DOT Physicals in Ortonville, MN
DOT Medical Exams for Commercial Drivers
Need a DOT physical in Ortonville, Minnesota?
Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center provides DOT physical examinations for commercial drivers.
Dr. Chance Haugen is listed as a Certified Medical Examiner in the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) and performs commercial driver medical examinations in accordance with applicable federal requirements.
A DOT physical helps determine whether a commercial driver meets the applicable federal medical qualification standards to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
What Is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a Department of Transportation medical examination required for certain commercial drivers.
The examination evaluates areas of health and function that can affect a driver's ability to safely perform commercial driving duties.
The medical examiner reviews the driver's medical history and performs the required examination.
Depending on the driver's medical history and examination findings, additional information or documentation may sometimes be needed.
DOT Physicals in Ortonville
Big Stone Chiropractic provides DOT physicals for commercial drivers in Ortonville and surrounding communities, including drivers traveling from the rural areas of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota.
The goal is to make the examination process straightforward while completing the required medical evaluation.
Call 320-487-1010 to schedule a DOT physical.
What Happens During a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical includes a medical history review and physical examination.
The medical examiner may review information such as:
Medical conditions
Medications
Previous surgeries
Prior injuries
Current symptoms
Vision
Hearing
Blood pressure
Pulse
Other required health measurements
The examination is performed according to the applicable FMCSA medical examination requirements.
What Should I Bring to a DOT Physical?
Being prepared can make the examination easier.
Drivers should bring:
Driver's License or Identification
Bring appropriate identification for the examination.
List of Current Medications
Bring a current list of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including dosages when possible.
Medical Information
If there are medical conditions that require ongoing treatment, bring relevant medical information or documentation when appropriate.
Glasses or Contact Lenses
If corrective lenses are used for driving, bring them to the examination.
Hearing Aids
If hearing aids are used, bring them and make sure they are available for the examination.
Medical Examiner Forms
Complete any driver medical history information requested before the examination.
What Can Cause a Delay in DOT Certification?
Sometimes the medical examiner needs additional information before making a final certification decision.
Examples may include:
Missing medical records
Incomplete medical history
Unclear medication information
Certain medical conditions
Abnormal examination findings
Need for documentation from a treating healthcare provider
This does not necessarily mean a driver cannot be certified.
In some situations, additional information is needed before the medical examiner can make the appropriate determination.
DOT Physicals and Medical Conditions
Commercial drivers may have medical conditions that require additional consideration during a DOT examination.
Examples can include:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart conditions
Sleep disorders
Neurological conditions
Vision problems
Hearing problems
Musculoskeletal conditions
Respiratory conditions
The medical examiner considers the applicable FMCSA requirements and the individual driver's medical information.
Drivers should provide complete and accurate medical information.
Diabetes and DOT Physicals
Diabetes does not automatically mean a commercial driver cannot be certified.
However, diabetes management and treatment can be relevant to the medical certification process.
Drivers with diabetes should bring appropriate medical information and medication details to the examination.
If additional documentation is needed, obtaining it before the appointment may help prevent delays.
High Blood Pressure and DOT Physicals
Blood pressure is evaluated during a DOT physical.
Blood pressure findings can affect the certification process depending on the circumstances and applicable FMCSA standards.
Drivers with hypertension should bring an accurate medication list and relevant medical information.
Sleep Apnea and DOT Physicals
Sleep disorders can be relevant to commercial driver safety because excessive daytime sleepiness can affect alertness and driving performance.
If a driver has been diagnosed with sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, bring relevant documentation and treatment information to the examination.
Vision Requirements
Vision is an important component of commercial driver medical qualification.
The examination includes vision testing according to the applicable requirements.
Drivers who normally use glasses or contact lenses should bring them to the appointment.
Hearing Requirements
Hearing is also evaluated as part of the DOT physical.
If hearing aids are used, bring them to the examination.
What If Additional Medical Information Is Needed?
Sometimes a medical examiner needs additional information before determining whether a driver meets the applicable medical qualification requirements.
For example, the examiner may need:
A medical specialist's report
Medication information
Treatment records
Testing results
Documentation regarding a medical condition
Other supporting information
Providing requested information promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
DOT medical certification requirements depend on the type of commercial driving being performed and the applicable federal and state requirements.
Not every person who drives a vehicle for work necessarily requires a DOT medical examination.
Drivers should determine whether the regulations applicable to their particular commercial driving activity require medical certification.
How Long Is a DOT Medical Certificate Valid?
The length of medical certification depends on the driver's medical circumstances and the determination made by the certified medical examiner.
Some drivers may receive a certificate for the maximum allowable period, while others may receive a shorter certification period when follow-up or monitoring is required.
The medical examiner will explain the certification period and any restrictions or follow-up requirements.
What Happens After the DOT Physical?
After completing the examination, the certified medical examiner determines the appropriate medical certification outcome based on the applicable requirements and examination findings.
The result may include certification for an applicable period or a determination that additional information is needed.
The medical examiner also completes the required documentation and reporting associated with the examination.
Meet Dr. Chance Haugen
Dr. Chance Haugen is a chiropractor and FMCSA National Registry Certified Medical Examiner serving commercial drivers in the Ortonville area.
He earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2009 and has more than 16 years of experience in healthcare.
In addition to chiropractic care, Dr. Haugen has training and clinical interests in:
DOT medical examinations
Joint and muscle injuries
ARPwave Neuro Therapy
Nutrition
Functional medicine
Pediatric chiropractic care
Pregnancy-focused chiropractic care
National Registry Number
3996742340
Certification Date
01/28/2020
DOT Physicals Near Milbank, SD
Commercial drivers from Milbank, South Dakota and surrounding communities may also travel to Big Stone Chiropractic for DOT medical examinations.
If the Ortonville location is more convenient, contact the office to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About DOT Physicals
Where can I get a DOT physical in Ortonville, MN?
Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center provides DOT physical examinations in Ortonville. Dr. Chance Haugen is an FMCSA National Registry Certified Medical Examiner.
Is Dr. Chance Haugen a certified DOT medical examiner?
Yes. Dr. Haugen is listed as a Certified Medical Examiner in the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
What should I bring to my DOT physical?
Bring identification, a list of current medications, glasses or contact lenses if used, hearing aids if used, and relevant medical information or documentation.
How long does a DOT physical take?
The amount of time varies depending on the individual and whether additional medical information is needed. Allow enough time to complete the medical history and examination without rushing.
Can I get a DOT physical if I have high blood pressure?
High blood pressure does not automatically mean a driver cannot be certified. Blood pressure is evaluated as part of the examination, and the certification decision is based on the applicable medical requirements and individual circumstances.
Can I get a DOT physical if I have diabetes?
Diabetes does not automatically prevent medical certification. Diabetes treatment and management may be relevant to the examination, and additional documentation may sometimes be needed.
What if I wear glasses?
Bring glasses or contact lenses to the examination if they are normally used for driving.
What if I use a hearing aid?
Bring hearing aids to the examination if they are normally used.
Do I need a DOT physical if I only occasionally drive for work?
It depends on the type of commercial driving and the applicable federal and state requirements. Drivers should determine whether their particular driving activity requires DOT medical certification.
How do I schedule a DOT physical?
Call 320-487-1010 or use the online appointment scheduling system.
Schedule a DOT Physical in Ortonville
If a DOT medical examination is needed, Big Stone Chiropractic can provide the required examination through an FMCSA National Registry Certified Medical Examiner.
Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center
Ortonville, Minnesota