A DOT physical is a comprehensive medical examination required by the Department of Transportation for commercial drivers. Dr. Clark, a certified medical examiner in Long Beach, performs these examinations to ensure drivers meet federal safety standards. The examination evaluates your overall health status to determine if you can safely perform the duties required of commercial driving.
Commercial drivers who operate vehicles requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must undergo regular DOT physicals. This includes drivers of semi-trucks, buses, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, and other commercial vehicles. The examination is also required for anyone operating a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers or weighing over 10,000 pounds.
Dr. Clark conducts a thorough examination that covers all DOT requirements. The assessment includes vision and hearing tests, blood pressure measurement, urinalysis, and a comprehensive physical examination. He also reviews your medical history, including any existing conditions, medications, and previous surgeries. The examination ensures you meet all federal safety standards for commercial driving.
A DOT physical certificate is typically valid for 24 months. However, if you have certain medical conditions that require monitoring, Dr. Clark may issue a certificate for a shorter period, such as 3, 6, or 12 months. This allows for more frequent monitoring of your health status to ensure continued safety on the road.
To ensure a smooth examination process, bring a complete list of your medications, including dosages and prescribing doctor information. If you have any existing medical conditions, bring documentation from your treating physicians. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your glasses or contact lenses if you use them. Having a complete medical history readily available will help expedite the process.
Several medical conditions require careful evaluation during a DOT physical, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and vision or hearing problems. While having these conditions doesn't automatically disqualify you, Dr. Clark will need to ensure they're properly controlled and don't affect your ability to drive safely.
Federal regulations require commercial drivers to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. You must also have adequate peripheral vision and the ability to distinguish colors. Dr. Clark performs comprehensive vision testing as part of the DOT physical to ensure you meet these requirements.
Blood pressure management is crucial for DOT certification. Dr. Clark carefully evaluates your blood pressure according to federal guidelines. If your readings are elevated, he can provide guidance on management strategies and may recommend follow-up care. He works with drivers to ensure their blood pressure meets the required standards for certification.
Dr. Clark understands the importance of maintaining your commercial driving career while managing medical conditions. He works with drivers who have conditions requiring monitoring by issuing shorter-term certificates when appropriate and providing guidance on maintaining their health. This approach helps ensure both safety and career continuation.
A typical DOT physical with Dr. Clark takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. This allows time for a thorough examination, documentation review, and discussion of any health concerns. The duration may vary depending on your medical history and any conditions that require additional evaluation.
Upon successful completion of your DOT physical, Dr. Clark provides all necessary documentation, including your Medical Examiner's Certificate. He ensures all paperwork is properly completed and meets federal requirements. You'll receive copies of all relevant documents for your records and to provide to your employer.
Dr. Dennis Clark brings extensive experience in performing DOT physicals and understanding federal requirements for commercial drivers. His Long Beach practice provides thorough examinations while respecting your time and professional needs. As a certified medical examiner, he ensures all examinations meet current DOT standards while providing professional, efficient service to keep you on the road safely.