Who Needs a DOT Medical Card in Florida?
A DOT medical card is a certification required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. It verifies a driver’s physical and mental fitness to operate a commercial vehicle. At PrimeHealth Urgent Care, Dr. Alfonso Espinel, MD, and his team offer a DOT medical card. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve patients in Parrish, Bradenton, Sarasota, Lithia, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Port Charlotte, West Bradenton, and Ellenton, FL.




Table of Contents:
What is a DOT medical card?
Who needs a DOT medical card?
How do I get a DOT medical card?
How long is a DOT medical card valid?
A DOT medical card is a certification issued by a qualified medical examiner that verifies a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver’s physical and mental fitness to operate a commercial vehicle. It is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for all CMV drivers.
PrimeHealth Urgent Care offers DOT medical card examinations conducted by certified medical examiners. We assess a driver’s overall health, including:
• Physical exam: Vision, hearing, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems.
• Urine analysis: For diabetes and other conditions.
PrimeHealth Urgent Care can help with:
• Initial DOT medical card issuance
• DOT medical card renewal
• Health monitoring for drivers with conditions like diabetes
• General health advice and care for CMV drivers
DOT physical exams are necessary for various driving professionals, such as interstate and intrastate CMV drivers, school bus drivers, and others who are subjected to special regulations due to certain medical conditions. Our certified medical examiners will conduct a thorough evaluation, taking into account vision, hearing, blood pressure, and physical abilities, as well as testing for illegal drugs.
A DOT medical card is required for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who:
• Transport hazardous materials
• Drive interstate or intrastate
• Drive school buses
• Operate CMVs designed to carry more than 15 passengers
If you fall into any of these categories, you must obtain a DOT medical card to legally operate a commercial vehicle.
Moreover, we offer guidance to individuals with disabilities or medical conditions that could affect their driving ability. Our team is always ready to provide advice and solutions based on individual health status and needs.
PrimeHealth Urgent Care is well equipped to assist commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in the United States with the process of acquiring a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card. This essential card certifies a driver’s physical and mental fitness to safely operate these vehicles.
Eligibility:
To obtain a DOT medical card, drivers need to meet specific criteria, including age, medical history, and license validity. We can help you understand these prerequisites and assess your eligibility.
Steps to Obtain a DOT Medical Card at PrimeHealth Urgent Care:
• Schedule an Appointment with Our Certified Medical Examiner (CME): Our healthcare professionals are trained to understand the physical and mental demands of operating a commercial vehicle and will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your health status.
• Preparation for Your Appointment: When scheduling your appointment, our team will guide you on the documents you need to bring. This typically includes your driver’s license, a list of current medications, and any pertinent medical records.
• Comprehensive Physical Examination: Our CME will conduct a comprehensive physical examination, assessing your health based on several criteria, including vision and hearing tests, a neurological evaluation, and a urine analysis.
• Health History Questionnaire: During your appointment, you will complete a health history questionnaire. This information helps the CME understand your medical conditions, medications, and driving history better.
• Review and Evaluation: The CME will review your medical records, and based on the physical examination findings, determine your eligibility for a DOT medical card.
• Issuance of the DOT Medical Card: If you meet all the health standards, the CME will issue your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), which is your DOT medical card.
After obtaining your DOT medical card at PrimeHealth Urgent Care, remember to provide a copy to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This finalizes the process of getting your DOT medical card.
Renewal at PrimeHealth Urgent Care:
When your DOT medical card is due for renewal, you can return to PrimeHealth Urgent Care for another comprehensive DOT physical examination. Regular check-ups at our facility can help monitor and manage any health conditions, making it easier to maintain your DOT medical card.
Our medical examiners are well-equipped to conduct comprehensive physical examinations required for the issuance of a DOT medical card. Normally, if there are no adverse findings on the physical examination, we would issue a DOT medical card valid for up to 24 months for drivers under the age of 65. However, if our medical examiners have concerns about a potential medical condition that needs close monitoring, we may issue a card that is valid for a shorter period of 3, 6, or 12 months.
For drivers aged 65 years and older, we typically issue a card valid for one year, irrespective of the physical examination results. In cases where a patient has a stable medical condition that won’t interfere with their duties, a card valid for up to one year may also be issued.
We also understand that certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, may impact the validity of the DOT medical card, necessitating more frequent renewals. We ensure that all DOT requirements, including drug and alcohol testing, are strictly adhered to for the validity of the DOT medical card.
To ensure continuity in your work or related activities, we recommend keeping track of your DOT medical card’s expiration date and scheduling a renewal examination with us promptly.
At PrimeHealth Urgent Care, we are committed to providing you with convenient, efficient, and comprehensive care to keep you healthy and on the road. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. Walk-ins are welcome! We serve patients from Parrish FL, Bradenton FL, Sarasota FL, Lithia FL, Lehigh Acres FL, Estero FL, Ellenton FL, Port Charlotte FL, West Bradenton FL, Palmetto FL, Lakewood Ranch FL, Foxleigh FL, Venice FL, Fruitville FL, Wimauma FL, Balm FL, Fort Myers FL, Westminster FL, El Dorado Acres FL, Cascades FL, West Samoset FL, Memphis FL, Harbour Heights FL, Murdock FL, and surrounding cities.

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