(May 8, 2014) The Department of Transportation released new regulations for drivers of commercial vehicles beginning May 21, 2014. The regulation states that all drivers seeking their medical certificates must get their physical from a DOT certified medical examiner. To continue to serve drivers in our communities, Urgent Team has certified DOT Medical Examiners in all centers, and is one of the largest and fastest growing independent operators of urgent care centers across the Southeast.
To be considered a DOT Medical Examiner, providers must be certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The certification requires Providers to complete a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration approved course and pass a certification exam to earn the title “DOT Medical Examiner.”
“With our extended hours and open 7 days per week in locations in Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas, Urgent Team intends to be as convenient as possible to our communities’ commercial vehicle drivers,” said Tom Dent, Chairman and CEO of Urgent Team. “Our highly experienced and qualified providers are certified professionals and offer friendly and superior care to drivers.”
Another new regulation for DOT Physicals is additional and more stringent testing may be required of certain “at risk” individuals. Some examples of individuals that may need additional testing are those with a history of, or newly diagnosed with Diabetes, Hypertension, respiratory illness and obstructive sleep apnea. Additional testing required may be the financial responsibility of the driver/employee. Drivers should consult with their employer prior to obtaining their physical regarding financial responsibility for additional testing.
A Department of Transportation medical exam involves checking a range of conditions to determine a driver’s medical fitness, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory and muscular functions, vision and hearing. Drivers with high blood pressure controlled by medication or diabetes controlled by their diet can still qualify for a passing grade on their physical.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your local Urgent Team.
ABOUT URGENT TEAM
Urgent Team Walk-in Urgent Care is part of the Urgent Team Family of Urgent Care & Walk-in Centers, one of the Southeast’s largest independent operators of urgent and family care centers. The Urgent Team Family of Centers provides quality and affordable family healthcare at more than 82 locations locations under eight brands: Urgent Team (Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee); Physicians Care Walk-in Clinic (Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee); Huntsville Hospital Urgent Care (North Alabama); Ascension Saint Thomas Urgent Care (middle Tennessee); and Baptist Health Urgent Care, Sherwood Urgent Care and Washington Regional Urgent Care (Arkansas). Urgent Team’s walk-in centers provide a range of healthcare services including treatments for minor injuries and illnesses, occupational health, and primary and wellness care – seven days a week. In addition to walk-ins, patients can plan a same- or next-day visit online with Hold My Spot® or a Telemedicine visit. Urgent Team’s company headquarters are located in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit UrgentTeam.net.