A clinic that offers services for Occupational Medicine in Menifee CA typically provides physical exams for commercial drivers. The Menifee CA Department of Transportation, complying with federal guidelines, requires commercial drivers to pass a physical with specific requirements every two years. Employers may require annual physicals. Drug testing may be performed in this exam if the employer requests this service as well, although the test is not automatically included in a DOT physical in Menifee CA.
This exam ensures that the patient is medically fit for the occupation of commercial driver. The job could be driving a big rig, a dump truck, a public transport bus, or a van bringing military recruits to the processing center. Many other occupations are classified as commercial driving jobs as well. The medical clearance by a doctor is intended to help keep roads safe for everybody.
Examples of Problematic Conditions
Type 1 diabetes, uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes, and uncontrolled high blood pressure are examples of conditions that the DOT considers unsafe for professional drivers. With insulin-controlled diabetes, there is always a slight risk of the driver’s blood sugar becoming too low, causing impaired judgment and other problems.
When a driver is found to have high blood pressure, the DOT issues a three-month medical card instead of the standard two-year version. During that three months, the person is expected to bring the blood pressure back to normal with the help of a doctor from a clinic such as Total Care Family Medical Center. This nearly always involves taking prescription medication.
If a driver’s vision has deteriorated to a level worse than 20/40, this must be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.
The Drug Test
A five-panel drug test in Occupational Medicine in Menifee CA looks for amphetamine and methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiate drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers. It also checks for phencyclidine, commonly called PCP or angel dust. The fifth panel is for tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the active component of marijuana and hashish. Drivers cannot refuse to take the drug screen if the employer requires it or they will not be issued their DOT medical card.
