DOT Physicals Specialist
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Lake Immediate Care and Clinic
Primary Care Practice & Urgent Care located in Island Lake, IL
There are over four million miles of road in the United States, and the government does all it can to keep them safe. As part of this, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a physical exam for commercial drivers. At Lake Immediate Care and Clinic, Dr. Reginald Ebirim is a licensed medical examiner who provides DOT exams to his patients in Island Lake, Illinois. To get your DOT exam completed, call the office or schedule an appointment by using the online booking tool.
DOT Physicals
Why do I need a DOT physical?
A DOT exam is designed to safeguard the nation’s roadways by ensuring that whoever sits behind the wheel of a 5-ton (or more) truck is up to the rigors of the job. A large truck is unlike a car, and the US government requires a DOT exam to check that a commercial driver is physically qualified to:
- Gauge stopping time and distance
- Understand blind spots
- Control a large vehicle with limited maneuverability
Each of the nation’s 3.5 million truck drivers is required to undergo regular DOT exams every 24 months.
What does a DOT physical exam check for?
A DOT physical is much like a regular annual exam, with special emphasis on:
- Heart health
- Vision
- Hearing
- Neurological function
- Mental health
- Drug and alcohol use
During your DOT exam, Dr. Ebirim sits down with you to review your medical history, including any past surgeries, head injuries, and current medical conditions. There are a number of health issues that the doctor is on the lookout for, namely any condition that can impair your ability to drive a large vehicle. For example, any seizure disorder almost always automatically disqualifies you from obtaining clearance.
If you have a condition like diabetes, which can cause vision loss and seizures, you need to have special clearance from the medical examiner. In fact, there are special exemption forms for those who have diabetes or limb impairments, as you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re still able to handle the functions of the job.
How do I need to prepare for a DOT physical?
Dr. Ebirim is a licensed medical examiner, so he understands what forms need to be filled out, and he makes sure you understand this in advance and bring the right ones. You should also prepare by coming with:
- Any medications you’re taking
- Your corrective lenses, if you wear them
- A full bladder, as you’ll be asked for a urine sample
Before your exam, you should download the necessary forms and fill out the driver’s portions in advance, namely your medical history. Be sure to read the form carefully, and do not fill out any sections that are meant for Dr. Ebirim.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your DOT exam, call Lake Immediate Care and Clinic or use the online scheduling tool.