Are you certified with the NRCME?

Yes. My certification number is 9986667592

What happens during a typical DOT physical?

These physicals are regulated by the FMCSA, so they have to follow their criteria. They set the regulations and paper work that we need to follow (all of which you can find on the Forms page). Basically we need a bunch of information from you (we'll be asking a lot of questions and you'll be doing a little bit of paper work), we'll check your vision, your blood pressure, your height and weight, do some basic range of motion and other assessments. This isn't a "turn your head and cough" physical, you can keep your clothes on for the most part. The only "lab work" required is the urinalysis which only takes about 2 minutes. Depending on your health history, you may be required to undergo additional testing with your treating physician, or provide additional paperwork or lab results. I've put together a "help you pass" page on our blog, click here to see it.

Will I get the health card on the same day?

Yes, if you pass everything and qualify, you'll get the Medical Examiners Certificate. That's the piece of paper you need to take to the DMV to maintain your CDL. It's a full size sheet of paper, but you can shrink it down as needed.

I have diabetes, do I still qualify?

Diabetes does not specifically disqualify you, but it does limit the length of certification. If you have insulin dependent diabetes, you'll need a special waiver as well (see the Forms page).

I am missing a limb, will I still pass?

You will require a SPE before we can proceed with your physical anyway (see the Forms page).

I am on blood pressure medication, is that bad?

As long as you can document the proper use of your prescription over a certain period and can provide the prescribing doctors information, you're in good shape.

I have a history of seizures, fainting, narcolepsy or bipolar disorders should I still spend the money on getting my CDL?

NO. These conditions will make it very difficult or impossible to obtain a medical card.

I can only see out of one eye, is that disqualifying?

You will need a vision waiver (see Forms page)

I have a hearing aid, will I still qualify?

The use of a hearing aid itself is not an automatic disqualifier. You'll just need to prove that you know how to use it, wear it, and have a backup pair of batteries.

I just had a heart attack, when can I get behind the wheel again?

You'll need a letter from your cardiologist clearing you for work and possibly a current stress test. There are specific guidelines that the FMCSA had laid out for Medical Examiners to follow with regards to the type of heart surgery you may have had following your heart attack.

Where are you based out of?

I am based in Burnsville, MN. I've performed DOT physicals for drivers all over the state for various companies, but my main area of focus is around the Twin Cites metro. Savage, Prior Lake, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Shakopee, St Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Edina, St Louis Park, Eden Prairie, even Northfield, Jordan and Belle Plaine

I didn't show up for my appointment, can I make another one?

The short answer is NO. But if you have to come in even after leaving a bad first impression, your only option is to pay a $20 NO SHOW fee. Then call the office to reschedule. Do not attempt to re-book online, it will be rejected. click here to pay the fee.

Will you make me get a sleep study?

Obviously I can't say yes or no without actually seeing you, it depends on a number of factors. What I can say is that I have only had a very small percentage of people that requiried a sleep study.

I have kidney failure and am on dialysis, can I still get my medical card?

NO, dialysis is disqualifying.

We need to get compliant for DOT Drug Testing, can Quality Physicals help?

YES, we offer consortium services, random pools, dot drug tests, non-dot testing, 7 panel, 11 panel along with breath alcohol testing. Perfect for local companies based out of the Twin Cities metro.

What's going on with the new DOT exam forms?

The FMCSA is changing the DOT forms effective Dec 22nd 2015.  To see samples, simply click the links, there is a lot that is changing here.

Exam Form (MER) MCSA-5875
The Results Form (mainly for examiners to submit the results to the FMCSA) MCSA-5850
The Exam Certificate (MEC) MCSA-5876
All of the above forms are SAMPLES ONLY and the FMCSA makes it very clear that any use of these forms prior to 12/22/15 is prohibited!

You'll notice that the "card" is a full sheet of paper!  Unless we are allowed to alter them (and at this point it doesn't seem like it), be prepared to get a full sheet.  Also, the temporary status has been adjusted to 45 days.  Which means if the examiner needs extra information, if that is not received within 45 days, you will have to do a brand new exam.  At this point there does not appear to be a temporary card issued during that time period.  So make sure you allow yourself plenty of time during this changeover period.

What do I need to have with me when I check yes to:
The numbers correspond to the new exam forms under "Driver Health History"
 

1 - Head / Brain Injuries - letter from treating physician stating the injury, treatment and outcome.

2. Seizures - letter from treating physician stating onset date, frequency and treatment.

3. Eye problems (ex - CURRENT diagnosis of glaucoma, cataracts, etc).  Letter from optometrist / ophthalmologist describing condition and treatment.

5. Heart disease - letter from treating physician stating onset date, condition, treatment, medications and results from most recent stress test or ECG.

6. Pacemaker, stents - same as above except for pacemaker, add documented pacemaker checks.

9. Chronic cough, etc - letter from treating physician stating condition, onset date, treatment and restrictions.

13. Diabetes - most recent A1C results (within 3 months of exam).  Poor results (levels above 8.5) will require letter from treating physician stating you are monitored and your diabetes is satisfactorily under control.

14. Anxiety, depression, mental health - letter from treating physician stating condition that you are treated for, onset date, medications, stability and any history of suicidal behavior.

15. Fainting or passing out - letter from treating physician stating onset date, treatment, prognosis, risk for recurrence.

16. Dizziness, headaches, memory loss - letter from treating physician stating onset date, severity, treatment.

18. Stroke - letter from treating physician stating onset date, diagnosis, treatment, residual effects and medications.

22. Blood clots - letter from treating physician stating onset date, diagnosis, medications and most recent INR check if on blood thinners.

23. Cancer - letter from treating physician stating onset date, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, medications and restrictions.

24. Chronic diseases - letter from treating physician stating onset date, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

26. Sleep test - if you have a CPAP, a recent compliance report is required (within the last 6 months), if our clinic does not already have one on file.

 

If we have your information on file from a past exam you may only be required to provide updates for any health conditions that may have changed since your last exam.  For example the DOT requires stress tests every 1 - 2 years depending on your heart health history.

Stay tuned for more FAQ as I have time to add them.