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DOT Physical

DOT Physicals at NasonCare

What is a DOT Physical?

Who is Required to Receive a DOT Physical?

You must pass a DOT physical if you meet the following criteria:

  • You transport hazardous materials

  • You operate a vehicle that transports more than 15 people

  • You are paid to operate a vehicle that carries more than 8 people

  • You drive a vehicle with a gross combined weight of more than 10,000lbs

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What are Physicians Examining During DOT Physical Exams?

  • Abdomen
  • Back and spine (limitation of motion, tenderness, etc.)
  • Blood pressure
  • Circulatory system (arteries, veins, etc.)
  • Diabetes
  • Ears (scarring, perforated ear drums, etc.)
  • Eyes (cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.)
  • Extremities and joints
  • Gait
  • General appearance
  • Genitals and urinary system
  • Hearing
  • Heart (murmurs, extra sounds, pacemaker, etc.)
  • Height
  • Lungs and chest (abnormal breathing, impaired function, etc.)
  • Mouth and throat
  • Nervous system
  • Neurological processes (impaired equilibrium, coordination, reflexes, etc.)
  • Skin
  • Vascular (abnormal pulse, carotid, varicose veins, etc.)
  • Vision
  • Weight

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What to Expect During a DOT Physical

Before Your DOT Physical

Bring the following with you:

  • Medical records (if your DOT physical is being performed by a new doctor)
  • Medical records from specialists
  • Most recent laboratory reports (if you have diabetes or a similar condition)
  • Glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if you need them to drive
  • List of your prescription medications, including dosing details

During Your DOT Physical

You can expect your medical professional to do the following:

  • Discuss your medical history and any present concerns
  • Record your height and weight
  • Check vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, etc.)
  • Conduct vision and hearing assessments
  • Perform a general physical exam

After Your DOT Physical

To pass the exam, you must meet these requirements:

  • Vision test: Need to have 20/40 vision in each eye with or without glasses, a field of vision of 70 degrees or more in each eye, be able to distinguish between red, green, and yellow
  • Hearing test: Must be able to hear a “harsh whisper” in your best eat at no less than five feet, with or without a hearing aid
  • Blood pressure: Must be 140/90 or below

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DOT Physical Near Me

No Insurance Required | No Referral Required

What Elements Can Impact Your DOT Physical?

The following medical conditions may affect the results of your DOT physical:

  • Cardiovascular disease or heart concerns
  • Diabetes
  • Drug or substance abuse / addiction
  • Epilepsy
  • High blood pressure
  • Missing appendage
  • Nervous system conditions
  • Poor eyesight not treatable by corrective lenses
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Respiratory disease

Keep in mind that failing your DOT exam does not mean you cannot pursue a career as a truck driver. Discuss your condition with your medical professional to learn more about potential treatment. Once your condition has been corrected or improved, feel free to retake the DOT physical exam. Plus, the FMCSA provides exemptions for certain conditions.

Why Commercial Truck Drivers Need a DOT Physical?

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Why Choose Nasoncare as your Healthcare Center?

Less Time in the Waiting Room

Our medical staff understands that efficiency matters, especially when you’re not feeling your best. That’s why our team works hard to get you in an exam room in a hurry!

More Time with your Doctor

Focused on providing thorough, customized care to Lowcountry workers, our North Charleston medical center believes you’re more than a medical chart – and that you deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Accessible

NasonCare is open daily Monday – Friday from 8 am-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am -5 pm, with our fully staffed medical team here to help when you need us. Plus, we’re conveniently located next to Northwoods Mall in North Charleston, SC!

Convenient

No appointment is necessary, so feel free to simply walk in! Or if you are on a tight schedule, you can pre-register online to expedite the check-in process.

Affordable

We accept most major insurances. We also welcome uninsured patients daily. Payment plans are available. *

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DOT Physical FAQs

Can I get a DOT physical for free?

Most companies will pay for their commercial drivers’ DOT physicals. If you are unsure about your company’s policy or are starting with a new company, ask them if they will cover your physical.

What factors cause you to fail a DOT physical?

Because they impact a truck driver’s ability to safely perform their job, the following conditions may result in a failed DOT physical:

  • Extremely high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High blood sugar
  • Uncorrected vision problems
  • Uncorrected hearing concerns
  • Untreated hernia

Do DOT physicals require a drug test?

DOT physicals do not include drug testing. While you will likely provide a urine sample, this is used to check the levels of glucose (blood sugar) and protein. Many employers do require a drug test, but this is not a standard part of your DOT exam.

Where can I get A DOT physical near me in Charleston?

Stop by NasonCare for your DOT physical today! There’s no referral or appointment needed, so feel free to stop by! We’re right here in North Charleston, SC, conveniently located next to Northwoods Mall.

How much is a DOT physical at NasonCare?

Pre-existing conditions and other lifestyle factors may impact the cost of your visit. On average, NasonCare patients pay just $125 out of pocket for a sick visit, x-ray, or minor injury treatment – so you can count on our medical professionals to provide incredible care that won’t break the bank! Also, keep in mind that many employers cover the cost of their commercial drivers’ DOT physicals. For exact pricing, contact NasonCare today.

Does a pacemaker disqualify you for a DOT physical?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a pacemaker does not disqualify you from becoming a commercial driver. An implanted defib, however, is a disqualifying condition.

How often does a truck driver have to take a DOT physical?

Truck drivers must pass a DOT physical every 24 months to maintain their commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Can I get a second opinion after a DOT physical?

Yes, you may get a second opinion if you failed your first DOT physical. Be sure to provide the new medical professional with your full medical history, and remember that “doctor shopping” until you find a physician who will pass you is illegal.

Also, keep in mind that the FMCSA will be able to see how many DOT physicals were performed and how many doctors were seen. As long as you stopped after getting a second opinion and the medical details provided by each doctor matches, the results of your DOT physical are considered valid.

Do DOT physicals test you for drugs?

No, your DOT physical does not include a drug screening.