Workers whose jobs may impact the safety of the public aside from their own, such as commercial drivers are required to have a regular physical examination as part of their compliance with the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This DOT Physical should be undertaken every 2 years at a licensed and accredited facility to obtain a certification that the driver is of good health before he can be permitted to work.
Professional driving entails incredible physical demands due to the long and inconsistent hours spent on the road. If a driver doesn’t obtain his medical clearance, he could lose his job, receive a fine and have his vehicle impounded. It’s best to get a DOT physical in Hernando County to avoid these circumstances.
Benefits of a DOT Physical
Aside from compliance with the law and gaining clearance to proceed with work, there are also other benefits to getting a physical every 2 years. The National Institutes of Health advises that, regardless of a person’s job, all adults must have regular physical examinations to monitor their weight, body mass index, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure levels.
In Lifeguard Urgent Care, Spring Hill walk in clinic, when a doctor sees any health changes from previous healthcare records, he can address the health issues right away to prevent complications.
Undergoing screenings can help detect medical problems before the symptoms appear or the risks for the driver increases. Determining the risk factors, based on the driver’s family health history and test results, can make the driver more aware of his general condition. Thus, he can facilitate a few lifestyle changes to reduce these risk factors.
Basics of a DOT Physical in Hernando County
The DOT Physical itself does not take more than 30 minutes. The doctor may begin by assessing the patient’s current physical and mental health condition by asking questions and doing a physical exam.
The driver may also be needed to undergo the following tests:
- Urinalysis – to detect any signs of kidney infection, diabetes, and drug or alcohol use.
- Vision and hearing tests – to check for symptoms of macular degeneration, cataracts or glaucoma, as well as perforated eardrums and other hearing issues.
- ECG – to assess the condition of the heart, especially if the patient has had a history of heart problems.
- Blood tests – to determine cholesterol levels and other health risks.
If the patient has certain medical conditions, then the process can be more extensive as he will need to bring documents and devices to support the assessment. These include:
- Contact lenses/eyeglasses or hearing aids for the vision and hearing tests
- A dated letter from a specialist, if the driver has conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes or heart disease
- A list of current medications from the specialist
- Latest test results done as ascertained by the specialist, such as an echocardiogram, latest sleep tests data, blood sugar logs and blood tests results
- An overview from a doctor, if the driver has recovered from a physical injury
- A Skilled Performance Examination certification, for drivers with prosthetic devices
It is assumed that when the driver has seen a specialist for his special medical conditions, he has been assessed thoroughly. In some cases, the doctor might also recommend immunization updates.
Getting a DOT physical in Lifeguard Urgent Care Spring Hill walk in clinic
Remember, during a DOT physical in Hernando County, our doctors are focused on ensuring that the patients meet the minimum federal criteria. However, your employer could have more stringent requirements.
If you need to get your DOT physical hassle-free, come to Lifeguard Urgent Care. Located in Spring Hill, we accept walk-in patients without an appointment. Still have questions about the DOT physical, or want to be sure you’re prepared? Check out our FAQ or contact us at (352) 515-6000.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
