Saginaw & Keller (DOT) Department of Transportation Medical Examinations

Physical Examinations for DOT Employees

The Department of Transportation (DOT) exam is a comprehensive assessment administered by a medical professional to evaluate the current status of your medical history and ensure you are fit to travel and drive for your occupational needs. Our experts at Superior Urgent Care have certified medical examiners to accurately perform DOT physical exams. It is federally mandated that every commercial driver passes the DOT physical exam according to the Department of Transportation regulations.

Schedule a Keller or Saginaw DOT medical examination today by calling us at (817) 567-2926 or by contacting us online.

What Does the DOT Exam Cover?

It is mandated by the state for all commercial drivers to pass the DOT health examination to operate an automobile on the job. The primary goal of this exam is to determine whether or not you may be a potential driver who can safely perform your duties in full capacity. If you successfully pass the exam, please keep in mind you may need to take the test every 2 years, depending on the type of work you do and the requirements needed by your employer or government.

The DOT health examination will cover the following:

• General appearance
• Vision
• Hearing
• Heart (murmurs, extra sounds, pacemaker, etc.)
• Blood pressure or pulse rate
• Abdomen and viscera (enlarged liver, viscera, muscle weakness)
• Vascular (varicose veins, abnormal pulse)
• Spine, other musculoskeletal issues such as limited mobility and tenderness
• Balance and reflexes

What Do I Bring to a DOT Exam?

If you are a commercial driver needing a Department of Transportation certificate, contact our team at Superior Urgent Care today. Prior to your appointment, we ask that you please bring a complete list of any medication you are currently taking, including the number of dosages.

To save time and ensure all DOT examinations run as smoothly as possible, drivers with certain medical issues need to bring the appropriate documents or items. This may include:

• Eyeglasses, contacts, or hearing aids
• Drivers with diabetes should bring their most recent lab results from their Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) as well as blood sugar logs
• Drivers with heart conditions should bring a list from their doctor outlining any medical history and current medications, indicating they are safe to work

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pass my DOT physical if I have a managed health condition?

If your blood pressure is controlled through medication or your diabetes is managed without causing hypoglycemia, you can often be cleared for duty. However, the examiner may issue a medical examiner’s certificate for a shorter duration (such as six months or one year) instead of the standard two years to ensure regular monitoring of your condition.

Is there a weight limit for the DOT physical?

There is no specific weight limit or Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoff to pass a DOT exam. However, the medical examiner will check your overall health. A high BMI may lead the examiner to screen you for sleep apnea, as it is a common risk factor that can affect driving safety.

Do I need to report a recent surgery to the medical examiner?

Yes, you must disclose any recent surgeries. You should bring a release form from your surgeon or primary care physician stating that you have no functional limitations and are cleared to perform the "essential job functions" of a commercial driver, such as heavy lifting or prolonged sitting.

Contact our office at (817) 567-2926 to schedule a Saginaw or Keller DOT examination today or to learn more about our services offered.