The Department of Transportation's required medical exam can be a significant point of stress for many people. In many professional capacities, if you fail your exam, you may also be denied certification or employment. If you will be undergoing a medical exam in the near future, there is no need to overly stress. There are a number of helpful things you can do to simplify the process and improve your chances of success.
Be Honest
If you give false information before or during your exam, the chances of you failing your medical exam are much higher than if you were to be upfront and honest. There is a misconception that you will fail your medical exam simply because you have been diagnosed with a disease like diabetes.
However, in many instances, provided your diagnosis is well managed with medication, this won't serve as a disqualifier. However, telling the DOT medical examiner that you don't have a condition and then later testing positive will be a problem, so be honest.
Come Prepared
Make sure you bring along any important records or information pertaining to your health. If you're taking medications, bring the medications and the contact information of the physician that prescribed them to you so that they can be verified. If you've suffered from any serious medical conditions in the past, you also need to bring along your most recent test results showing you are healthy.
For example, someone who has suffered a heart attack in the past would need to bring a recent stress test to show they aren't at risk of another attack. If you don't bring this information, the examiner will be unable to complete your assessment.
Manage Your Health
It is very important for individuals who suffer from preexisting medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure to manage their health correctly, especially in the days leading up to the exam. In terms of diabetes, loading up on sugary drinks, large amounts of carbohydrates or failing to get a good night's rest can all cause your blood sugar levels to elevate higher than normal, which can jeopardize your ability to pass the exam.
When it comes to high blood pressure, make sure you are taking your medications as prescribed and avoiding heavily sodium containing foods, as these factors can also cause your pressure to elevate.
The better you plan and prepare for your DOT medical exam, the more likely the chances of a successful outcome, so start early.
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