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DOT Physicals
Primary Care & Urgent Care in Tacoma, WA
Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals are a common requirement for people who drive commercial vehicles, such as buses and semi-trucks, for a living. At Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center, the team of urgent care specialists offers DOT physicals to professional drivers of all ages. Whether you need to get certified for your first job or have been driving commercially for years, they can help. To make an appointment, call the office in Tacoma, Washington, today, or click the online booking feature.
DOT Physicals FAQ's
What are DOT physicals?
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a medical exam that ensures you’re healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle.
Anyone who drives a bus, semi-truck, or other commercial vehicle is required by law to undergo a DOT physical every two years, and in some cases, more frequently.
What happens during a DOT physical?
A DOT physical is similar to an annual physical examination in that it assesses your general health. During the exam, your Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center provider:
- Measures your height and weight
- Checks your pulse and blood pressure
- Examines your eyes and assesses your vision
- Examines your ears and assesses your hearing
- Listens to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Observes your walking pattern (gait)
- Tests your reflexes
Your provider may also order diagnostic testing, such as blood work and urinalysis.
Tell your provider if you wear glasses or contact lenses or use hearing aids. In addition, let them know if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or diabetes. These conditions won’t necessarily prevent you from driving commercially, but they may affect your medical certification or require additional evaluation.
What happens at the end of a DOT physical?
After your DOT physical, your Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center provider determines the next steps.
If you pass the exam and your provider has no concerns, they will complete the paperwork you need to submit to your employer.
If your provider identifies a medical condition that could interfere with your ability to drive safely, they may refer you to a specialist or order additional testing. In this type of situation, you may need to take medication or complete other steps before your provider can sign off on the necessary paperwork. Your provider will explain the next steps in detail and answer any questions you have.
Does a DOT physical require any special preparation?
To prepare for a DOT physical, gather all the necessary paperwork from your employer and fill out whatever you can in advance. The Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center team also recommends bringing your medical records, commercial driver’s license, and health insurance information to your appointment.
If it’s time for your next DOT physical, schedule an appointment at Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.