is valid for two years

However, this only applies if you clear the test properly and you have no medical conditions that could impact your driving performance. For example, being on prescription medications for high-blood pressure or diabetes triggers a restriction on your DOT card. As a result, you might be given a one-year card only and will have to come back after that to repeat the test.

There are also 3-month DOT cards available. These are considered temporary cards and are given to allow you time to get a specific condition under control. For example, if your blood sugar is too high, you might be given a 3-month card so you can see your provider and figure out what medications you need to take to control your blood sugar.

Tip #4: There are specific guidelines regarding blood pressure measurements

You won’t be disqualified from getting your DOT card if you have high blood pressure, but you will be required to keep it under control with medical treatment.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) state that:

  • Drivers with less than 140 systolic and 90 diastolic can receive a two-year card
  • Drivers with a systolic measurement of up to 159 or a diastolic measurement of up to 99 can receive a one-year card
  • Measurements over 160/100 will receive a three-month card so you can go back to your provider for antihypertensive drug therapy. After the three months, if the blood pressure readings have gone down, you can receive a one-year card and will be reassessed annually after that.

Tip #5: Some conditions might disqualify you from passing the DOT exam

Aside from uncontrolled diabetes and blood pressure, you might be disqualified from getting a DOT card if you suffer from poor visual acuity, certain mental disorders, epilepsy and advanced heart disease.

Call ahead , ask questions and be prepared.

By: Dr. Michael Tigges

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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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

Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing Urgent Care in Gallatin, TN

Urgent Care in Gallatin, TN   Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing  

office-from-street

 

Hours of operation

  • Monday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
  •  
Open Monday-Friday 7:00AM-5:00PM CALL 615-452-1575 WALK IN’S WELCOME

About Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing

Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing is an urgent care center in Gallatin, TN located at 529 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066. They are open 7 days a week seeing walk-in patients in Gallatin. Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing appears to be individually owned and operated and not part of a larger network of urgent care clinics. There are, however, 2 walk-in clinics within 20 miles of Gallatin in cities including Hendersonville and White House. Additionally, they have partnered with both https://goo.gl/SgEYir and Tigges Chiropractic & Wellness to better serve the patients in the Gallatin area.

As an urgent care center, Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing provides non-emergent medical care most typically referred to as urgent care services. This category of medicine includes the treatment of allergies, asthma, broken bones and sprains, burns, cold and flu symptoms, ear, sinus and respiratory infections, insect and animal bites, stomach viruses, skin rashes and most other non-life threatening injuries, illnesses and conditions. Additionally common health assessments are typical service offerings including annual and school physicals and STD tests. While this urgent care does offer assistance with immediate health care needs, if you are suffering from a true medical emergency, go to the emergency room in Gallatin, TN or call 911 immediately.  less

Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing is an urgent care center in Gallatin, TN located at 529 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066. They are open 7 days a week seeing walk-in patients in Gallatin. Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing appears to be individually owned and operated and not part of a larger network of urgent care clinics. There are, however, 2 walk-in clinics within 20 miles of Gallatin in cities including Hend… more

Accepted Insurances

  • Aetna
  • Americhoice
  • Beech Street
  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Choice Care Network
  • First Health Network
  • Humana
  • Multiplan PHCS
  • TRICARE
  • United Healthcare
  • USA Managed Care Organization
  • Workers’ Compensation

Partners

Tigges Chiropractic & Wellness and https://goo.gl/SgEYir

Common Illnesses

  • Sprains
  • Adult Illnesses
  • Arthritis
  • Headaches – migraine and tension
  • Common Injuries
  • Auto accidents – whiplash
  • Back pain or strains
  • Knee, shoulder, ankle sprains
  • Diagnostics
  • Arthritis panel
  • X-ray
  • Screenings
  • Blood pressure
  • Diabetes / blood sugar
  • Drugs of abuse
  • Urinalysis
  • Exams
  • Annual physical exams
  • DOT (Department of Transportation) medical certification exams
  • Employer drug testing
  • Employer pre-employment
  • Insurance physicals
  • Routine physical exams
  • School and sports exams
  • Disease Management
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Occupational Health
  • 5, 7, 8 or 10 Panel Drug Screen (FDFW and Non-DOT)
  • 7 Panel Drug Screen (DOT)
  • Annual Exams
  • Breath Alcohol (DOT and Non DOT)
  • DOT/DOE for commercial drivers
  • Employer on-site services testing
  • Fit for duty exams
  • Pre-employmen

    • https://samedaydot.com/tennessee-dot-physical/

      Contact Us: https://samedaydot.com/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

      Dr. Michael J. Tigges Dr. 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  less

      Contact Us: https://samedaydot.com/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 Loc… more

Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing Walk In’s Welcome

  • Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol Testing Gallatin, TN

    What Drivers Are Saying

    “Great place to go to! Very nice and welcoming from the moment you walk into the door. I would highly recommend everyone to go to Dr Tigges for any medical needs. The lady in the office is extremely nice as well.”
    Justin M

    “Very short wait time. Super friendly staff. I always get stressed when I get a physical for work, which causes blood pressure issues. The staff kept me calm and got me through it just fine. The doctor had great information to offer that will help me in the future.”
    Robert D

    “Great experience! Friendly professional staff. I will definitely be using them again and I highly recommend them!”
    Damar N

    “Very good group of people. I was a walk in. Only wait time I had was me filling out papers. Staff was excellent, made me feel like I was family. Tigges did a great job of explaining things I didn’t know and he didn’t miss a thing in the exam. I would recommend him to anyone. I am even going to send my wife there for chiropractic care. I will return for my next DOT physical.again!”
    Dwight C

    “From the moment I walked in until my physical was completed the staff & Dr. Tigges was extremely nice, professional, & very welcoming. It made me feel alot more at ease for the DOT physical. I also did not have to wait long at all. I would highly recommend Dr. Tigges to anyone that needs a DOT!! Best in this area!!”
    Toya G

    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

    Tennessee DOT Physical Drug & Alcohol Testing
    Dr. Tigges is a 2014 FMCSA National Registry Certified Medical Examiner, and is 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). Appointments are preferred, and are available 6 days a week.

    TeamCME Member
    TeamCME offers DOT Physicals throughout the nation. Dr. Tigges is a TEAMCME member and is regularly updated with industry training.

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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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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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