Easy, Quick Exams From Dr. Ziegler
A variety of healthcare providers can obtain the necessary licensing to perform DOT physicals in most states, including chiropractors. These professionals must become Certified Medical Examiners and hold a place in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners before performing such physicals. Dr. Ziegler at Ziegler Chiropractic Clinic has the necessary credentials and skills to perform this exam.
A chiropractic DOT physical takes only a matter of minutes. Please don't drink or use tobacco for at least half an hour before your exam, as these substances may affect exam results. Bring as much documentation of your current medical status (including lists of medications) to our chiropractic office. We will check vital signs, run a urinalysis, and check your vision and hearing. Dr. Ziegler will give you a copy of the necessary information while keeping another copy on file at our clinic.
What Should I Expect During My CDL Medical Exam?
Your DOT physical will start by completing the 4 page MCSA Form 5875. You will fill out pages 1 and 2 entirely, and the top part of pages 2, 3, and 4. Be sure to include any medications and surgeries on page 1! We’ll ask you questions about your health, any medications you’re taking, if you’ve experienced any new health conditions, etc. since your last CDL exam. Then, we’ll begin our physical examination, which will including checking vitals, performing a vision test and hearing l exam, and conducting a urinalysis. The whole process should take approximately 25 to 45 minutes to complete. Exams with no additional testing are shorter.
A word about high blood pressure: The "White Coat Syndrome" is recognized; usually the upper number is raised, due to the driver's anxiety. The lower number usually remains within normal limits. Your are allowed to have 3 blood pressure checks. Most of the time, the upper number lowers to an acceptable range. However, people with high upper and lower numbers are symptoms of a more serious condition, requiring more monitoring and in some cases immediate referrals to specialists or hospitals.
The urinalysis portion follows more extensive immediate testing, usually because of glucose. A drop of blood is produced for glucose testing. If blood sugar is higher than acceptable limits, an immediate referral is also warranted. Please note that drivers are required to disclose all known health conditions as part of your appointment. Failing to disclose health conditions can result in disqualification for a DOT medical card as well as fines.
What Happens After My DOT Physical Appointment?
After you’ve completed your DOT physical, Dr. Ziegler will complete his assessment and then submit the necessary documentation through the FMSCA webpage. We will provide you with a copy of the results and complete a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA 5876, and a smaller copy that is your CDL medical card. You, the driver, must take your MCSA 5875 and MCSA5876 to your state's DOT. They will scan the information they need and return your forms to you. Your CDL medical card is usually valid for up to 24 months, unless it is determined that you have a condition that requires monitoring.
What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
You should arrive to your appointment with a valid driver’s license, a list of any current medications, a list of any allergies you may have, and your health history. If you wear glasses, please bring them. If you have any completed medical exemptions or other test paperwork, please bring this also.
Bring with you
- Drivers License or other Photo I.D. card, passport etc...
- Medical Records/Prescriptions/Medication Bottles
- Clearance letter to commercially drive from Cardiologist, if you have had a heart attack or heart bypass surgery. Bring documentation of a properly functioning pacemaker, if you have one.
- Copies of previous blood pressure reading or statements from your Primary Care Doctor, if you have issues with your blood pressure (e.g. white coat syndrome).
- CPAP Report (at least 3 months of data), if you're on CPAP machine.
- Clearance letter to drive, if you take a scheduled narcotic or amphetamine for any reason (e.g. ADHD, anxiety, depression, weight loss, etc.).
How Much Does a CDL Medical Exam Cost?
Ziegler Chiropractic Clinic offers DOT physicals, including all of the necessary documentation and filing, for $120. My office accepts cash, Zelle, a pre agreed upon company check, or Federal postal order.
What is the difference of a CDL license and a CDL medical card?
You need a CDL medical card, regardless if you are going for CDL License. Here is the exact regulations:
A CDL license is required to operate any vehicle over 26,000 pounds.Think 18 wheeler Tractor Trailer! Anything below that weight, but over 10,000 pounds is a Non Licensed CDL medical card. Think of a dump truck, box truck, or tow truck. School bus drivers: Pa has a seperate form for School bus drivers. They are required to be examined once a year; they are issued a CDL card as well as their special bus driver card. I have issued many CDL medical cards for a new industry: Non bus children's transportation to and from grade school! When in doubt, feel free to call my office!
Can I only be seen with a Pennsylvania Drivers' License?
No. Ziegler Chiropractic Clinic accepts all 50 states driver's licenses, and Mexican drivers' licenses. You do not need a driver's license only in Pa. in order to get your CDL card. Any state is valid, when getting examined in m office. If you are just passing through this state, no problem!
Don't forget this important procedure for keeping you on the road. Contact our chiropractic clinic today (610) 432-4401 to schedule a DOT physical.
