Welcome to Homer Family Chiropractor
Dr. Merati brings DOT compliance to you
What Sets Us Apart
Schedule onsite, bulk physicals for your entire fleet.
Flexible appointments: early mornings, evenings, weekends.
Minimize downtime—drivers never leave your location.
Streamlined paperwork and compliance for your whole team.
🛻 What Is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a medical exam required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Its purpose is to make sure commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are medically safe to operate large vehicles without putting themselves or others at risk.
You must pass a DOT physical to:
- Get or keep a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Drive commercial vehicles such as:
- Tractor-trailers
- Box trucks
- Buses
- Hazmat vehicles
- Some company vans (depending on weight/use)
📋 What the DOT Physical Includes (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Medical History Review
You’ll fill out a detailed health questionnaire that asks about:
- Heart conditions (heart attack, stents, murmurs)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Stroke or TIA
- Sleep apnea
- Lung disease (asthma, COPD)
- Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression)
- Surgeries
- Medications (prescription, OTC, supplements)
- Drug or alcohol history
⚠️ Important: Lying or leaving things out can invalidate your medical card later.
2️⃣ Vital Signs Check
The examiner will measure:
- Blood Pressure (Ideal: Below 140/90)
- Heart Rate
- Height & Weight (Used to calculate BMI)
3️⃣ Vision Test 👀
You must meet DOT vision standards:
- 20/40 vision or better in EACH eye
- Peripheral vision of at least 70 degrees
- Ability to distinguish red, green, and amber colors
👓 Glasses or contacts are allowed but will be listed requirement on your card.
4️⃣ Hearing Test 👂
You must be able to:
- Hear a forced whisper from 5 feet away, OR
- Pass an audiometer hearing test
Hearing aids are allowed but may be required while driving.
5️⃣ Urinalysis (NOT a drug test)
This checks for:
- Diabetes (glucose)
- Kidney disease (protein)
- Hydration levels
- Possible infections
🚫 This is not a drug or alcohol test.
7️⃣ Sleep Apnea Screening 😴
You may be evaluated based on:
- Neck size, BMI, Blood pressure
- Daytime sleepiness, Snoring history
If sleep apnea is suspected, you may need:
- A sleep study
- Proof of CPAP compliance
6️⃣ Physical Examination (Head-to-Toe)
The examiner checks:
Head & Neck: Eyes, ears, nose, throat, Neck mobility
Heart & Lungs: Heart rhythm, Abnormal sounds, Lung function
Musculoskeletal: Spine, shoulders, hips, Arms, hands, grip strength, legs, knees, ankles
Abdomen: Hernias (very important for CDL drivers)
Neurological: Reflexes, Balance, Coordination, Signs of nerve damage
8️⃣ Medication Review 💊
The provider will verify Medication names, dosages, side effects, and alertness impact.
- ⚠️ Some meds require clearance letters:
- Anxiety, ADHD, Pain, Sleep aids
⏱ How Long Does the Exam Take?
- Typically 30–45 minutes
- Results are usually same day
📄 DOT Medical Card Results
After the exam, you’ll receive one of these outcomes:
- ✅ 2-Year Medical Card: Healthy, no concerning conditions
- ⚠️ 1-Year or Shorter: Reasons include high blood pressure, diabetes, or apnea monitoring.
- ❌ Disqualified: Reasons include uncontrolled seizures, vision below standards, or substance abuse.
Why Fleets Choose Us
We Travel to You
Bulk, onsite exams for your drivers at your facility.
Flexible Scheduling
Early mornings, evenings, and weekends to minimize downtime.
Simple Compliance
Certified staff, clear paperwork, and easy invoicing for your whole team.
Professional Care
Trusted by local fleets and businesses for premium wellness service.
Everything You Need to Know
Who needs a DOT physical?
Commercial drivers who operate vehicles with a gross weight of over 10,001 lbs or transport hazardous materials are federally mandated to pass a physical exam every two years to ensure road safety.
What paperwork do I need?
Please bring a valid driver's license, a complete list of current medications (including dosage), and any corrective lenses or hearing devices used during driving to ensure a smooth certification process.
How long does it take?
Our streamlined onsite exams typically take 30 to 45 minutes per driver, including the full physical examination and all necessary paperwork completion.
Can you do drug testing at the same time?
Yes, we offer DOT-compliant drug testing as an optional add-on service. This allows your entire fleet to maintain compliance in one visit.
What if a driver doesn’t pass?
If a driver fails to meet requirements, we provide clear documentation on necessary medical follow-ups. We can re-examine and certify once those requirements are fulfilled.