DOT physicals

gth · May 12, 2007

Not sure what you are looking for but will say giving physicals in a 4 hour time period does not sound like having much time for each if there are very many to be done on that day. You can't be to complete that is for sure. We are required to check hernias so seems to me more time is needed if there is many applicants

TPfan24 · May 12, 2007

GTH, Thanks for your reply. The physicals are scheduled every 15 minutes and I was told between 12 -16 are booked. I am going to this job site to observe and find out more info later this month. How long do you spend on your DOT physicals? I hope as a new grad I can keep up the pace.

gth · May 12, 2007

tried to send you e-mail but could not will give you some help if you wish. Send a private message. George

core0 · May 12, 2007

GTH, Thanks for your reply. The physicals are scheduled every 15 minutes and I was told between 12 -16 are booked. I am going to this job site to observe and find out more info later this month. How long do you spend on your DOT physicals? I hope as a new grad I can keep up the pace.

You can't do a physical in 15 minutes. Anyone tried to tell you different is lying. Even if you have significant experience it will take at least 30 minutes and more like 45 minutes. The comorbidities associated with this are fairly significant and the liability is substantial. Remember that you are essentially giving them approval to drive a weapon that weighs more than 90,000 lbs. You miss something and a bunch of people die (think semi full of gasoline hits a school bus) then you have liability. We are not talking malpractice with caps on pain and suffering, but the real deal. Here are a couple of articles on what is involved from the DOT and FP perspective:

http://www.aafp.org/afp/980800ap/pommer.html

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Medical-Report.pdf

Look at what is involved. If you get a young person with no medical problems and you have ancillary staff that you trust to do the vision and hearing part it might take you 15 minutes. With the typical over the road trucker you really should have 45 minutes.

David Carpenter, PA-C

TPfan24 · May 13, 2007

Thanks for your input, I am beginning to have major reservations about this position. As a new NP working alone how could I do a complete physical in 15 minutes. This job also required a significant amount ot travel. Now I just don't know.

Rhfish2 · May 17, 2007

DOT physicals are pretty straight forward and quick. They do average only about 15 minutes each once you learn to do them. They are not a "physical" per say. Much of the physical is hx related.

TPfan24 · May 17, 2007

Thanks for all your responses. I am going to the job site on Mon. to observe and speak with the present NP. I have the DOT paperwork also. I'll get back to you on my observations.

cgfnp · May 20, 2007

Thanks for all your responses. I am going to the job site on Mon. to observe and speak with the present NP. I have the DOT paperwork also. I'll get back to you on my observations.

I wouldn't do it. You'll be bored out of your mind. It takes me 30 seconds to do one. I don't care what anyone says about checking their whatever. You can look at their history in a few seconds, and if you check for hernias, tendon reflexes, and DRE, you're wasting your time. They just want their license so they can make a living. If they have high bp, just get them on the meds and shorten the license. I'm telling you, it's easy enough you'll do two weeks of them and be ready to quit medicine altogether. I'd do it all day, every day... for $500,000 a year. And you think I'm doing something awful... the docs I work with didn't even know what monocular vision meant before I came. Can't get around that one... but otherwise give them their license and tell them to see their regular doctor if you see anything out of the ordinary.

TPfan24 · May 21, 2007

Hi everyone, well I went to the bus station to observe DOT physicals and become familiar with the criteria/ papperwork. It took me about 20 minutes to do the H&P. The people do not get undressed. It was an interesting day since while most passed some did not due to vision, hearing or untreated B/P. This would be once a week or even once every other week over the summer. I am considering this since I have other jobs in the works. I am just glad to be working as an NP finally after getting my license in Dec. I do feel what I"d like to do is work part time in adult health in an office setting.

This is another thread but I having difficulty leaving my long time job as an RN in assisted living. They need staffing so badly. How do I say good bye? I have fun at that job also. I have major career decisions to make.