DOT Physical Exam Clinic in Lilburn, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, Duluth, Clarkston, and Suwanee GA

At Lifeline Primary Care, we understand the importance of keeping our roads safe and ensuring that commercial drivers are healthy and fit for duty. That’s why we offer comprehensive DOT physical exams for commercial vehicle drivers, as required by the Department of Transportation.

Our medical examiners conduct thorough assessments to make sure you meet all DOT health standards. During your DOT physical at our clinic, we will:

• Review your medical history: We’ll discuss any chronic conditions, medications, surgeries, or hospitalizations to get a complete picture of your health.
• Check your vision and hearing: Our exam ensures you meet the minimum vision requirement (20/40 acuity in each eye, with or without corrective lenses), can distinguish colors, and have adequate peripheral vision. Hearing is also assessed to confirm you can perceive a whispered voice from five feet away.
• Conduct a physical examination: We evaluate your vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate, and check your heart, lungs, abdomen, and neurological system for any abnormalities.
• Perform a urinalysis: This test helps us detect underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
• Assess your musculoskeletal system: We check for the physical ability to control a commercial vehicle safely, reviewing any issues like sleep apnea, epilepsy, or mental health disorders that could affect safe driving.

Maintaining your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is crucial for your career and livelihood. That’s why we offer convenient and comprehensive Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams performed by certified medical examiners. Our goal is to ensure you meet all federal requirements to safely operate commercial motor vehicles.

Medical Conditions That May Affect Your DOT Exam

Our experienced providers will carefully evaluate your health and discuss any concerns you may have. Some conditions that may lead to disqualification include:

• Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes, especially if it causes episodes of low blood sugar or requires insulin without adhering to specific DOT guidelines, may disqualify you.
• Vision or Hearing Loss: You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without correction) and have adequate hearing (with or without a hearing aid).
• Seizure Disorders: Conditions such as epilepsy may disqualify you unless you have been seizure-free for a required period and meet DOT criteria.
• Heart and Cardiovascular Conditions: Recent heart attacks, untreated or poorly managed heart failure, and certain irregular heart rhythms are closely evaluated to ensure your safety on the road.
• Respiratory Issues: Chronic conditions such as COPD or untreated sleep apnea may be disqualifying.
• High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can prevent certification.
• Substance Use: Current drug or alcohol use disorders, or a recent history of substance abuse not in remission, are significant disqualifiers.
• Medications: Some medications that impair alertness or reaction time may affect your eligibility, unless their use is medically justified and safe.
• Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: Severe brain injuries, progressive neurological diseases, or psychiatric conditions that impact safe driving are taken into consideration during your exam.

Many conditions are manageable with proper medical supervision, and our team is here to help you understand your options. If you have concerns about a medical condition or medication, our DOT-certified providers will work with you to determine the best course of action.

The exact duration can vary depending on your individual health history and whether any medical concerns require further discussion or additional testing. During your visit, our certified medical examiner will thoroughly review your medical history, check your vital signs, assess your vision and hearing, and perform a comprehensive physical examination to ensure you meet all DOT requirements.

To help your appointment go smoothly, we recommend bringing any necessary paperwork and documentation with you. If you are in good health and your records are complete, your DOT physical may be finished on the shorter end of the timeframe. However, if any medical issues require further evaluation or if additional documentation is needed, your appointment may take a bit longer.

Overall, most patients at Lifeline Primary Care can expect to complete their DOT physical exam within an hour, allowing you to get back on the road quickly and safely.

Yes, many patients successfully pass their DOT physicals while taking medication. The key focus of the DOT exam is to determine whether you are physically and mentally fit to safely operate a commercial vehicle—not simply whether you take medications. At Lifeline Primary Care, our certified medical examiners carefully assess your overall health, your medical conditions, and any potential side effects from your medications that could impact your driving ability.

For the most efficient visit, please bring a complete list of all your medications—this includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and any supplements. Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid conditions, are commonly accepted if your condition is well-managed and you do not experience side effects like drowsiness or slowed reaction time.

Medications That May Require Extra Documentation

Some medications—such as specific pain medications (especially opioids), sleep aids, or certain psychiatric drugs—may raise concerns due to their potential side effects. In these cases, our team at Lifeline Primary Care may ask for a letter from your prescribing provider. This letter should explain your diagnosis, the reason for your medication, how well your condition is controlled, and whether you have any side effects that could affect your driving.

Special Considerations

There are specific federal guidelines for drivers using controlled substances or managing conditions such as epilepsy, insulin-dependent diabetes, or certain mental health conditions. If this applies to you, our staff will inform you about any additional steps or documentation needed to comply with DOT rules.

As long as your condition is stable, your medications do not cause impairing side effects, and you provide the necessary documentation, you can often pass your DOT physical while taking medication. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Lilburn Main GA, Lilburn Extension GA, Lilburn – Snellville GA, Norcross GA, Sandy Springs GA, Stone Mountain GA, Duluth GA, Clarkston GA, Suwanee GA, Tucker GA, Alpharetta GA, Sugar Hill GA, Scottdale GA, Decatur GA, Doraville GA, Dunwoody GA, Roswell GA, Chamblee GA, Redan GA, Gresham Park GA, Johns Creek GA, Buford GA, and surrounding cities.