PREPARE FOR YOUR DOT EXAM BY FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES

If you have questions, don't hesitate to call.

THINGS TO BRING TO YOUR DOT PHYSICAL:

* A state issued photo ID (i.e. driver’s license)

* List of all medications that you are prescribed.

* List of all Surgeries.

*Contact lenses or glasses - if there is a restriction on your license or if you need them to pass the vision test.

*Hearing aid(s) - if there is a restriction on your license or if you need them to pass the hearing test.

If you have one of these medical conditions listed below, you will have to bring the paperwork pertaining to that specific condition. This paperwork will come from your treating physician and can be emailed directly to me at I80Chiropractic2011@gmail.com or bring a paper copy with you when you come in.

SLEEP APNEA

*A compliance data report already downloaded. Or a compliance data report from your phone app if applicable.

MONOCULAR VISION- Vision in only one eye.

*Completed Vision Evaluation Report Form MSCA-5871

*Must be completed by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist within 45 days of the physical exam

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE – FMCSA considers controlled blood pressure 140/90 or lower (If you are currently treating)

*List of medications (prescription or over the counter)

NON-ITDM (NON-INSULIN-TREATING DIABETES MELLITUS) If you are just taking medication and not on insulin for Diabetes.

*Most recent HG A1C

ITDM (INSULIN-TREATING DIABETES MELLITUS) If you are taking Insulin for Diabetes.

*Completed ITDM Assessment Form MCSA-5870

* Must be filled out by the Treating Clinician (TC) that prescribes your insulin within 45 days of the physical exam.

* Must disclose any severe hypoglycemic episodes

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE OR EVENT (HEART ATTACK, HEART CONDITIONS, STROKE, ETC.)

*Your most recent echocardiogram and stress test

* A signed release from your treating physician

USE OF BLOOD THINNERS (LIKE WARFARIN)

*Your most recent INR

PACEMAKER WITHOUT DEFIBRILLATOR

*Signed release from your treating physician

PACEMAKER WITH DEFIBRILLATOR

**** The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) generally prohibits individuals with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) from operating

commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) due to safety concerns related to potential syncope (loss of consciousness) and other cardiac events. However, the FMCSA does

consider exemption requests from these regulations on a case-by-case basis.****

DOT Disqualifying Medical Conditions

Under FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 391.41), a medical examiner may not certify a driver who has a DOT disqualifying medical condition or uses a medication/substance that compromises the ability to drive safely. DOT disqualifying medical conditions include those that may lead to loss of consciousness or involve inadequate hearing or vision, a compromised nervous system, or physical limitations that interfere with driving ability. Drivers who are able to resolve a DOT disqualifying medical condition are allowed to seek re-certification, and frequently do.

While a complete list of DOT disqualifying medical conditions is not possible here, the primary ones you may encounter are below:

• Certain heart conditions. Examples of heart conditions that are disqualifying until they are resolved and/or clearance is given by a cardiologist include current clinical diagnoses of heart attack, chest pain or discomfort due to heart disease (angina pectoris), reduced blood flow through one or more coronary arteries (coronary insufficiency), or risk of forming a blood clot (thrombosis). Taking nitroglycerine for angina is not necessarily medically disqualifying, provided the angina is stable.

• Epilepsy or other conditions that can result in loss of consciousness. FMCSA regulations prohibit a person with epilepsy or other seizure disorder from operating a commercial vehicle across state boundaries. Drivers who can show that their seizures are under control may be eligible to submit an application to the FMCSA for a seizure exemption. (See “Seizure Package” at the end of this article.)

• Inner ear diseases or disorders that cause vertigo (spinning/dizziness) or other balance issues. Meniere’s disease is an example. It affects the inner ear. Many lifestyle aspects of trucking might trigger vertigo for a driver with Meniere’s disease, which is why it is classified as a DOT disqualifying medical condition. Meniere’s disease is unpredictable and its triggers include overwork, fatigue, smoking, and too much salt in the diet.
  
  Certain medications for the treatment of vertigo also may be disqualifying if the medical examiner concludes there are potential sedative effects that may compromise safety. On occasion, drivers with certain balance disorders are able to seek re-certification after being symptom-free for a period of time.

• Diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory conditions are discussed in the next section on DOT disqualifying medical conditions where the medical examiner has discretion in deciding whether or not to grant DOT certification.

• Vision and/or hearing loss. Drivers unable to demonstrate at least 20/40 vision in each eye and both eyes together, with or without corrective lenses, are medically disqualified. However, there is a vision exemption available. A driver must be able to meet peripheral vision requirements and also able to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing the standard red, green, and amber colors.
  
  For hearing, two tests may be performed. If the driver passes the first test (forced whisper), then the second test (an audiometry test) is not needed. In the forced whisper test, the driver must be able to hear a forced whisper in one ear (the better ear) at five feet, with or without a hearing aid. If the driver cannot pass the forced whisper test, passing an audiometry test still may allow certification. Failing both tests makes hearing loss a DOT disqualifying medical condition.
  
  As with vision and seizure, the driver may apply for an exemption.

• Use of marijuana. Even if a licensed medical practitioner has prescribed or recommended it, marijuana use is a DOT disqualifying medical condition. This is true whether it is used alone, as CBD oil, or in any product or preparation derived from hemp or cannabis. The federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) prohibits use of Schedule I substances, which include marijuana, heroin, LSD, mescaline, MDMA (“ecstasy”), psilocybin mushroom, methaqualone (Quaalude), cathinone/khat, and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV).

I-80 Chiropractic is exceptional! The chiropractic care and professionalism during my DOT physical were top-notch.

John S.

★★★★★