Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about how a mobile DOT physical works? We’ve got answers. To help you get ready for your appointment and know exactly what to expect, we’ve gathered the most common questions San Antonio drivers ask us below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out!
Payment
Do you accept insurance, or is it cash/card only? (Contact us for pricing)
We do not accept health insurance for DOT physicals. We accept all major credit/debit cards or cash payments at the time of your appointment.
Preparation
What Should I Bring to My DOT Physical?
Bring your driver license, medication list, glasses or contacts, hearing aids if used, CPAP compliance reports, and any documentation from treating specialists. Having complete records available at the time of the exam can help prevent delays, repeat visits, or a Determination Pending status.
Blood Pressure
Will High Blood Pressure Cause Me to Fail?
Not necessarily. Drivers with blood pressure of 139/89 or lower are generally eligible for a 2-year certification if no other concerns are identified. Drivers taking blood pressure medication are commonly eligible for a 1-year certification when their condition is well controlled. Elevated blood pressure may result in a shorter certification (6-months, 3-months, 45 days) period until blood pressure is stabilized.
Diabetes
Can I Pass a DOT Physical if I Have Diabetes?
Yes. Diabetes is not an automatic disqualifier. Drivers who use insulin may qualify when they provide a completed FMCSA Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form MCSA-5870 completed by their treating healthcare provider. The examiner will review the form along with the driver’s overall diabetes management. A current Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) result is recommended for drivers with diabetes. If glycosuria (glucose in the urine) is identified during the examination and a recent A1c result is not available, the examiner may place the examination in Determination Pending status until the laboratory result is provided.
.
Sleep Apnea
Can Sleep Apnea Affect My DOT Medical Card?
Yes. Drivers diagnosed with sleep apnea are often certified when treatment is effective. CPAP compliance of at least 70 percent, averaging 4 or more hours of use per night for at least 90 days, is generally sufficient for annual certification. Bringing a current compliance report is required. Failure to provide acceptable CPAP compliance documentation may result in a Determination Pending status or disqualification until compliance can be verified.
Medications
What Medications Could Affect My Certification?
The medical examiner reviews all medications to determine whether they could interfere with safe driving. Controlled substances and medications that cause drowsiness, slowed reaction times, or increased alertness may require documentation from the prescribing provider stating the medication is stable and does not impair safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
Drug Testing
Will the DOT Physical Include a Drug Test?
No. The urine sample collected during the physical is used to screen for certain medical conditions. Employer-required DOT drug testing is a separate process from a DOT physical.
Heart Health
Can I Pass if I Have a Heart Condition?
Yes. Many drivers with heart conditions remain medically qualified. Depending on the condition, the examiner may request cardiology records, testing results, or a clearance letter to verify that the condition is stable and does not create an increased risk while driving.
Certification Process
What Happens if I Do Not Pass My DOT Physical?
The examiner may place the examination into Determination Pending status while additional records, testing, or treatment are obtained. Many drivers are later certified after addressing the underlying concern and providing the necessary documentation. In some situations, a driver may become eligible for a full-term certificate after successful treatment and follow-up.
Efficiency
How Can I Improve My Chances of Passing?
Be prepared. Bring CPAP reports, specialist clearance letters, recent lab results (A1C), and any required FMCSA forms such as the Vision Evaluation Report FMCSA Form MCSA-5871 and the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form MCSA-5870. Preparation helps avoid delays and unnecessary return appointments.
Mental Health
Mental Health: Can I Get a DOT Medical Card with Anxiety?
Yes. Feeling nervous during a DOT Physical is common. However, if anxiety or "white coat syndrome" appears to significantly affect examination findings (elevated blood pressure) to exceed FMCSA standards, the medical examiner may issue a Determination Pending status and request additional documentation from the treating provider. This may include a letter documenting the driver's usual blood pressure readings in the provider's office, current treatment plan, and any relevant medical history before a final certification decision is made.
Recovery
Can I Pass a DOT Physical After a Heart Attack?
Yes. Many drivers successfully return to commercial driving after recovery. Certification depends on factors such as treatment compliance, testing results, recovery status, and cardiology clearance.
Medical Standards
What Medical Conditions Can Prevent Me from Getting Certified?
Examples include use of an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD), certain seizure disorders that do not meet FMCSA requirements, untreated severe sleep apnea, and medical conditions that present a risk of sudden incapacitation. Every case is reviewed individually based on available medical evidence and FMCSA guidance.
Certification Duration
Why Did I Only Receive a 1-Year DOT Medical Card Instead of a 2-Year Card?
Receiving a 1-year medical certificate instead of a 2-year certificate does not necessarily mean there is a serious health concern. Medical examiners may issue shorter certification periods when periodic monitoring is appropriate, such as for treated high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or certain cardiac conditions, provided the remainder of the examination meets FMCSA medical standards.
Vision
Can I Pass a DOT Physical If I Am Blind in One Eye?
Yes. Drivers with monocular vision may qualify if they meet FMCSA vision standards. A completed Vision Evaluation Report (MCSA-5871) from an ophthalmologist or optometrist must be provided prior to the examination for review by the medical examiner.
Urinalysis
What Happens if My Urinalysis Results Are Abnormal?
The urine sample collected during a DOT Physical helps identify potential medical concerns and is not a drug test. Findings such as protein, glucose (sugar), blood, or abnormal specific gravity may require additional evaluation. Depending on the findings, the medical examiner may issue a shorter certification period (6-months/3-months), place the examination in Determination Pending (45 days) status, or, in some cases, determine that the driver is not medically qualified until the condition has been evaluated or treated. Note: If glucose is detected in the urine, drivers may be asked to provide a recent Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) result before a final certification decision is made. Drivers taking SGLT2 inhibitors (meds with the suffix -flozin) may have glucose present in their urine as an expected effect of the medication. Inform your medical examiner if you are taking one of these medications.
Process
How long does a mobile DOT physical take from start to finish?
A typical mobile physical takes about 35 minutes to an hour. Because we come straight to your location, you don’t have to worry about travel or waiting rooms we get you taken care of efficiently so you can get right back to your day.
Service Area
Do you travel outside of San Antonio, and is there an extra fee for mileage?
We proudly service the greater San Antonio area and travel up to 35 miles from downtown San Antonio to meet you.