DOT, Sports & Pre-Employment Physicals
Five physical types, one local clinic.
Your provider is a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry, so the medical card issued is valid nationwide. A DOT physical is more than a form — it's a chance to catch blood pressure, vision, hearing, or metabolic issues before they become a real problem for a driver. We treat the exam like the medical visit it is.
One clinic. Five types of physicals.
Stilwell Wellness Solutions offers convenient physical exams for drivers, employers, students, athletes, and campers. Services include DOT physicals, pre-employment physicals, sports physicals, camp physicals, and college physicals, with required forms completed during the visit when appropriate.
DOT Physicals
If you have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or are in the process of getting one, staying up to date with your medical certification is required under federal regulations. Stilwell Wellness Solutions helps drivers complete their Department of Transportation (DOT) physical quickly, without the delay of waiting for a primary care visit or booking an appointment weeks ahead of time.
Your provider is listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, so the Medical Examiner’s Certificate you receive is accepted for CDL-related medical certification requirements.
What is a DOT physical, and who needs one?
A DOT physical is the federally required medical exam for people who drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) across state lines. It applies to drivers operating vehicles that meet any of the following criteria:
- Have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or greater
- Are built or used to carry 9 or more passengers when payment is involved, or 16 or more passengers whether or not payment is involved
- Carry hazardous materials in amounts that require placards
The exam must be performed by a licensed medical examiner who appears on the FMCSA National Registry. When you meet the medical standards, the examiner provides a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which confirms that you are medically cleared to operate a CMV. This certificate supports your CDL requirements, but it is not the same as obtaining or renewing the license itself. You are still responsible for submitting required documentation to your state driver licensing agency.
What does the DOT physical include?
The appointment usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes and includes a thorough review of your health to help confirm that you can operate a commercial vehicle safely. During the visit, your provider will review your medical history and complete the following checks:
- Vision screening, including eyesight clarity, field of vision, and color recognition
- Hearing evaluation, with or without the use of hearing aids
- Blood pressure and pulse measurement
- Urine test to look for signs of health concerns such as diabetes or kidney problems
- Physical examination of the heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, and extremities
- Neurological function assessment, including reflexes, coordination, and speech
- Review of current medications and any documented health conditions
If you are found medically qualified to drive, your provider will complete and sign the Medical Examiner’s Certificate. If a condition is identified that requires follow-up before certification can be issued, your provider will let you know what documentation or treatment is needed.
Pre-Employment Physical
What is a pre-employment physical, and why does it matter?
A pre-employment physical is a health evaluation completed after a conditional job offer to help determine whether an applicant can safely perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
For employers, it supports safer hiring decisions and helps reduce workplace risk. For employees, it helps confirm that the job’s physical demands can be met safely.
Employers commonly use pre-employment physicals to:
- Help lower the risk of workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims
- Confirm ability to meet physical demands such as lifting, standing, repetitive motion, or respirator use
- Establish baseline health data
- Meet regulatory or industry requirements
- Speed up onboarding by bundling required testing in one visit
EEOC guidance explains that medical exams in the hiring process should generally be completed only after a conditional job offer has been made and should be used consistently for applicants in the same job category.
What is typically included?
A pre-employment physical refers to the clinical exam focused on job-related physical capability and health and safety clearance. Exact requirements vary by job role and employer policy, but a standard exam often includes:
Medical history review
- Past injuries or surgeries
- Chronic conditions that may affect job safety
- Current medications, when relevant to safety-sensitive roles
Vital signs and general exam
- Blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight
- Heart and lung exam
- Vision screening, and sometimes color vision
- Basic neurological and musculoskeletal assessment
- Range of motion and flexibility
- Grip strength
New hire preparation tips
If you are a new hire scheduled for a pre-employment physical, a little preparation can save time.
Bring
- A government-issued ID
- Glasses or contacts if you wear them
- A list of current medications
- Any required paperwork from the employer
- Immunization records if the role requires them
Helpful tips
- Hydrate, especially if drug testing is included
- Eat normally unless instructed otherwise
- Wear comfortable clothing you can move in
Sports Physicals
A pre-participation physical exam, commonly known as a sports physical, helps determine whether an athlete is medically ready for sports or activity. Although the exam cannot guarantee that injuries or illnesses will not occur during the season, it can identify concerns that should be addressed before participation begins.
Why a sports physical matters
- Reviews overall health and screens for possible concerns. A review of medical history, immunization status, and a routine physical exam can help identify issues that may need attention before sports participation. Any missing immunizations can also be discussed.
- Reviews personal and family health history. The exam includes questions about the athlete’s current and past health, as well as family conditions that may affect safe participation, such as diabetes or heart-related concerns. Conditions like asthma should be noted even when symptoms are not frequent, since precautions such as carrying an inhaler may be recommended.
- Checks current or existing health concerns, including allergies and injuries. Sports-related concerns can range from mild sprains or overuse injuries to more serious issues such as concussion or heat illness. Screening helps identify conditions that may worsen with activity or increase the risk of pain, injury, or re-injury.
What is included in a sports physical?
- Review of medical history, including prior conditions, injuries, allergies, and immunizations
- Routine physical examination
- Medical eligibility determination, which may include full clearance, clearance with restrictions, or referral for additional evaluation
- Completion of required school, camp, or organization forms
A sports physical does not replace an annual wellness exam.
Please bring any required sports physical forms from the school, team, or organization. Required sections should be completed by the athlete and parent or guardian, when applicable, before the appointment.
Information to bring before the visit
- Primary care provider’s name and contact information
- Relevant medical history, including allergies, current medications, and immunizations
- For athletes with a history of a heart condition or cardiac event, documentation from a primary care provider or treating clinician confirming that the condition has been evaluated and does not prevent participation
Requirements may vary by sport, school, camp, or governing organization. A sports physical may include:
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm check
- Review of current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements
- Evaluation of flexibility, joints, posture, and strength
- General exam of the ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen
- Height and weight measurement
- Review of the athlete’s personal and family medical history
- Vision screening
Camp Physicals
Camp physicals help confirm that a child is healthy enough to participate in camp activities. During the visit, a Stilwell Wellness Solutions provider may:
- Review medical history and immunization records
- Complete a routine physical exam and any required camp paperwork
- Address questions or concerns before camp participation
Scouting America uses a multi-part health record for resident camps and events lasting longer than 72 hours. Most other summer camps provide their own form. Bring the form required by your organization and we will complete it during the visit.
College Physicals
A college physical focuses on whether a student meets the health requirements for school, athletics, clinical programs, housing, or other college-related activities. It is more targeted than an annual wellness exam and does not replace routine preventive care.
What to bring to your appointment
To help your provider complete required forms during the visit, please bring:
- The official physical form required by the school, athletic program, camp, or organization
- Any completed health history sections that require student, parent, or guardian information
- Corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts, if needed for vision screening
Pairs well with these.
Ready to talk about dot, sports & pre-employment physicals?
First visits are unhurried. Your provider walks you through your labs, options, and a plan you can sustain.