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SameDayDOT Tips Tips on how to prepare for a POSITIVE DOT physical experience:

SameDayDOT Tips FAQAre you worried and stressed that you have some issues that could put your DOT Physical in Jeopardy? Here are some important tips and items to prepare for your DOT Exam. Being prepared and having the right attitude will help you and the examining doctor.

There are some do’s and don’ts that you need to put in your action plan. This is especially important when seeing a doctor whom you don’t know and more importantly who does not know you.

FIRST lay off the coffee and any and all energy drinks or over-the-counter cold medications for 24 hours before the exam. These products can and will raise your blood pressure 10-20 points on each end. For example, a normal blood pressure of 120/80 can become a pressure of 140/100, or a 140/90 will rise to 160/110, which will turn a non-hypertensive driver into a permanently restricted one or, in the worst case scenario, disqualified.

Allow yourself some time, get a good night’s sleep , get up early so you are not rushed.

MEDICATIONS: Take your medicine as soon as you wake up in the morning. Telling your doctor that you forgot to take your medication is not what he wants to hear and is not an excuse for your blood pressure being high or your diabetes not under control Taking your medication as prescribed is especially important if you are on blood pressure medicine or diabetes medication. You should also bring ALL medications in their original bottles to the DOT exam to show to the doctor and to list on your DOT exam form along with a list of your doctors and when last seen.

CLEAN UP: Hygiene is important. If you or your breath smells bad, the doctor will notice. Clean up for the exam.

EATING: Don’t eat a big meal before the physical, especially if you are diabetic. This triggers a spilling of sugar in your urine. That leads to a blood sugar test and possibly getting an A1C test by your family doctor; disqualification pending treatment; or a restricted card.

COMPLIANCE LETTERS: Take any current compliance letters for special illness or medications from your doctor. You should also have copies of your most recent lab tests. Keep a medical log. Impress the doctor and show him you are active in taking care of yourself and your health. It will go a long way!!

Have a CPAP machine? Bring your CPAP compliance report/letter to the exam. Remember CPAP machines are a prescription just the same as a medication. Some doctors can read your CPAP data card, although not many do.

Be sure to arrive at your appointment in plenty of time. You don’t want to be in a big rush or tired when you’re doing vision and hearing tests.

Once you are at the clinic – IMPORTANT – treat the staff with courtesy. If you treat the assistant or nurse badly, the doctor will know and you will not be given the benefit of the doubt. Treat others as you would want to be treated.

Please leave your baby at home with a qualified babysitter, our office cannot perform the DOT Physical with your baby in hand or crying in their baby carrier. It's not fair to the baby, the staff or yourself when getting a DOT Physical.

REMEMBER: most restricted DOT medical disqualifications are the decision of the doctor. This means the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration allows the doctor a lot of discretion in determining whether you get a card or not.

So be COURTEOUS, BE KIND AND RESPECTFUL. Again remember disrespecting the staff is the same as disrespecting the doctor.

ATTITUDE & YOUR DOT physical: First: Don’t go into a medical office and expect to be seen right away. A long wait at the doc’s office is common. And if a drug screen is needed, you may be uncomfortable, again remember Courteous and Kind.

Being Calm, Courteous, Patient and Polite will go a long way to ensuring a more pleasant DOT physical experience.

For more in depth preparation see

Preparing for Your DOT Medical Exam

Michael Tigges DC, NRCME

SameDayDOT.com