Two Facts You Have to Know about the CDL Physical Exam

In today’s economy the job market can be tough, but one job that’s not suffering from the effects of the economic downturn is that of the commercial driver. Commercial drivers, including truckers and bus drivers, enjoy job security even during recessions. Commercial drivers also earn a good living wage with relatively little training or experience, and have the chance to travel across the country. If the life of a commercial driver sounds like something of interest to you, the first step is getting your commercial CDL license. But before you can even do that, you need to pass the Department of Transportation’s physical exam, which makes you eligible for certification. Here’s some important information about the requirements of the exam.

Firstly, you may be interested in what kind of questions and health conditions a CDL physical exam will address. The Department of Transportation issues a standardized form to be completed by an internist during a commercial CDL license physical, and the patient is required to print out this form and bring it to his or her exam, so you can probably get a good idea of what to expect just by looking over the paperwork. First the driver completes a medical history section of the form which asks questions about past injuries, diseases, psychological disorders, hearing and vision problems, and other undiagnosed symptoms like dizziness or lower back pain that could be detrimental to a patient’s performance as the operator of a commercial vehicle.  It is important that the patient discusses this part of the form with the walk in clinic doctor, even though the doctor does not need to sign off on this part of the paperwork.  Next a doctor will perform a vision exam, arguably the most important part of the test for any driver. The driver must have vision in both eyes, and be able to read traffic signs as well as differentiate between colors.  A hearing test is also given, for which a driver must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance greater than or equal to 5 feet. The doctor then tests the patient’s blood pressure. If the patient has high blood pressure (greater than 140 mmHG) he or she can only be certified for one year. If it’s higher than 160, the doctor may only issue a three or six month certification. A urine test is required to test for the health of the kidneys and be sure there are no illegal substances in the system. The doctor than performs a routine physical exam, visually inspecting all the body parts and listening to the prospective CDL heart and lungs.

Secondly, there are four possible outcomes of your CDL physical exam. The doctor can approve you for the ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle; the approval certification generally lasts for two years. If the doctor has some reservations as to the patient’s ability to operate a motor vehicle, he can approve the applicant, but under the condition of periodic medical monitoring for a specific condition. These certifications with reservations can be issued for three months, six months, a year, or another unit of time as specified by the physician on the certification form. Thirdly, the doctor can temporarily disqualify a driver for a period of time due to a specific medical condition or medication being used.  In this case, the doctor will suggest a time when the patient can return for another medical examination. Finally, the doctor can disqualify the patient, offering a specific medical reason why he or she does not meet the standards of health required for obtaining a commercial CDL license.

If you’re in the New York City area and need to get your Department of Transportation CDL physical exam in NYC, stop into the Physical Exam Center NYC, right in midtown Manhattan.  The New York City Physical Exam Center offers same day certification for Department of Transportation physical exams, with convenient appointment times and discounts for people without health insurance. Make an appointment today online at doctor NYC and get on the road to getting your commercial CDL license!

Schedule your physical examination before you need one

As people we’re fond of routines. That pattern of continuity brings ease and security because we know what will happen the next day, week, etc. We always know at a certain time to wake up, get dressed, brush teeth, eat, commute to and from work, shop for groceries, sleep.

            Of course, when it comes to repeated habits, it takes some planning to make sure they function. Meetings need to be pushed back, events pushed forward, errand sacrificed for emergencies. Because we’re so deadlocked to those habitual tendencies, interruptions and surprises easily become the scourge in our schedules.

            When it comes to preparing, how many appointments have you sacrificed? How many are you prepping to give up right now? The laundry desperately in need of a wash, the apartment demanding a sanitized cleansing, the fridge screaming for food, or the physical examination waiting to be noticed. How long before you push it off again?

            When it comes to our bodies, we’re told to have regular checkups every year based on age and family history. Yet the issue isn’t actually getting to physical examination: it’s getting to one. Amidst our regular routine we forget to schedule in the long-term events. And by the time we get to test high blood pressure, heartbeat, weight, height, etc., it becomes a nuisance to even go to the doctor’s office. We can just assume we’re healthy and not bother with this year’s exam.

            The fact remains though that internist suggest routine physical examinations for a reason: to make sure you actually are healthy. Though we may favor other engagements above seeing the doctor, we may eventually face illness for not going.

            Don’t make that mistake and schedule your physical examination now. I promise you physical examination NYC will be able to answer your initial questions and you’ll come out of the office for the better. 

Everything You Need To Know About a DOT Physical Exam

What is a DOT physical exam? Is it anything like the STRIPE physical exam or the PLAID physical exam? Uh, no. DOT stands for the Department Of Transportation and whether you realize it or not, drivers of certain vehicles, whether they’re buses or heavy trucks, need to receive a special license. Each and every vehicle comes with its own set of specific responsibilities and the Powers That Be have deemed buses and heavy trucks (and one or two other things) need a special license to lawfully drive. So be it.

                          

If you are in the market for a special DOT license, than you probably have a ton of questions. How much does it cost? What will they test for during the physical exam? Does it hurt? Etc. This article attempts to answer all these questions for you in a brief, detailed and light-hearted way.

