Bharat Bhise Shares Details About Everything You Should Know About DOT Physicals
Introduction
According to Bharat Bhise, people who drive commercial vehicles need to go through a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to ensure they are physically, emotionally, and mentally fit to drive commercial motor vehicles. This is a requirement of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of the public.
The Details
Here are a few details that you should know about DOT physicals:
1. When do you need DOT physical? – DOT physical is required to confirm whether you are medically qualified to handle the responsibilities of being a commercial driver. This means keeping up with the emotional stress, intense schedule, and physical demands of operating a commercial vehicle under all types of conditions.
Generally, it is required for drivers who operate motor vehicles that carry more than 15 people, transport hazardous materials with vehicles that display hazmat placards, operate motor vehicles with a gross weight rating of over 10,000 pounds, and more.
Additionally, you will need to have an annual DOT physical if you have heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure.
2. What is included in a DOT physical? – Your DOT physical will include a complete physical examination that tests your vision, hearing, blood pressure, height, nervous system, circulatory system, and other health indicators.
DOT physicals can be performed by licensed medical examiners listed in the FMCSA National Registry. They can include a physician assistant (PA), a medical doctor (MD), an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), and an osteopathic doctor (DO).
Additionally, you will have to provide detailed information about your health which includes any surgeries you’ve had, medications you take, health symptoms, or medical conditions you currently have. You also have to report the use of tobacco, alcohol, and any other substances.
You will have to undergo urinalysis and tests for drug testing purposes, blood sugar levels, and other health indicators.
3. What conditions can cause you to fail DOT physical? – Certain conditions can disqualify you from getting your DOT card, especially if they affect your vision or hearing and cannot be cured.
These include deafness, uncorrectable poor vision, epilepsy, poorly managed heart or lung disease, narcolepsy, and poorly managed diabetes mellitus. Additionally, you can be disqualified if you use illegal substances such as marijuana.
4. What do you need to bring to a DOT physical? – It is better to fill out the medical examination report form before the DOT physical since it can be less stressful. You need to bring your medical records, most recent laboratory results reports, any auditory or visual aids, and a list of all prescription medications you take (including the dosage and time) to your DOT physical.
Conclusion
Bharat Bhise suggests you avoid consuming foods such as salty snacks and sugary sweets that can negatively affect your blood pressure and blood glucose level to prepare for your DOT physical. Also, it is important to keep your medications up to date, manage your weight, and prevent the misuse of substances to improve your chances of getting a DOT card.
