DOT Exams

Certain jobs require a formal health evaluation as a condition of employment, including positions with the Department of Transportation. At Extended Care Medical, our team offers top-quality DOT exams to help you meet those requirements. If you need a DOT exam or another specialized health exam, call the office today to book a visit or use the easy online booking tool.

What is a DOT exam?

Workers who have “safety-sensitive” positions at the Department of Transportation (DOT) are required to get periodic health screenings to ensure they are physically capable of performing their job tasks. A DOT exam is a specific physical exam that follows guidelines laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

A DOT exam will share many elements of your routine health screenings. At the end of the process, you’ll receive several forms to document your results. Your exam will cover you for a period of two years, at which time you’ll need to come in for a new screening. 

If areas of concern arise during your exam, you may receive a medical certificate that covers a shorter period of time. While many people approach DOT exams as an obligation linked to their employment, these visits are also an opportunity to detect health issues in the early stages, where interventions can be most effective. 

What happens during a DOT exam?

Your DOT exam is similar to a comprehensive health screening. Some of the areas and systems that are evaluated include:

• Heart
• Lungs
• Vascular
• Spine
• Neurological
• Extremities
• Abdomen

Vision and hearing tests are important parts of the process. Urinalysis provides additional insight into how your body is functioning. 

Depending on your position, a drug screening may also be part of the process. Screening looks for signs of cannabis, THC, opioids, cocaine, PCP, and amphetamines. If screening detects these substances, you’ll have an opportunity to provide a medical explanation for why these substances were identified. 

How can I prepare for my DOT exam?

The best way to prepare for your exam is to compile information about your health history. Be prepared to share contact information for your medical team, as well as information about any medications you take and the conditions you’ve been treated for. 

If you’ve been treated for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, you’ll need additional documentation to show that you are healthy enough to perform your job duties. If you use assistive devices to correct your hearing or vision, be sure to bring those with you to your exam. 

Otherwise, there’s no need for any advance preparation. Your exam takes less than an hour, and you’ll be able to resume normal activities immediately afterward. 

If you have additional questions or concerns about a DOT exam, call the office to schedule a visit. Online booking is also available and is fast and easy.