4703 Pacific Highway E. Fife, WA

Tacoma physical examinations

Jumpstart your return to work with renewed confidence in your health

DOT PHYSICAL EXAMS AND MORE

Get the green light to perform your job safely.

Manage career transitions and ignite confidence in your health with a comprehensive physical exam at Occupational Medical Clinic of Tacoma.

Let’s make sure you’re ready and healthy to take on the responsibilities of your job, and we’ll identify any hidden chronic conditions, illnesses, or physical limitations that might impact your performance.

Blaze a trail to better health and career growth today by calling the Occupational Medical Clinic of Tacoma at 253-922-9570.

discover a full range of employment physicals just off I-5 in Fife

Let's get physical.

What should you bring?

What can I expect during my physical examination?

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DOT Physical Exams

The Department of Transportation requires commercial transport drivers to periodically undergo a routine medical checkup with an FMCSA-certified medical examiner.

At our Fife clinic, these comprehensive exams are conducted in-house by one of our FMCSA-certified medical examiners:

Dr. Richard Ojima, MD
Stephen Fewell, PA-C
Taylor Schubert, FNP-C

Your exam will assess your overall fitness to operate large vehicles by testing your eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, and performing a standardized physical evaluation.

Your DOT exam will include the following tests:

Vision

Hearing

Urinalysis

During your exam, you’ll provide a urine sample.

This painless test helps your Medical Examiner check for abnormalities like protein, blood, or sugar in your urine, which can indicate health issues like kidney disease or diabetes.

DOT drug test

To ensure safety in transportation-related industries, the DOT requires a drug test during the physical exam.

This helps identify potential substance abuse risks that could compromise safety.

You can find out more about DOT drug tests here:

DOT Drug Testing

Blood Pressure Evaluation

140 / 90

Normal blood pressure per FMSCA standard is less than 140 / 90, with or without medication.

DOT: Diabetes, sleep apnea, and new vision exemptions.

This section covers special medical requirements for operators with certain medical conditions.

Drivers must meet exemption criteria and provide detailed medical documentation to qualify for certification.

You can find a link to the MCSA-5870 form here:

FMCSA Form -5870 Insulin-treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form

Diabetes Treated With Non-Insulin Medications:

Diabetes Requirements for DOT/FMCSA Medical Certification:

You must submit a copy of your most recent hemoglobin A1C lab result from within the last 3 months.
Your blood sugar level may be tested during the exam to ensure it is in a safe range for commercial driving.
Proper diabetes control is required, with no recent severe low blood sugar episodes causing loss of consciousness or needing assistance.
Detailed medical documentation and evaluations by treating physicians are necessary.
Some insulin-treated drivers may qualify for exemptions if stable diabetes control is demonstrated.

Insulin-Treated Diabetes Requirements:

Diabetes Requirements for DOT/FMCSA Medical Certification:

There is no longer an insulin diabetes exemption program.
Insulin-treated diabetic drivers must submit the MCSA-5870 form at the time of their DOT exam.
The MCSA-5870 must be completed by their primary treating physician within 45 days before the DOT exam date.
If the MCSA-5870 is older than 45 days, a new form will be required before certification can be issued.
In addition to the MCSA-5870, drivers must also meet all other diabetes requirements (A1C, glucose testing, severe hypoglycemia history, etc.).

New Vision Requirements

Please note these new requirements for those who had a previous vision exemption:

FMCSA has discontinued the federal vision exemption program
Drivers who previously had a vision exemption must now meet new criteria
An alternative vision evaluation is required using Form MCSA-5871
This form must be completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist
The MCSA-5871 vision evaluation must be dated within 45 days of your DOT exam
Bring the completed MCSA-5871 form to your DOT medical certification appointment

FMCSA Form 5871 Vison Evaluation Report

Sleep apnea

Drivers diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed CPAP therapy must demonstrate consistent use of their continuous CPAP machine.

During the DOT medical exam, proof of CPAP compliance over the prior 90 days is required.

The specific compliance criteria that must be met includes:

Using the CPAP device for at least 4 hours per night
CPAP usage on at least 70% of nights in the preceding 90-day period

Providing this objective documentation of adequate CPAP adherence is mandatory to obtain medical certification.

DOT Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Although drivers may file for exemptions, the FMCSA may disqualify applicants with a history of the following untreated medical conditions:

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Quantitative respiratory fit testing

Don’t let hazardous particles hitch a ride on your next breath.

At Occupational Medical Clinic of Tacoma, we perform advanced quantitative respiratory fit testing using specialized equipment that precisely measures particles filtered by your respirator – providing higher accuracy than subjective qualitative testing methods relying on smell detection.

Our quantitative analysis ensures your respirator forms an impenetrable seal, blocking out dangerous airborne contaminants.

Respirator fit preparation:

Respirator fit process:

01

Initial Consultation

Our qualified staff will discuss your work environment and respirator needs.

02

Fit Test Selection

We offer various quantitative and qualitative tests to find the best method for your respirator.

03

Respirator Test

During the test, you’ll wear the respirator and be exposed to a safe, non-harmful substance while performing simple exercises.

04

Fit Adjustment

If the fit isn’t perfect, we’ll adjust your respirator or recommend a different model for optimal protection.

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Hazmat physicals

Working in hazardous environments such as demolition, abatement, or waste management sites requires specialized medical evaluations to ensure employee safety.

Occupational Medical Clinic of Tacoma offers comprehensive Hazmat Physicals tailored to meet regulatory requirements and protect your health.

Hazmat physicals include:

Thorough assessments for exposure to asbestos, lead, and silica, including QuantiFERON blood testing and chest X-rays. These evaluations are conducted annually, with QuantiFERON and chest X-rays repeated at 3 and 5-year intervals.
OSHA Respiratory Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (Appendix C of 29 CFR 1910.134), a mandatory assessment for respirator certification. Based on the responses, our healthcare professionals determine if a physical exam is required for respirator clearance or if clearance can be granted through review of medical history alone.
Respirator certification valid for one year, ensuring compliance with safety regulations for your workforce.

If you’d like a closer look at the evaluation questionnaire, you can find a direct link here:

Evaluation Questionnaire (Appendix C of 29 CFR 1910.134)

To learn more about our Hazmat Physical services or to schedule appointments for yourself or your employees, please contact us today.

Let's connect to a healthier you.

Reach out today and schedule your physical exam.