Occupational Health Physicals Overview & What to Expect

DOT Physical Exam

You must meet the following requirements:

Medical history review

• A certified medical examiner (CME) will review your medical history. 

Physical examination

A CME will perform a hands-on exam that includes checking your: 

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse rate
• Vision, including a 20/40 vision test for each eye and a color test
• Hearing, including the ability to hear a forced whisper from at least 5 feet away
• Reflexes
• Gait
• Other systems, including your heart, lungs, chest, abdomen, back, spine, and nervous system 

Urinalysis

• A medical professional will analyze your urine to check for conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely (please note: this is separate from a DOT urine drug screen and is NOT sent to the lab for testing)

Medical examiner's certificate (MEC)

• If you meet all the requirements, you will receive an MEC, also known as a DOT medical card. 

A DOT physical is required to obtain or renew a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Passing the exam helps ensure that drivers meet the health and safety standards needed to prevent accidents and injuries.

DOT Medical Exam and Commercial Motor Vehicle Certification

About the Exam:

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination must be conducted by a licensed "medical examiner" listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry.  The term includes, but is not limited to, doctors of medicine (MD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), and doctors of chiropractic (DC).

A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months. The medical examiner may also issue a medical examiner's certificate for less than 24 months when it is desirable to monitor a condition, such as high blood pressure.

Recordkeeping:

If the medical examiner finds that the person he/she examined is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the medical examiner will furnish one copy of the results to the person who was examined and complete a Medical Examiner's Certificate.

DOT Physical form example

Non-DOT physical exam 

Typically includes a review of medical history, vital signs measurement (blood pressure, heart rate), a physical examination assessing overall health, vision and hearing tests, and may also include additional tests depending on the specific job requirements, such as musculoskeletal evaluations, drug screening, or lung function tests, all aimed at evaluating an employee's fitness for their job duties without the strict DOT regulations for commercial drivers. 

Key components of a non-DOT physical exam:

• Medical history review: A thorough review of past and present medical conditions, medications, and surgeries.
• Vital signs: Measuring blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
• Physical examination: Assessing general health including skin, lymph nodes, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system.
• Vision and hearing tests: Evaluating visual acuity and hearing ability based on job demands.
• Musculoskeletal assessment: Evaluating range of motion, strength, and flexibility depending on the physical requirements of the job. 

Factors influencing non-DOT physical exam specifics:

• Job demands: The specific physical requirements of the job will determine which tests are most relevant, like lifting capacity or manual dexterity.
• Company policy: Each company may have its own standards for non-DOT physicals, including additional tests or screening criteria.
• State regulations: Some states may have specific requirements for non-DOT physical exams.

Important points to remember about non-DOT physicals: 

Not regulated by DOT

• Unlike a DOT physical, a non-DOT physical is not subject to the same strict regulations set by the Department of Transportation. 

Can be customized:

• The content of a non-DOT physical can be tailored to the specific job requirements. 

May include drug testing:

• Depending on the company policy, a non-DOT physical may include a drug screening (please note: this is separate from a non-DOT urine drug screen and is NOT sent to the lab for testing)

non-DOT Physical form example

Physicals - What to expect

 A thorough physical examination usually lasts approximately 30-45 minutes. It measures important vital signs -- temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate -- and evaluates your body using observation, palpitation, percussion, and auscultation.

Please be sure to:


1. Bring a list of medications: Make a list of any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are currently taking and bring it to your appointment.

 2. If a follow up visit is required- return to the same clinic to complete the process. Do not go to another clinic. This will invalidate the previous request, and you will have to start over.


3. Get a good night’s sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before your exam to help ensure you are well-rested.


4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol for at least 24 hours before your exam, as these substances can affect your blood pressure and heart rate.

 5. Dress comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove and allows for a full range of motion.

 Here are some common tests and assessments you can expect:

1. Vision and hearing tests: The healthcare provider may perform vision and hearing tests to evaluate your eyesight and hearing acuity.

 2. Blood pressure and heart rate measurement: The healthcare provider will measure your blood pressure and heart rate to assess your cardiovascular health.

 3. Respiratory evaluation: The healthcare provider may evaluate your breathing and lung function to assess your respiratory health.

 4. Urine analysis: The healthcare provider may perform a urine analysis to evaluate your kidney function and detect any potential health issues.

 5. Physical examination: The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to evaluate your overall health, including your eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, and extremities.

 6. Additional tests: Depending on your medical history and current health status, the healthcare provider may order additional tests and evaluations to assess your fitness for work.