DOT Physicals in Bethel, CT

Many professional drivers are required to get routine DOT exams. Our certified practitioners at DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel make it easy for commercial drivers to complete their Department of Transportation health requirements.

At DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel, DOT physicals—the same test used for CDL (commercial driver’s license) physical exams—are always carried out by Board Certified, NRCME-certified practitioners. We make DOT physicals / CDL physicals simple. There’s no need to schedule an appointment and walk-ins are always welcome. Our clinic accepts most health insurance plans.

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CARE

DOCS URGENT CARE – BETHEL

ADDRESS
6 Stony Hill Rd.
Bethel, CT 06801

PHONE
(860)-717-0335

FAX
(860)-717-0335

HOURS
WEEKDAYS : 9AM-6PM
WEEKENDS : 8AM-4PM

What to Know About DOT Physicals

What is a DOT (department of transportation) Physical?

DOT physicals, mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are valid for up to 24 months. If you plan on staying on the road, DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel can supply you with the necessary DOT, or CDL, Physical. A Department of Transportation Physical evaluates a drivers vision, blood pressure, and performs a complete review of your medical history. A DOT physical can only be completed by a medical examiner certified by the FMCSA. It is up to your Medical Examiner to best determine if a candidate meets all the requirements, and to mark the report to the best of their knowledge.

ARE CDL PHYSICALS THE SAME AS DOT PHYSICALS?

The physical exam all commercial drivers need to take—the DOT physical exam—is sometimes referred to as the CDL physical exam. This is because the DOT physical exam is also a requirement for those looking to obtain a CDL (commercial driver’s license). Why don’t people just call these physicals a CDL physical and stop using different names, then? The reason: not all commercial drivers need a CDL, but will need the Medical Examiner’s (ME) Certificate that they receive from a DOT physical. To put it simply, not all commercial drivers need a DOT physical for the exact same reason.

What do i need to bring to the DOT (or cdl) Physical?

Be proactive for your DOT physical. Make sure you bring with you, a valid driver’s license, a medical history review, any prescription glasses or contact lenses, hearing aids if necessary, and a list of current prescriptions. Drivers are required to list if they’ve endured any of the following:
  • Brain injuries
  • Epilepsy/Seizures
  • Hearing loss
  • Diabetes (insulin dependency)
  • Impaired Vision
  • Stroke
  • Missing Limbs
  • Chronic Pain
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Able to recognize colors (red, green, yellow)
  • History of alcoholism or drug use
  • Heart attack or heart disease
  • Kidney disease

What is included in a DOT physical?

Vision

You need at least 20/40 in both eyes and to be able to distinguish various colors. (With or without prescription lenses)

Hearing

With or without hearing aids, a driver must be able to to hear a “forced whisper” at less than five feet away.

doctor performing eye exam

Physical Examination

  • General appearance (weight, tremors, drug/alcohol problems)
  • Mouth & Throat (breathing and swallowing)
  • Lungs & Chest (breathing)
  • Abdomen & Organs (unusual masses, hernias, weakness)
  • Vascular System (weak pulse, blood flow, varicose veins)
  • Limbs (Loss or damage, weakness)
  • Skeletal (limitation, tenderness)
  • Neurological (balance, reflexes, speech)

Blood Pressure/Pulse Rate

One of our clinicians will check the driver’s blood pressure and pulse to check for any irregularities.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis identifies any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.

Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis A (Hep A)
  • Hepatitis B (Hep B)
  • Polio/ Tetanus/ Typhoid
  • Influenza (Flu)

What if i need to update my vaccinations?

In order to get up to date on all your vaccinations, one of our FMCSA certified clinicians can provide Bethel drivers with current vaccinations. The Vaccinations we give listed are:
  • Hepatitis A (Adult)
  • Hepatitis A (Pediatric) 
  • Hepatitis B (Adult)
  • Hepatitis B (Pediatric)
  • Japanese
  • Encephalitis
  • MMR
  • Menactra
  • Zostavax (Shingles)
  • Polio (IPV)
  • Pneumococcal
  • PPD
  • Rabies Vaccination
  • Tetanus Diphtheria (TD)
  • Tetanus Diphtheria
  • Pertussis (TDAP)
  • Typhoid
  • Twinrix (Hep A & B Combination)
  • Typhoid
  • Varicella
  • Yellow Fever
  • Gardasil
  • B-12
  • Ceftriaxone
  • Kenalog-10
  • Phenergan
  • Solu-Medrol
  • Toradol
  • Benadryl

what if i do not pass the dot physical?

FMCSA has announced drivers can receive a second opinion as long as they are upfront and honest about their medical history with the next medical examiner. Leaving out information during your DOT physical (CDL physical) could lead to a disqualification or future fines.

The Care You Need, When You Need It in Bethel

Our goal at DOCS Urgent Care of Bethel is to provide driver’s with quick and easy DOT physical examinations. When you come prepared, you will be in and out of our doors in no time. A DOT, or CDL, physical exam can only be completed by a medical examiner certified by the FMCSA dedicated to helping you get back on the road.

Notice

During this surge in COVID-19 cases, our primary focus is meeting the high demand for tests, and we are seeing higher than usual wait times. This means we are unable to answer most phone calls. Please know that our teams are working very hard during this time to care for as many patients as safely as possible. Please click the button below for answers to common questions. We appreciate your understanding.