TL;DR
Dr. Jedidiah Oldham, DO performs DOT physicals at 972 N 600 E in Spanish Fork for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who need a valid medical examiner’s certificate. The exam follows FMCSA guidelines and covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, urinalysis, and a full physical. Most DOT physicals are completed in 30 to 45 minutes with the certificate issued the same day. Call (385) 265-6060 to schedule.
What Is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a medical examination required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for anyone who operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate or intrastate commerce. The exam confirms that the driver meets minimum physical standards for vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness, and neurological function, and it results in a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) that is valid for up to 24 months. Dr. Oldham performs DOT physicals at the Spanish Fork office as a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry, which means the certificate he issues is recognized nationwide. The exam follows a standardized protocol that every FMCSA-registered examiner must complete, and Dr. Oldham finishes most DOT physicals in 30 to 45 minutes with the certificate ready before the driver leaves.
CDL holders, bus drivers, and operators of vehicles over 10,001 pounds or carrying hazardous materials all need a current DOT physical. Dr. Oldham sees drivers from Spanish Fork, Payson, Salem, Mapleton, Springville, and across Utah County.
What Does Dr. Oldham Check During a DOT Physical?
Dr. Oldham follows the FMCSA-mandated examination protocol, which covers every body system that could affect safe vehicle operation. The exam includes visual acuity testing (minimum 20/40 in each eye with or without correction), hearing assessment (forced whisper test at five feet or audiometry), blood pressure measurement (must be below 140/90 for a two-year certificate), urinalysis for glucose and protein (screens for undiagnosed diabetes and kidney disease), and a full physical exam covering heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, extremities, and neurological function. Dr. Oldham documents findings on the FMCSA-required examination form (MCSA-5875) and issues the medical certificate (MCSA-5876) at the end of the visit if all standards are met.
| System | FMCSA standard | What Dr. Oldham checks |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 20/40 each eye, with or without correction | Snellen chart, color vision |
| Hearing | Perceive forced whisper at 5 feet | Whisper test or audiometry |
| Blood pressure | Below 140/90 for 2-year cert | Office BP measurement |
| Urinalysis | No undiagnosed diabetes or kidney disease | Dipstick for glucose and protein |
| Cardiovascular | No condition likely to cause sudden incapacitation | Heart auscultation, pulse, history |
| Neurological | No seizure history (unless waiver), no loss of consciousness | Reflexes, coordination, gait |
| Musculoskeletal | Sufficient function to operate CMV safely | Range of motion, grip strength, spinal exam |
What Should You Bring to a DOT Physical?
Dr. Oldham recommends bringing your current driver’s license, a list of all medications (including over-the-counter supplements), the name and contact information of any specialists you see, and records for any medical conditions that require documentation. Drivers with insulin-treated diabetes need an Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM) exemption form and a letter from their treating physician. Drivers with a history of sleep apnea should bring CPAP compliance data (most machines store 30-90 days of usage). Drivers who wear corrective lenses or hearing aids should bring them to the appointment. Having these documents ready prevents a second visit and keeps the certificate on track for same-day issuance.
Dr. Oldham’s front desk confirms what documentation is needed when you schedule, so there are no surprises on exam day.
What Happens if Dr. Oldham Finds a Problem During the DOT Exam?
If a finding falls outside FMCSA standards, Dr. Oldham explains the issue, the regulatory requirement, and the pathway to certification. Some conditions result in a shorter certificate duration instead of a disqualification: blood pressure between 140/90 and 159/99 qualifies for a one-year certificate instead of two, and the driver is advised to bring the pressure below 140/90 before the next renewal. Conditions that require additional documentation, such as diabetes requiring insulin, a history of cardiac surgery, or treated sleep apnea, may result in a temporary hold on the certificate while the required medical records are gathered. Dr. Oldham works with the driver to obtain clearance letters or waiver applications from the appropriate specialists and issues the certificate as soon as the regulatory requirements are met.
