The Who, What, Where, and Why of DOT and Pre-Employment Physicals
DOT (Department of Transportation) Physicals:
Operators of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) are required to undergo a DOT physical every 24 months, according to New Jersey state law. A CMV is defined as any vehicle used to transport passengers, property or products for business use. A DOT physical screens for issues that could impact a driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle over long stretches of time. A DOT physical will assess several health factors and conditions including vision, hearing, reflexes, blood pressure to name a few. During the examination, the medical provider will also review of a driver’s medical history and current medications. Upon successful completion of the exam, the medical provider will issue a Medical Examiner’s Certificate showing that the driver passed and indicating when a renewal is needed. The provider can also issue a certificate for a shorter length of time if they conclude a health condition, like high blood pressure, requires ongoing care.
What to bring to a DOT exam:
- Identification/NJ state license
- Insurance Card (if insured)
- Contact Information for Primary Care Provider
- List of medications and dosage
- Medical Records: including documents of any past surgeries, heart attacks, ongoing medical conditions, etc.
- Eyeglasses, contacts and/or hearing aids if required
- Payment
Pre-Employment Physical Employee Information:
Pre-employment physicals may be required at the discretion of an employer to confirm a candidate’s health and ability to perform the job, particularly with jobs that are physically demanding. Pre-employment exams can help protect employees from work injuries and employers from work-related lawsuits by documenting the individual’s physical abilities prior to employment.
Depending on the physical demands of the job, the physical exam may test weight lifting strength, respiratory fitness, as well as vision and hearing capabilities. The requirements will be determined by the demands of the specific job. If the candidate will primarily perform office work, the physical may resemble a typical annual physical. However, a physically demanding position may require additional testing for their breathing, endurance, strength, heart rate, and more.
What to bring to a pre-employment physical:
- Identification
- Insurance Card
- Information from the new company requesting the physical
- Any forms that need to be completed and signed by the provider
- Information of Primary Care Provider
- List of medications and dosage
- Medical Records
- Eyeglasses, contacts and/or hearing aids if required
Information for Employers:
Pre-employment physicals are not just beneficial to the employee, but to the employer as well. Immediate Care offers employers the opportunity to create a company account for their employees. This allows employers to establish protocols for pre-employment physicals and worker compensation claims, and also synchronize billing and employee health records throughout all of our nine locations. Sending all job candidates and employees to the same medical facility ensures all individuals undergo the same pre-employment physicals.
All nine Immediate Care locations offer DOT exams and pre-employment physicals seven days a week without appointment. Patients can also remotely checking-in via mobile phone, Immediate Care website or onsite kiosk to ensure a fast and convenience experience. Visit immcare.com/locations to find the facility nearest you!
