What Happens If I Don't Pass a DOT Physical?

Bethel Family Medicine Blog What Happens If I Don't Pass a DOT Physical?
What Happens If I Don't Pass a DOT Physical?

If you suffer from a condition or suspect that you’re suffering from something that may interfere with your ability to pass your DOT physical examination, you’re not alone. A health issue is not a disqualifier in itself, as long as the issue is well-managed. 

Our experts at Bethel Family Medicine understand how stressful it can be for some people to be at risk of losing their job due to health issues. However, with proper management, most people can pass a DOT physical, even after failing the first physical. Read on to find out how you can pass yours.

Ways you can increase your chances of passing a DOT physical 

Although not everyone is a good candidate to become a commercial driver, you can increase your chances of passing the examination in a few ways.

Seek a second opinion

If you already failed a physical, you’re allowed to get a second opinion. Sometimes, you can fail the DOT physical due to a judgment decision. 

For example, one medical provider may fail you if your blood sugars are borderline high, but another medical provider might pass you if you now have better management of your blood sugar readings due to changes in lifestyle and medications. 

Get your chronic conditions under control 

Many drivers are worried about their ability to drive if they suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. 

While these conditions are not disqualifiers, what might determine whether or not you’re disqualified is how well-managed these conditions are. This means you’ll have to work with a medical provider to get your symptoms under control so that you’ll get the best results possible. 

Don’t lie on your DOT physical

If you’ve already failed a DOT physical, you may feel tempted to make a few tweaks to the description of your medical history. However, lying is considered fraud, and you can receive a hefty fine for it, along with being disqualified to drive a commercial vehicle. 

In most cases, being honest with your provider will open far more doors. They’ll look at your medical history and prescribe lifestyle changes and medication that can have a positive impact on your health. 

Get your DOT physical with us 

The purpose of the DOT physical is to keep you and those around you safe as you drive. If you want an empathetic team on your side during your examination, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our experts will do their best to ensure you’re in the best shape possible and able to pass the physical. 

If you are already a patient of ours, our team at Bethel Family Medicine in Brockton, MA, to schedule your DOT physical today. As it stands, our practice only provides DOT physicals to patients of our practice. 

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