DOT Exams services offered in Troy, MI
If you’re interested in working as a commercial vehicle driver, you need a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam. Fortunately, board-certified family medicine specialist Gheith Yousif, MD, and the team perform thorough DOT exams at Carecore Health Center in Troy, Michigan. The practice is currently running a promotion of $65 for DOT physicals and $55 for individuals paying in cash. To learn more about DOT exams, call Carecore Health Center or schedule an appointment online today.
DOT Exams Q & A
What are DOT exams?
DOT exams are comprehensive physicals that allow the Carecore Health Center team to identify potential health concerns that may impact your safety, or public safety, if you’re a commercial vehicle driver. Driving a commercial vehicle requires maintaining good overall health, vision, and hearing to keep you and those around you safe on the road.
What happens during DOT exams?
A DOT exam is similar to a regular physical, but with a few extra key steps, including:
Physical exam
During a physical exam, the team checks your visual appearance, takes your vitals (temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, etc.), and records your height and weight. Next, they review your medical history and ask questions regarding your health and any medications you’re taking.
Finally, they look inside your ears, nose, and throat, listen to your heart and lungs, and palpate your organs. The team may also test your muscle strength and reflexes.
Vision test
Commercial drivers must have a minimum of 20/40 acuity in each eye as well as decent peripheral vision.
Hearing test
The forced whisper test ensures that you can hear whispers from a medical examiner from at least five feet away.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a test that can help detect underlying health conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease.
Additional testing
If the team detects any abnormalities during your DOT exam, they may order additional testing, such as X-ray imaging or blood work.
How do I prepare for DOT exams?
Before your DOT exam, connect with your employer about any forms you need to bring to your visit.
In general, you need to print out a Medical Examination Report (MER) Form and MCSA-5875, which shows your health history and any findings from the DOT exam. Sometimes, you can fill out this form online. If you have diabetes, you may also need to fill out an Insulin-treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment, MCSA-5870.
Once you pass the DOT exam, you receive a certificate called the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876. Commercial drivers must renew this certificate once every two years, while individuals with underlying conditions may need to return for check-ups more frequently.
To learn more about DOT exams, call Carecore Health Center or schedule an appointment online today.
