Everything You Need To Know About a DOT Physical Exam

What is a DOT physical exam? Is it anything like the STRIPE physical exam or the PLAID physical exam? Uh, no. DOT stands for the Department Of Transportation and whether you realize it or not, drivers of certain vehicles, whether they’re buses or heavy trucks, need to receive a special license. Each and every vehicle comes with its own set of specific responsibilities and the Powers That Be have deemed buses and heavy trucks (and one or two other things) need a special license to lawfully drive. So be it.

                          

If you are in the market for a special DOT license, than you probably have a ton of questions. How much does it cost? What will they test for during the physical exam? Does it hurt? Etc. This article attempts to answer all these questions for you in a brief, detailed and light-hearted way.

First let’s talk about the cost. In today’s economy this is on the forefront of everyone’s mind so it should be addressed first and foremost. Is a DOT physical exam covered by your existing medical insurance? The answer is a resounding…yes! Do not fret if you are already covered. If you are not currently covered by medical insurance, chances are that this job that demands the physical examination will provide it for you, so the cost should be of minor concern. Thankfully, however, the cost is affordable. No one’s gouging when it comes to the DOT physical exam.

Next, let’s discuss who it is that actually needs to undergo the painless procedure of a DOT physical exam. If you are trying to receive a driver’s license for the following vehicles you will need to receive the exam:

·       A license for a vehicle that is used for commercial (business) purposes and that has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (or combined weight rating) of over ten thousand pounds—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam.

·       A license for a bus or bus-like vehicle that carries more than sixteen passengers (including the driver)—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam.

·       A license for a vehicle that is used for the removal or the transport of any and all hazardous materials—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam. This does NOT include a McDonalds delivery truck, regardless of what you may think personally.

Finally, let’s take a look at the physical exam itself. What can you expect to experience while undergoing a DOT physical exam done by an internist? The following list contains all relevant information:

·       General health information and a history of past ailments and major health issues. This is followed by a test of your vital signs (pulse, respiratory system, blood pressure, etc.).

·       If you wear glasses for vision correction please bring your glasses with you. You will be given a visual exam. This test will include color.

·       A hearing test will also be administered to you during a DOT physical exam.

·       You will be tested for diabetes via a urine test.

This test is painless and very accurate, and after you pass it your license can be issued.  Good luck… and hit the road, Jack!

If you currently live in the NYC area and need to undergo or get DOT physical exam NYC (or any other physical exam), please log onto Doctor NYC for more information on this board-certified exam clinic. Located just blocks from Grand Central Station, this center is a breeze to get to from anywhere in the five boroughs (and upstate, too!). Please call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment. Be aware that late night and weekend appointments are available for your convenience.

Making our roads safer with mandatory CDL Physical Exams for drivers

This past March when a World Wide Tours bus crashed into a metal sign pole, ripping through the bus and killing 15 of its passengers, New York City commuters felt wary for a time about getting into commercial vehicles.  Any false sense of security felt when boarding a bus or taxi was shattered as we were hit with the reality that just because a driver is a professional does not make him or her any less susceptible to human error.The final verdict on the sobriety and health of the tour bus driver at the time of the accident has yet to be concluded, but one thing is certain: with nearly 40,000 people dying every year in this country from car collisions the pressures on commercial drivers to work safely and responsibly is intense. Even when the cargo isn’t human, a mishap for a 16-wheeler carrying a couple tons of lumber on a highway or freeway endangers everything and everyone around it.For these reasons most states require that each driver undergoes a thorough Physical Examination at least every two years to ensure they are healthy and able enough to control a moving vehicle.
Although it’s highly recommended that all drivers should undergo this physical not everyone is required to get a driver’s physical before getting behind the wheel. A mandatory exam is dependent on the type of vehicle being driven, which includes but not limited to:
 a.       Commercial vehicles that transfer goods exceeding 10,000 pounds, including vehicle weight,
b.       Vehicles that transfer hazardous substances and materials.
c.       Vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers.
IF your vehicle meets any of the above criteria then physicals are required from drivers who carry these heavy burdens. In a lot of ways large trucks and buses are like tanks, so it is in the best interest of not only other drivers on the road but the drivers themselves to be 100 percent capable of controlling them.CDL exams looks over the driver’s personal and family health history to check for any possible health complications. 
The physical standardly gives the patient a drug test, vision test and hearing test to confirm the driver will be able to hear and see warning signs well while on the road or if these senses have deteriorated since the last exam. It also typically checks for diabetes and gives an ECG heart test for people who have a history of heart problems. Drug tests are not always mandatory, but definitely not uncommon.Doctor’s must fill out and sign a form for driver’s to return to their employer for clearance. Some companies may provide if you need a CDL Physical Exam NYC and are looking for an affordable doctor, go to this Physical Exam Center located in Midtown Manhattan. They take most insurance providers, and offer a reasonable flat $150 fee to those without health insurance. 
It is also incredibly easy to get to, with its office just blocks away from the Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal subway stations. You can get there quickly from almost anywhere in the city.You can make your appointment online by visiting their website at Urgent care NYC  by calling their office at 212.696.5900. Come in today and hit the road tomorrow.