ARE YOU LOOKING TO GET YOUR DOT PHYSICAL?
At Route 146 DOT Physicals, the needs of the patient are always put first, so if you're looking for a DOT physical in Sutton MA, you've come to the right place. Not only will you get a thorough exam from a certified examiner, but you'll also learn how to make healthier choices for a more balanced life.
What should I bring with me?
- Eyeglasses? Contact lenses? Hearing aid? Whichever you use, bring it with you.
- Bring a list of your current medications as well as the name and contact number of the doctor who prescribed them.
- Complete Driver Information and Health History sections of the Medical Examination Report form. Don't forget to sign and date the form.
- Medical records for conditions such as diabetes, cardiac disease, sleep disorders, neurological conditions, etc.
- If you take medications for such things as pain, psychiatric conditions, attention deficit disorder, or smoking cessation, for example, bring a letter from your treating doctor indicating the medication and conditions will not interfere with the operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
How often is a DOT physical required?
CDL drivers must take the DOT physical every two years. If you have a condition that needs monitoring, such as high blood pressure, you may be required to get a physical more often. Once you have passed your DOT physical the doctor in charge will give you a certificate. If your employer needs a copy you directly from the physician you can sign and waiver and have them request that.
What are the medical standards for CDL holders in Massachusetts?
Visit the official Mass.gov website regarding CDL medical standards.
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Who Must Be Tested
The DOT requires drug and alcohol testing of all CDL drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on public roads with GVWRs greater than 26,000, more than 16 passengers, or placarded hazardous materials. This includes all drivers who are required to have a CDL, including those who work for federal, state, or municipal governments, independent contractors, and overseas drivers with licenses that are equivalent to those in the United States. An employer's drug testing policy must also cover part-time drivers. There is no testing requirement for drivers who only use CMVs on privately owned, non-public property.
Drug Testing - CDL drivers are subject to each of the following types of tests:
Before an employer can authorize a new driver to operate a CMV on a public road, he/she must undergo drug testing and receive a negative result. Testing for alcohol is only allowed if it involves all CDL drivers. A driver must undergo preemployment testing once again if he is taken out of a random testing pool for longer than 30 days.
Every time a CDL driver is involved in a fatal accident, receives a traffic citation as a result of an injury or a vehicle-disabling accident, or both, they must submit to a drug and alcohol test. The drug test must be performed within 32 hours of the alcohol test, which must be done within 8 hours.
Throughout the year, random, unannounced testing of CDL drivers is permitted. Even when at home and off-duty, a motorist can be ordered to take a drug test. Random alcohol tests are administered during work hours, or right before or right after. Drivers are required to arrive at the testing site right away after being asked to do so for random testing. You could regard delaying your arrival to be a rejection. Never say "No" to a test. Driver denials, as specified in 49 CFR 40.191, are equivalent to testing "positive."
When you show indicators of drug or alcohol abuse, DOT-trained supervisors may order that you undergo a drug or alcohol test. The choice must be supported by observations of the driver's demeanor, actions, words, or body odor.
According to 49 CFR 40.191(a), "direct observation" is required for return-to-duty testing (9). They are only necessary if an individual wants to resume work in a position that involves a high level of safety after completing the "return to duty" procedure (i.e., driving CMVs). They essentially take the place of the pre-employment test for drivers who passed the test or were "refused."
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Our Professional TEAM
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION CERTIFIED MEDICAL EXAMINER
Dr. Paul Grenier is a renowned chiropractor with 20 years of experience. His career has focused on the treatment of trauma and auto accidents, in addition to general chiropractic services. His degrees and certifications include:
- Logan College of Chiropractic, DC
- Spinal Research Institute of San Diego, Auto Accident Focus
- University of Massachusetts, BA
View Dr. Grenier's resume
FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner. Registry #1996660570.
Bi-Lingual Office, Se Habla Español
Grove Street Chiropractic is owned and founded by Dr. Paul Grenier, DC who has over 20 years of experience in improving quality of life, comfort, and energy levels for individuals facing acute and chronic pain.
With a focus on overall health and wellness, Dr. Paul Grenier works with patients to manage and overcome pain and discomfort through performing effective, routine chiropractic procedures and maintenance.
If you're not experiencing life to its fullest, Grove Street Chiropractic is here for you!