Dr. Oldham also manages common DOT roadblocks as the driver’s primary care physician: if a driver’s blood pressure is borderline, Dr. Oldham can start or adjust blood pressure medication and recheck in two to four weeks before the DOT exam, preventing a shortened certificate.
How Often Do Commercial Drivers Need a DOT Physical?
The FMCSA requires a DOT physical every 24 months for drivers who meet all standards without conditions. Drivers with certain conditions (blood pressure 140-159/90-99, treated diabetes, monocular vision with a waiver) receive certificates valid for 12 months or less and must recertify more frequently. Dr. Oldham advises drivers to schedule their DOT physical at least 30 days before the current certificate expires, which allows time to address any findings that need follow-up without creating a gap in certification that would pull the driver off the road.
Dr. Oldham tracks DOT certification dates for his regular patients and sends a reminder when renewal is approaching, so drivers don’t miss the window and face downtime.
Can Dr. Oldham Also Serve as Your Primary Care Physician?
Dr. Oldham performs DOT physicals as one part of a full-scope family medicine practice, which means commercial drivers can also establish Dr. Oldham as their primary care physician. That dual relationship benefits drivers because the same physician managing their blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea is the one performing the DOT exam, and there’s no gap in communication between the treating physician and the medical examiner. Drivers who manage a chronic condition through Dr. Oldham’s office arrive at their DOT renewal with their condition already documented and controlled, which simplifies the certification process and reduces the chance of a last-minute hold.
Dr. Oldham sees drivers for annual physicals, work injury care, and chronic disease management alongside their DOT certification, keeping everything in one chart and one office at 972 N 600 E in Spanish Fork.
How Much Does a DOT Physical Cost?
DOT physicals at Dr. Oldham’s Spanish Fork office are billed at a flat rate and do not require insurance. The front desk provides the current DOT physical fee when you call to schedule. Most drivers pay out of pocket or through their employer; some insurance plans cover the exam as an occupational health benefit. The fee covers the examination, urinalysis, and issuance of the medical certificate. If additional testing is needed (for example, an A1c for a diabetic driver or a sleep study referral for suspected apnea), those services are billed separately and may be covered by the driver’s health insurance.
How Do I Schedule a DOT Physical With Dr. Oldham?
Book a DOT physical
Commercial drivers can schedule by phone or online. Most DOT physicals are available within one week. Mention DOT or CDL when calling so the front desk reserves the correct appointment type.
Call (385) 265-6060 Book online
972 N 600 E, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Frequently Asked Questions About DOT Physicals
Is a DOT physical the same as a regular physical?
No. A DOT physical follows FMCSA-specific standards and results in a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. It focuses on conditions that could affect safe vehicle operation. Dr. Oldham also offers annual physicals for general preventive care.
Does a DOT physical include a drug test?
The DOT physical itself does not include a drug test. Drug and alcohol testing is a separate requirement managed by the driver’s employer through a DOT-certified testing program. Dr. Oldham’s exam includes a urinalysis for medical screening only.
Can I get a DOT physical if I take blood pressure medication?
Yes. Drivers on blood pressure medication qualify for certification as long as the treated BP is below 140/90. Dr. Oldham can manage your blood pressure medication and perform the DOT exam in the same practice.
Can diabetic drivers pass a DOT physical?
Drivers on oral diabetes medications can qualify with documentation of controlled glucose. Insulin-treated drivers need an FMCSA exemption. Dr. Oldham guides drivers through the exemption process and provides the required documentation.
Will I get my certificate the same day?
Yes, in most cases. If all FMCSA standards are met and documentation is complete, Dr. Oldham issues the Medical Examiner’s Certificate at the end of the visit.
Medical disclaimer: This page is informational and does not replace an in-person evaluation. FMCSA regulations may change; verify current requirements at fmcsa.dot.gov.
Last reviewed: April 2026.