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DOT Physicals

Family Medicine & Primary Care Center located in Robbins, NC

DOT Physicals services offered in Robbins, NC

If you operate a commercial vehicle, you’ll likely need a DOT physical. At North Moore Family Practice, Vonda Reives, FNP-C, and Kristin Hockersmith, FNP, are certified DOT medical examiners. They provide the community of Robbins, North Carolina, with this exceptional service to ensure the health and safety of those operating large vehicles and the community around them. To schedule a DOT physical, call the office in Robbins today or book an appointment on the website.

Who needs a DOT physical?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is necessary if you drive a commercial vehicle. The purpose of the exam is to make sure you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally stable enough to drive large vehicles.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the governing body that requires DOT physicals for commercial drivers. You’re required to have a DOT physical if you:

  • Are a paid driver of a vehicle carrying more than eight people
  • Drive any vehicle that can carry 15 people or more
  • Are driving a hazardous material vehicle that has a placard
  • Drive a vehicle on an interstate that weighs more than 10,000 pounds

The goal of the exam is to ensure the safety of the driver and the public as a form of preventive care. You’ll need to complete a DOT physical once every 24 months.

What’s involved in a DOT physical?

The DOT physical exam is very detailed and involves both a hands-on exam and a review of your medical history. Every area of your body is examined to assess for any issues. Other tests performed at your DOT physical include:

  • Height 
  • Weight
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Blood pressure
  • Your gait

You’ll be asked if you take any medications, recently had surgery, or if you’re experiencing any other health issues. The team also asks you about substance abuse, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

You’ll be evaluated for any current symptoms or problems that you’re currently experiencing. That gives the team a good idea of your overall health and physical wellness.

How do you prepare for your DOT physical?

The best thing you can do before your DOT physical is to get all of your paperwork and medical information together. That means collecting your medical information pertinent to your health. Preparation tips include: 

  • Bringing a list of your current medications
  • Having your glasses or hearing aids available
  • Bringing your medical records with you
  • Recording your recent blood sugar readings
  • Bringing a letter from your cardiologist if you have heart problems
  • A CPAP machine record if you have sleep apnea

The most important thing is to be honest with the team about any issues, mentally or physically, that you’re experiencing. Not only is your health a priority, but the health of those in the community where you’re driving as well.

When you’re driving a large vehicle, preventive care is essential to your overall health. It’s also important to every other driver that shares the road with you.

To book a DOT physical with one of the providers, call the office in Robbins, North Carolina, today, or schedule an appointment on the website.