Renewing your DOT medical card is something you have to do so you can keep your certification to drive a big rig. Shelling out money to maintain a valid medical card usually only happens every couple of years, and the cost can vary.
The cost to renew a DOT medical card depends on the cost of the required medical exam that must be performed by a DOT-certified examiner. Any other medical treatments or medications required to pass the exam would also add to the overall cost. There is no renewal cost for the card itself.
If you’re wondering what kind of cash out of pocket to expect when your DOT medical card comes up for renewal, read on.
How Long Is a DOT Medical Card Valid For?
As a big rig driver, you know how important it is to keep your DOT medical card up-to-date. The Federal Motor Safety Carrier Association (FMCSA) requires drivers to hold a valid medical card to ensure that they are physically fit enough to handle heavy commercial vehicles on the nation’s roadways.
Driver health is so important that medical cards are only issued for a two year period. There are cases where a driver may only be certified for one year or even three months if he has certain medical conditions that don’t preclude him from driving but do necessitate more frequent monitoring.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew DOT Medical Card?
At the end of that time, prior to the expiration date, you have to submit to – and pass – another physical in order to keep your certification.
The only real cost of renewing a DOT medical card is the cost of the actual physical examination. Typically, the physical exam ranges from $85 to $150, although you may find exams for as little as $50 or as high as $225.
CVS, for example, offers initial DOT medical exams for $109 and follow-up exams for $35.
What Other Costs Might I Expect?
Aside from the cost of the physical exam itself, you might encounter a few other extraneous costs when it’s time to renew your medical card. And these will depend on what the examiner finds.
Consider and plan for some of these possibilities:
- Additional testing by a specialist for certain medical conditions
- Hearing aids
- Vision aids such as glasses or contacts
- Blood pressure medicine
- Insulin
- Mental counseling
- Sleep disorder treatments such as CPAP
- Drug counseling
Now, let’s see if your insurance covers the DOT medical exam.
Will I Have to Pay Out of Pocket for a DOT Medical Exam?
Before you choose an exam location or schedule an exam with a health professional, ask your employer about their specific reimbursement policy.
A DOT medical exam is considered an employment-related expense which means it is not covered by most health insurance plans. Because of this, you will be expected to pay for the cost of the physical exam at the time of service.
Some employers, however, will offer to reimburse you when you lay out cash for a medical exam. It’s in their best interests to help keep their drivers fully certified and on the road.
Where Can I Get a DOT Medical Exam?
Contrary to what you might think, you don’t have to get your physical exam at the same place every time, or even in the same state where you originally got your CDL. That’s good news when you’re thousands of miles away from your home state and your medical card is about to expire.
To help you find a medical examiner near you, the FMCSA has compiled a registry of DOT-certified examiners. You can search the registry by city and state or zip code.
Because you are required to use a DOT-certified health professional, the actual physical examination is the same regardless of location or examiner. There is an exact set of procedures established by the DOT and they must be followed consistently across the country.
How Long Does It Take to Get My DOT Medical Card?
Now that you know how to get your DOT medical card renewed, you may be wondering how long it will take you to receive it once you pass the exam.
Assuming you pass the physical exam with flying colors, the medical examiner MAY give you a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) at the end of your visit. However, the examiner has until midnight of the day after the exam to submit the results to the FMCSA.
Section 391.43(g) does require the examiner to provide copies to you and your employer if you pass. So, be aware that the healthcare professional is not required to provide a copy of the MEC on the day of the exam if he has determined that additional tests or information from your primary doctor are needed.
Final Thoughts
Renewing your DOT medical card usually only comes around every couple of years. But even when it does, it won’t break the bank or empty your wallet. Still, it’s a good idea to plan for the expense of the physical exam and any treatments or medications that may be required to keep your CDL certification.