First let’s talk about the cost. In today’s economy this is on the forefront of everyone’s mind so it should be addressed first and foremost. Is a DOT physical exam covered by your existing medical insurance? The answer is a resounding…yes! Do not fret if you are already covered. If you are not currently covered by medical insurance, chances are that this job that demands the physical examination will provide it for you, so the cost should be of minor concern. Thankfully, however, the cost is affordable. No one’s gouging when it comes to the DOT physical exam.

Next, let’s discuss who it is that actually needs to undergo the painless procedure of a DOT physical exam. If you are trying to receive a driver’s license for the following vehicles you will need to receive the exam:

·       A license for a vehicle that is used for commercial (business) purposes and that has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (or combined weight rating) of over ten thousand pounds—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam.

·       A license for a bus or bus-like vehicle that carries more than sixteen passengers (including the driver)—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam.

·       A license for a vehicle that is used for the removal or the transport of any and all hazardous materials—you will need to undergo a DOT physical exam. This does NOT include a McDonalds delivery truck, regardless of what you may think personally.

Finally, let’s take a look at the physical exam itself. What can you expect to experience while undergoing a DOT physical exam done by an internist? The following list contains all relevant information:

·       General health information and a history of past ailments and major health issues. This is followed by a test of your vital signs (pulse, respiratory system, blood pressure, etc.).

·       If you wear glasses for vision correction please bring your glasses with you. You will be given a visual exam. This test will include color.

·       A hearing test will also be administered to you during a DOT physical exam.

·       You will be tested for diabetes via a urine test.

This test is painless and very accurate, and after you pass it your license can be issued.  Good luck… and hit the road, Jack!

If you currently live in the NYC area and need to undergo or get DOT physical exam NYC (or any other physical exam), please log onto Doctor NYC for more information on this board-certified exam clinic. Located just blocks from Grand Central Station, this center is a breeze to get to from anywhere in the five boroughs (and upstate, too!). Please call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment. Be aware that late night and weekend appointments are available for your convenience.

Work Safety for You and the Company: Get Your Pre employment Physical Examination

Blue collar, white collar, cubicle, medical office, manual labor, service work, financial markets, freelance traveling. No matter what field, industry, market etc. we’re in, most of us need a profession to sustain our lifestyles. For a fair number of us out in the field, at one time or another, we may be asked to take a pre employment physical examination.

            Also called post offer physical exams, these tests are conducted to ensure the well-being of the potential employee and also to confirm that the applicant’s physical abilities match the job. These assessments are confidential, and have proven be effective in preventing accidents, lowering costs, and harmonizing employees with the right occupation.

            Physical examinations start with medical history (of both the hired hand and his/her family), and follow up with a musculoskeletal test, respiratory evaluation, gastrointestinal examination, a look at the head, eyes, nose, ears, and throat, skin and immunity assessment, neurological exam, and a cardiovascular probe. Oh and just to warn you there may also be a drug test as well. Using a urine sample, you may be check for anything from Marijuana to Cocaine to Opiates to alcohol depending on the employer. After that, you’re done!

            While these may seem like a lot, not all of them may be tested, based on position you hold in the company. If you’re working at heights (on a ladder for instance) or doing heavy lifting though, these tests will help assess whether you’ll be alright working there. Essentially it helps both the company to see if you’re the right employee and you so that you won’t get into an accident at work.

            No worries, it’ll take just a bit of time out of your day. If your company is asking for a pre employment physical examinationin NYC, stop by our office or schedule an appointment on our website, NYC Walk in Clinic.

Drive Away! (After Your Driver's Physical Exam)

Mirrors checked, seat adjusted, key in, engine on, emergency brake loosened, shift gears into drive. Driving is fairly basic so long as you’ve been on the road before. Getting to that stage, however, is a much longer process.

            For those intending to be DOT/CDL drivers (meaning you’re driving more than 10,000 lbs, 16 or more passengers, or hazardous material), you’ll need to pass the written assessment, physical exam, and then the road test before you even see your license. While the written and road exam can be taken at the actual DMV site, the physical exam is intended to be conducted by a doctor.

            Essentially during your drivers physical exam in NYC you’ll be asked for a brief family health history (anywhere from seizures to gastrointestinal ulcers to kidney disease) and tested for vision (accuracy and color division) and hearing. Moreover, you’ll also need to give a urine sample to test for diabetes and potentially have an ECG if you suffer from heart problems. Doesn’t sound too bad right?

            Don’t try to pull a fast one at the DMV though. If you did not get dot physical exam in NYC from a certified doctor, you’re in for a load of trouble. You may have to go through the exam again, or worse, have your license revoked or suspended. So unless you’re classified under physically qualified by an actual physician, you’re out of luck.

            Those following the rules though have nothing to worry about. Once you’ve passed your written and physical exam, you only have the road test left before you’re certified to drive. And the rest (mastery of the skills) will come with time.  

            If you need to take your driver’s physical exam, stop by our office located conveniently in Midtown Manhattan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, check out our website at Medical Office in NYC.