Kirby Medical Center DOT Certification
Monticello DOT Physicals
On May 12, 2014 a new mandate went into effect stipulating that DOT physicals
can only be performed by Certified Medical Examiners. A DOT physical is
a Department of Transportation physical often required for commercial
drivers. Bus and truck drivers almost always need regular DOT physicals
in order to continue their employment.
Certified Medical Examiners (CME) do not perform treatments. Their role
during these physicals is only to evaluate your physical fitness and ability
to do your job. DOT physicals are stricter than they were in the past.
Be prepared to undress and answer a series of questions relevant to your position.
Why do I Need a DOT Physical?
You cannot obtain a CDL certificate (commercial driver’s license)
without first passing a DOT physical. Given the risk you take when transporting
people or hazardous materials over long distances, employers cannot afford
to hire individuals who are not physically capable of handling the various
challenges that come with long distance driving.
Preparing for the Physical
At Kirby Medical Center, we adhere to the Department of Transportation’s
guidelines in the Medical Examiner’s handbook for passing DOT physicals.
Before the test, you must disclose any history you have had with heart
problems, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, brain injuries,
and ADD/ADHD.
The Pre-exam checklist:
- Bring glasses to your exam if you have impaired vision, even if you usually
wear contacts.
- Bring hearing aids and backup batteries if you wear them.
- If you have had a heart attack, stent implant, angioplasty, or angina operation
you must have a cardiology consult before the CDL exam. Call our office
for help with this consult.
- If you have had a stroke, seizure, traumatic brain injury, or TIA you must
have a neurology consult before the CDL exam. Contact us with help.
- Diabetes patients must bring a letter from their regular doctor before
the CDL exam. You must also bring all diabetes medications and a blood
sugar log from the past month. Call us for assistance preparing your diabetes
information.
- If you have adult ADHD or ADD and receive treatment, we must have a consult
from your treating PCP or mental health provider before the exam.
- If you suffer from depression or mental illness, we must have a consult
with your treating PCP or mental health provider before the exam.
- If you have a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, we must consult with
your PCP or treating sleep specialist before the exam. If you have a CPAP
machine, we need to see usage statistics over the last month
- If you take medication, bring it with you. For medications that require
level monitoring, such as Coumadin or warfarin, bring a copy of your most
recent lab results.
- If you have a pacemaker, you must bring documentation of your annual pacemaker check.
More information may be required depending on your current health condition.
Call us at (217) 762-2115 if you have any questions. Kirby Medical Center
provides DOT physicals in Monticello and the surrounding areas.