DOT Physical Near Indianapolis, IN

Finding a DOT Physical Exam Near Indianapolis, Indiana

Most commercial truck drivers need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical to work.  Below, we’ll answer the most commonly asked questions about DOT physicals.

How Much Does a DOT Physical Cost in Indianapolis, IN?

TeamCME has providers charging as low as $60 for a DOT physical in the Indianapolis area. Big-box corporate clinics likely charge twice as much.

To get the best price for your DOT physical exam, keep these three main factors in mind:

1. The Type of Medical Examiner: Chiropractors and nurse practitioners often charge less than medical doctors (MDs) because their practice costs are lower. MDs can usually make more money providing other services, so they’re less likely to offer competitive rates for DOT physicals. This makes chiropractors and nurse practitioners excellent options for an affordable, high-quality DOT physical.

2. The Size or Type of Clinic: Clinics run by large corporations often have higher operating costs and are owned by profit-driven shareholders. Private practice nurse practitioners and chiropractors are usually more affordable. Furthermore, they often provide care that matches—and often surpasses—that of corporate clinics.

3. The Location of the Clinic: Prices can vary depending on whether the clinic is in a rural or urban area. Rural clinics may charge more due to limited competition, while clinics in larger cities like Indianapolis benefit from competition that helps keep prices low. However, rural areas with a lower cost of living may still offer affordable DOT physicals if you look around.

By understanding these factors, you can make an informed choice and find the best deal for your DOT physical in Indianapolis or wherever you’re located.

I’m a Driver Near Indianapolis, IN.  Do I Need a DOT Physical?

You need a DOT physical if you operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The FMCSA defines a CMV as a motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers when the vehicle:

• Weighs over 10,000 pounds alone or more than 26,000 when combined.
• Can carry more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
• Can carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver) if not receiving compensation.
• Transports hazardous materials requiring a warning placard.

If you don’t meet any of the above criteria, you likely won’t need a DOT physical to drive.

Why Do Commercial Drivers Need DOT Physicals?

Not all commercial drivers need a DOT physical, but for those who do, it’s about keeping everyone safe.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), wants commercial drivers to be healthy and safe to drive. Their goal is to reduce accidents, injuries, and deaths involving commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks and buses. The FMCSA also works with states like Indiana to help make roads safer.

What Should I Expect During a DOT Physical?

Feeling nervous about the DOT physical is totally normal, but there’s no reason to stress! Here’s an easy guide to what happens during the appointment, which usually takes about 30 minutes:

1. Driver Information: Before your appointment or while in the waiting room, you will need to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, the state that issued your license, and your license number. Be sure to bring your license to the appointment. If you don’t have a license, any form of photo ID will work.

2. Driver Health History: During this step, you’ll document your medical history. Be prepared to share any medical conditions, surgeries you’ve had, and medications you’re currently taking. You’ll also need to discuss any past or current health issues, such as seizures, hearing problems, heart attacks, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, fainting, cancer, etc. You’ll also share about your use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances.

3. Testing: Next, they’ll take some measurements like your height, weight, and blood pressure. They’ll also check your vision and hearing. You will also provide a urine sample to check for protein, blood, and sugar levels- it does not test for drugs. Finally, the examiner will check various body systems—including eyes, ears, lungs, etc. to make sure everything seems okay.

4. Get Your DOT Medical Card: If everything looks good, you’ll get your DOT medical card, which is valid for up to two years, unless there are any significant health concerns.

After that, you’ll need to provide the certificate (and possibly other information) to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some medical examiners can handle this for you, saving you a trip to the DMV. Be sure to ask your medical examiner if they offer this service. For example, in Indiana, you could ask your medical examiner to send your DOT medical card and any other necessary information to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles at BMVCDL@bmv.in.gov.

How Often Do Commercial Drivers Need a DOT Physical?

How often a driver needs a DOT physical depends on their health. A DOT medical card can last up to two years for healthy drivers. However, if a driver has certain health problems, like diabetes or high blood pressure, they may be required to renew their DOT medical card more often.

Can I Use Insurance for a DOT Physical?

Unfortunately, the answer is generally no. Routine or annual medical exams are often covered by health insurance.  However, a DOT physical exam is considered a fitness-for-duty medical exam, not unlike pre-employment physicals.  These types of physical exams are generally not covered by health insurance.  However, your employer may pay for or reimburse you for your exam.

Can My Primary Doctor Issue a DOT Medical Card?

Doctors certified by the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners can certainly offer this service to their patients. If your primary care doctor is not a DOT certified medical examiner, you will need to look elsewhere for a DOT physical, and Team CME has you covered. We have DOT medical examiners all over the country, including Indianapolis. We very likely have a place you can get a affordable, and convenient DOT physical near you. For DOT physicals near Indianapolis, look at our locator above.  If you’re outside the Indianapolis are, you can use our Find a Location to find a provider nearest you.

How Do I Prepare For My DOT Medical Exam in Indianapolis?

• ID: It is preferred to use a driver’s license but any form of photo ID will suffice.
• ETA: It is helpful if you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork. Your appointment will be more efficient, and we can get you in and out sooner.
• Records: Bring any pertinent medical records if you have any ongoing medical conditions. Many conditions are controlled through medication or lifestyle choices. Your provider can help you devise a treatment plan to manage your symptoms for safe driving.

Do I Need a DOT Drug Test?

A DOT drug test is not part of the DOT physical. You will provide a urine sample for the medical examiner to perform a urinalysis. This demonstrates if there is excessive protein, blood, or sugar in your urine. The urinalysis does not test for marijuana, narcotics, or other medications.

However, there are times when CDL drivers operating a CMV may be tested for drug and alcohol use.  This includes full-time, part-time, intermittent, backup, and even international drivers. Below are the cases when they might need one:

Pre-Employment: Your potential employer can request that a pre-employment drug test be performed. A clean drug test is mandatory in order to drive commercial motor vehicles.

Reasonable Suspicion: If your employer believes that you may be using drugs, they are required to have you obtain a DOT drug test.  For example, if a driver is behaving erratically, has slurred speech, smells of drugs, or has indications of drug withdrawal effects.

Post-Accident: There are three cases when you will likely be required to get a DOT drug test:

1. An accident that involves a human fatality.

2. An accident involving bodily injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, and you were cited.

3. An accident involving any motor vehicle where it was damaged and required towing, and you were cited.

Randomly: CDL drivers are required to join a consortium, and their names may be randomly drawn for a DOT drug test.

We have locations near Indianapolis where you can get a DOT drug test.  Use the locator above to find one.