If you’re in the transportation industry, you need to have your health monitored by the Department of Transportation to maintain your commercial driver's license (CDL). When you’re driving, the Federal government needs to know that you’re physically able to safely operate your vehicle. Ringer Chiropractic is here to help you with your questions about your DOT exam in Tracy, CA.
What is a DOT Exam?
Formally, it’s a “Department of Transportation Medical Examination.” Doctors and drivers normally shorten it to “DOT physicals” or “DOT exams.” They’re a series of physical exams that you’ll take to demonstrate that you’re physically fit to spend hours in your cab on the road.
What Does the DOT Exam Measure?
When you take your DOT exam, you can expect to undergo a variety of physical measures to assess your physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being for long periods on the road.
The tests include, but may not be limited to:
- Blood pressure
- Pulse
- Hearing
- Blood sugar
- Your Schedule 1 drug test
- Vision testing
- Stress testing for cardiovascular conditions.
How Should I Prepare for My Exams?
On the day of your exam, bring all the assistive devices you would have with you in your truck. Make sure to take all your medications on the schedule you would normally – for example, if you take Adderall for ADHD and HCTZ for blood pressure, take them at the time you normally would in the morning to ensure a valid baseline for your test. Wear your eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you have developed diabetes that must be managed with insulin injections, you may not hold a CDL.
How Often Do You Need to Schedule Your DOT Exam?
After you’ve passed your DOT exam, you don’t need to schedule another one for 24 months. Certified medical examiners can perform the DOT physicals. At Ringer Chiropractic, Dr. Donald P. Ringer is now a certified medical examiner for the Department of Transportation for California drivers. Once you reach our offices, we will help you schedule your exam and can even assist you in getting an appointment on the same day you’re scheduling your exam.
Contact Ringer Chiropractic in Tracy, CA
Dr. Ringer is a skilled healthcare partner for comprehensive injury and pain management for professional drivers. We help our commercial driving clients manage their health so they can stay on the road, managing sciatica, performing physical therapy, treating whiplash and foot pain. We’re here for all your health needs whether you’re on the road every day or have any other everyday fitness needs. Ringer Chiropractic is available five days a week to help you. Call us at (209) 835-2225 to schedule your DOT exam today.
