Blog
8 Medical Conditions Affecting Your DOT Physical
If you are a commercial bus or truck driver or in another driving job with high safety demands, you may need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. You will need to see a certified medical examiner to examine and issue a certificate for you. While most...
Do I qualify to be certified for DOT specimen collections?
Becoming a certified DOT specimen collector is an admirable step. You will be the first and only in-person contact to ensure public safety from substance use in safety-sensitive workplaces. Before you can take the certification course, there are a few requirements...
Tips To Prepare For Your DOT Physical
Being on the road driving can hit your health hard. Sitting in one place for hours can impact your circulatory system and hurt your legs and back, making you feel less like exercising when you do get a break. Long distance driving also requires you to be focused for...
Are there differences between DOT and non-DOT drug tests?
Whether you have to get a drug test, interpret it, or administer it, there are some differences you need to be aware of between Department of Transportation (DOT) and non-DOT drug tests. These readers point out some significant and not-so-obvious variations between...
How to Recertify as a DOT Medical Examiner in 2023
There is an updated version of this article for 2024, read it here: Taking the Medical Examiner Recertification Exam in 2024? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires training and testing on the physical qualification standards and guidelines...
Don’t Sweat Your DOT Physical
If you are a professional truck or bus driver, then you’re familiar with Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals. They can be nerve-wracking if you are unprepared or don’t know what to expect. Here are some common questions drivers have and the answers you might...
What are the DOT violations requiring alcohol testing for commercial drivers?
A commercial license leads to strict regulation through the DOT to ensure public road safety. There are some moving violations and specific rules for alcohol consumption that all commercial drivers need to keep in mind. These driving experts discuss the top reasons...
The Skill Performance Exam (SPE): Clarification & Helpful Advice
Navigating through the Skilled Perfomance Exam (SPE) application can be a daunting process and many can hit roadblocks along the way. We will try to break down the process and share some important insights to help lead you in the right direction. Who is eligible for a...
Is the DOT Physical Covered by Insurance?
DOT Physicals are generally NOT covered Medical exams are typically covered by health insurance when seeking to evaluate and treat a patient for specific health conditions. In contrast, the DOT Physical Exam is considered a fitness-for-duty medical exam such as...
Grow Your DOT Physical Exam Practice, Part 2
In the previous post (Grow Your DOT Physical Exam Practice) I discussed the top two ways for medical providers to grow their DOT practice. This post is a continuation of that discussion with additional key insights and suggestions. Ways to Grow Your DOT Practice...
Recent Posts
Fatal Flaws: Error Correction Training For Urine Specimen Collectors
Mistakes happen. You forget to sign a document, the test tube leaks, or the tube does not seal correctly. While you may be able to resolve or correct some errors, others are considered fatal flaws. If the urine sample is no longer usable and the test can no longer be...
Why Portable Spirometers Are Invaluable For DOT Examiners
For those who are or want to become a DOT certified medical examiner, having the right tools is crucial. They will allow you to accurately assess the health and fitness of the commercial drivers you see in your office. While you may already have many of these tools,...
Medical Marijuana: How it Can Affect Your CDL Status
Medical marijuana is scientifically proven to aid people with certain physical and mental illnesses. And, like many medicines, whether derived from plants or chemically created, marijuana has side effects. Is prescribed marijuana legal when driving with a CDL...
Do shifting schedules impact commercial drivers’ ability to drive safely or their DOT physicals?
Commercial drivers can find jobs at any hour of the day or night, which can be great for flexibility. But it can be disruptive when schedules are constantly changing. These safe driving enthusiasts discuss the impacts of shifting schedules on commercial drivers'...
7 Factors That Can Affect Blood Pressure During DOT Physical
If you have your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you may need a physical exam. Your blood pressure is a vital aspect of the physical and an important indicator of your health. Untreated high or low blood pressure can lead to avoidable accidents, so it’s important...