What is a DOT Physical Exam?
Do you get paid to operate a motor vehicle? If so, there is a good chance you are required to periodically receive a DOT physical, or DOT exam. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires these exams in order for professionals (particularly truck and bus drivers) to obtain or maintain a commercial driving license and make sure that nothing will negatively impact their driving performance. In order to comply with federal law, a qualified examiner - a doctor, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner - must complete your DOT physical.
How does this process work?
STEP ONE: Driver Health History
Before meeting with the examiner, you must fill out the top part of the DOT physical form. The first section has room for your name, social security number, birth date, driver's license number, address, and telephone number. The second section asks about your medical history. Be sure to answer each question truthfully or you could face serious legal consequences in the future.
You must indicate whether you have had any of the following:
- Brain injuries or neurological disorders
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Loss of hearing
- Heart attack or heart disease
- Impaired vision
- Kidney disease
- Digestive problems
- Psychiatric disorders
- Dizziness or fainting
- Paralysis
- Stroke
- Missing limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic pain
STEP TWO: DOT Physical Exam Procedure
In order to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. A qualified examiner may be a doctor, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner. The examiner will review your health history and ask you to list the medications you take on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
- Check your pulse and blood pressure
- Perform a vision test
- Observe your general appearance
- Examine your eyes, throat, mouth, and ears
- Listen to your heart and lungs
- Check for spine deformities
- Perform a neurological exam
- Press on your abdomen to check for abnormalities
- Perform a hernia check
STEP THREE: Pass or Fail
If the examiner determines you have passed your physical, you will be given an updated medical certificate. If you do not pass the examination for any reason, the doctor will explain what needs to be addressed to meet current FMCSA guidelines.
A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person does not have any of the following conditions which may interfere with the ability to control, operate, and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely:
- No loss of foot, leg hand or arm.
- No impairment of hand or finger which interferes with power grasping, or no impairment of arm, foot, leg which interferes with ability.
- No history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes that currently requires insulin for control.
- No current diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or other cardiovascular disease known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse or congestive cardiac failure.
- No history or clinical diagnosis of respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with ability.
- No current diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to interfere with ability.
- No history or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease which interferes with ability.
- No history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability.
- No mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with ability.
- Has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 or better, field of vision of at least 70 degrees horizontally, and the ability to perceive red, green and amber.
- Ability to perceive a forced whisper in the better ear at no less than five feet, with or without the use of a hearing aid.
- Does not use a Schedule I drug, amphetamine, narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug.
- Has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism.
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Preparing For Your DOT Physical
A DOT physical at Route 146 DOT Physicals only takes about 30 minutes. We accept cash, all major credit cards, and company checks. To prepare for the exam, compile all your medical records, put together a list of any medical conditions you've been diagnosed with, prepare a list of medications and the name of the prescribing doctor, and take note of any medical devices that you require.
On the day of the exam, you'll have to bring all of this with you. Here's a checklist of things you should bring (where applicable):
Photo identification
Medical records
List of medications, including strength and dosage, for both prescription and over-the counter drugs
Eye glasses or Hearing aids, if necessary
Copy of your most recent stress test
(for heart conditions)Copy of your latest sleep test result
(for sleep apnea)Contact information, including names, phone numbers, and fax numbers for all your doctors
Right before your exam: Make sure you drink a glass of water and come in with a full bladder, as you will have to provide a urine sample.
Tips on managing Your blood pressure
If you are having issues regulating your blood pressure, here are some helpful tips to help you get it under control.
Make sure you bring it up to us when you come in and we will get you on the right track!
No White Coats
We understand that lots of people don't like doctors, hospitals, and medical exams and that anticipating your appointment may elevate your blood pressure. But we work with drivers all day, and understand how important it is for you to pass your DOT exam. To help prepare yourself for the appointment, here are things you can do in the days and weeks leading up to your exam:
- Take your medication every day as prescribed and on schedule.
- If you forget a dose, take it as soon as possible if that's what your doctor recommends.
- Tell our team if you've recently missed a dose so that we can recheck your pressure later on or the following day.
- Reduce your caffeine, nicotine, sugar, and salt consumption.
- Remember, you won't actually find a single white coat in our clinic!
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