DOT Physical
Walk-In Clinic & Family Medicine in Knoxville, TN
Department of Transportation (DOT) exams are a regular part of your career path if you work in the transportation industry. These specialized exams are among the services available by nurse practitioner Rose Cunningham, FNP, of South Knox Family Care in Knoxville, Tennessee. Booking a DOT exam is as simple as a phone call or a few moments online, so don’t delay.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires DOT exams for all people who drive commercial vehicles. The exam aims to ensure that commercial drivers are healthy enough to safely operate large vehicles without posing a risk to others.
A DOT exam is required when you first apply for a commercial driving position, and once you begin working, you’ll need to come in every couple of years for a new exam to maintain your position. It’s important to understand that not all health providers are authorized to conduct DOT exams.
Many aspects of your DOT exams are similar to what happens during a routine physical exam. Expect a quick check of your vital signs, including your height, weight, temperature, and blood pressure. Additional areas of focus include:
Your exam also includes urine testing to check for excess sugar, protein, or blood. If you show signs of sleep apnea, additional testing is needed to check for that condition.
If everything goes well, your practitioner provides the documentation you need to prove you met the exam requirements. Your visit might also include an overview of ways you can improve your overall health or reduce your risk of chronic disease in the years to come.
It’s always disappointing to receive results you weren’t expecting, but it’s important to keep a poor exam result in perspective. Your DOT exams aims to ensure you are healthy and fit enough for your job duties.
If an area of concern arises, this allows you to take care of a health issue that might otherwise have caused serious harm. In many cases, people who initially “fail” their DOT physical can pass a subsequent exam once they take care of existing health issues.
When you’re ready to book your DOT exam, online scheduling is a fast and easy option. You’re also welcome to call the South Knox Family Care office to check appointment availability.