DOT Physical
Precision Chiropractic Services understands the importance that maintaining or acquiring a CDL medical card has upon a driver’s ability to earn a living. Dr. Josh worked for Pepsi as a delivery driver, so he is familiar with the process from both the driver’s perspective and the medical examiner’s perspective. You’ll be treated fairly in our office.
Certified Medical Examiner (CME) Status | DOT Physical
Dr. Joshua Burnham is registered in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) to perform CDL physical exams for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Getting Started | DOT Physical
The process of getting your CDL medical card begins with scheduling your appointment. Our team will find a time that is convenient for you that fits nicely into your busy schedule. When you arrive at our chiropractic clinic we will have you fill out baseline forms. These include a driver intake form, the Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA-5875), and the CMV Driver Medication Form (MCSA-5895). Call us at the number below.
Semi-Trailer Truck Parking Areas | DOT Physical
There are a number of locations near our office that are convenient for you to park your truck while we do your driver medical exam. Hyperlinks to Google Maps have been added for your convenience.
- The Maple Creek shopping center, where Precision Chiropractic Services is located, usually has open parking space available on the east side of the building. Please do not park behind the building on the south side.
- Drivers have used the Lowes Home Improvement parking lot to the north of our clinic which is just across the frontage road.
- There is a small truck driver rest area just south of the Owatonna Walmart, which is under half of a mile east of our clinic.
Preexisting Medical Conditions | DOT Physical
Dr. Josh is aware that many drivers will be actively diagnosed with medical conditions. It is important that you bring your most recent and relevant medical records, test results, and doctor letters with you to your DOT physical exam. The most important conditions to prepare for in advance are cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure), diabetes, epilepsy, physical impairment, hearing issues, and vision issues.
Urine Collection | DOT Physical
There is a urine collection component of your DOT physical. THIS IS NOT A URINE SAMPLE FOR DRUG TESTING. Please make sure to drink plenty of water prior to your scheduled appointment so that you can readily provide a sample for urinalysis. The urine sample measures blood, glucose, protein, and specific gravity.
The Exam | DOT Physical
The DOT medical exam is a straight forward assessment to determine your medical fitness for duty. The basic question we need to answer is: are you safe to drive a commercial motor vehicle? We take safety very seriously as all of our families are traveling on the roads alongside professional drivers. Keeping the public and truck drivers safe on the road is our #1 priority. Your exam will consist of:
- Driver health history
- Vitals: pulse rat and rhythm, height, weight
- Blood pressure
- Urinalysis
- Vision
- Hearing
- Physical examination: general, skin, eyes, ears, mouth/throat, cardiovascular, lungs/chest, abdomen, genito-urinary system including hernias, back/spine, extremities/joints, neurological system including reflexes, gait, vascular system
Overcoming White Coat Syndrome | DOT Physical
Dr. Josh is aware that some individuals have an uncontrollable reaction to doctors which causes stress. One of the most common side effects of White Coat Syndrome is elevated blood pressure. Please tell the doctor if you have a history of White Coat Syndrome. A second blood pressure reading is always taken at the end of your exam if your first reading was elevated, which gives you time to acclimate to the doctor and our office.
Seven Tips To Lower Your Blood Pressure | DOT Physical
- Drink plenty of water prior to your appointment
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before
- Avoid watching or listening to stressful media or news
- Reduce your intake of salt up to a week before your exam
- Do not drink caffeine within 18 hours of your exam time
- Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques
- Limit your conversations with stressful relations
Your DOT Medical Card | DOT Physical
Precision Chiropractic Services will issue your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) Form (MCSA-5876) to you upon completion with a passing result of your DOT physical. Your CDL medical card is easily folded and will fit nicely in your wallet.
Payment | DOT Physical
If you are paying for your own DOT physical exam, then payment in full will be collected prior to beginning your exam. EXAMS BEING PAID BY INDIVIDUALS CANNOT BE STARTED IN OUR OFFICE WITHOUT FULL PAYMENT BEING RECEIVED FIRST. Employers are welcome to pay for their employee’s DOT exams after the employee’s physical has been completed.
Becoming A New Patient
DOT exams do not create a doctor-patient relationship. They are an administrative service and are not considered to be healthcare. They are not billable to major medical. If you would like to become a patient at Precision Chiropractic Services, then you must be scheduled for your free consultation at a separate time, which can be immediately after your DOT physical appointment time. Becoming a chiropractic patient will involve a separate examination, but some of the information from the DOT exam can carry over into your chiropractic exam. Our new patient process is designed to make getting started with chiropractic adjustments in our office easy.