253-313-0935

Genuine Care, AlwaysDOT & CDL
Medical Exams

45 Minute In-And-Out with a Card in Hand!

DOT & CDL Medical Certification Done Quick!

Here at Northwest Aviation Medicine uur goal is for you to leave our office with your DOT or CDL Medical Certificate in hand. We’re dedicated to offering personalized assistance and steadfast support throughout the entire DOT Exam process.

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Changing Lives

Great Patient Stories

We're here to assist you, every step of the way.

Understanding DOT Physicals

We understand the crucial role that driving plays in your life, and Dr. Lemmon’s role as a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) lends a unique perspective to our approach for your DOT or CDL Exam. If any concerns arise, know that we’ll work closely with you to find the best solutions and get you back on the road promptly.

A DOT physical is a mandatory health assessment stipulated by the FMCSA for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. It serves to establish if a driver possesses the necessary physical, mental, and emotional fitness to safely operate a CMV.

  • Operate a vehicle designed for transporting more than 15 individuals.
  • Receive compensation for driving a vehicle designed to transport more than 8 individuals. Transport hazardous materials that necessitate your vehicle to display a placard.
  • Transport hazardous materials that necessitate your vehicle to display a placard.
  • Drive a vehicle on interstate routes with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or gross combination weight exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Given the nature of your profession as a commercial driver, you are classified as a “safety-sensitive” employee. Both for your own well-being and the safety of the public, the FMCSA insists on the completion and successful passing of a DOT physical as a prerequisite for maintaining a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).

During this examination, a certified medical examiner assesses various aspects of your health, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical condition. Additionally, they review your medical history to identify any potential concerns that might affect your ability to operate a CMV safely.

At Northwest Aviation Medicine, we understand the significance of this evaluation for your livelihood. Our team, led by Dr. Lemmon, a certified medical examiner, is dedicated to conducting thorough and supportive DOT physicals. We work closely with you to ensure you meet all necessary requirements, providing clear guidance and addressing any concerns you may have. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

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Empathy & Care

Driver Exemption Programs

General Exemptions

The Federal Diabetes and Vision Exemption Programs, along with requests for hearing and seizure exemptions, entail specific criteria and documentation.

This encompasses medical examinations, employment background, driving proficiency, and motor vehicle records, all of which must be included in the application. Following the receipt of a comprehensive application, the Agency commits to delivering a final decision within 180 days. This process ensures thorough consideration and prioritizes safety and compliance.

Vision Exemption

If you find it challenging to meet the specified vision requirements, you may still qualify through the FMCSA Vision Exemption Package. For a detailed breakdown of these requirements, kindly visit the FMCSA website using the provided link here. This resource will provide comprehensive information on eligibility criteria and steps to follow.

Medications

Medications can significantly influence a driver’s mental state and level of alertness, potentially impairing their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

For detailed insights into Disqualifying Medications, we recommend visiting the FMCSA website through the provided link above. This resource offers valuable information about medications that may impact a driver’s eligibility for operating commercial vehicles. Staying informed about the effects of medications is crucial for road safety.

Be ReadyWhat to Anticipate During a DOT Physical Examination

Throughout a DOT physical examination, a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) will assess your vital signs, go over your medical background, and conduct a mandatory hands-on physical evaluation, encompassing (though not limited to):
General Appearance
Eyes & Ears
Hearing
Height & Weight
Heart
Lungs and Chest
Blood Pressure
Nervous System
Hernias
Back and Spine

CDL/DOT Certification Steps:

Let's do it right!

Step 1:

Schedule Your Appointment

Step 2:

Complete CDL form via our super Intake form

via our super Intake form (will be sent to you via email)

Step 3:

Don't forget to check your spam folder!

Upon meeting the DOT physical requirements, the Certified Medical Examiner (CME) will furnish you with a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), commonly known as a DOT medical card. It's important to maintain a valid DOT medical card to retain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Failure to do so can lead to CDL revocation.

Schedule Your Appointment

Other appointment slots may also be available by request. To request an appointment NOT in the schedule below, please contact us.
We're here to assist you, every step of the way.

What Medical Conditions Can Prevent You From Obtaining a DOT Card?

Medical conditions that could potentially disqualify you from passing a DOT physical are those that could impede your ability to drive safely. If a condition affects your hearing or vision, it might lead to accidents. Additionally, having a medical condition that could result in loss of consciousness or dizziness may render you unsafe to drive. These conditions may encompass:
  • Uncontrolled or unstable heart conditions
  • Epilepsy or seizure disorders
  • Meniere’s disease, an inner ear
  • disorder causing dizziness
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Vision loss that cannot be corrected
  • Hearing loss that cannot be corrected
  • Use of marijuana, even if prescribed

  • Use of illegal substances
  • Use of oxygen therapy
  • Some respiratory conditions
  • Presence of protein in the urine, potentially indicating kidney disease

The eligibility for some of these conditions may be at the discretion of the medical examiner. In certain cases, you might seek an exemption or waiver from the FMCSA. Temporary disqualification may occur until you bring a medical condition under control. If you successfully manage and resolve a disqualifying condition, you can reapply for certification.

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Honest, Trusted, Compassionate

Better Care is Our Mission

Our Location
1404 26th AVE NW,
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Tacoma Narrows Airport – Gig Harbor, WA (TIW)
Our Satellites:
Tri-Cities Airport – Pasco, WA (TRI)
Every 1,2, and 4th Tuesday ONLY
09:00AM - 1:00PM
Hillsboro Airport – Hillsboro, OR (HIO)
Every 3rd Tuesday ONLY
09:00AM - 1:00PM
Working Hours
Monday: 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Tuesday: 8:30AM - 2:00PM
Wednesday: 1:00PM - 7:30PM
Thursday: 8:30PM - 2:00PM
Friday - 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Social
CALL TO SCHEDULE
Online Booking

Contact Us

Northwest Aviation Medicine specializes in a range of specialized medical consultations tailored to specific certification requirements. This encompasses FAA medical examinations, DOT/FMCSA/CDL exams designed specifically for commercial drivers, and Pre-Participation Exams for various sports and activities.

Our experienced team is dedicated to providing thorough and reliable medical evaluations, ensuring individuals meet the precise criteria for their intended certifications.

We take pride in our flexibility and are delighted to accommodate any specific requests you may have when filling out our contact form.

We go the extra mile to guide you through the process and address any potential issues, ensuring you walk out of our office with the certification you need.

If there are any pre-existing conditions that may potentially hinder you from obtaining your desired certification, we’d be more than happy to discuss and assist in addressing them. With a focus on accuracy and efficiency, we are committed to your success in obtaining the certifications you require.

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Gig HarborNorthwest Aviation Medicine

info@nwaviationmedicine.com
1080 26th Ave NW, Hangar B-11, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (TIW)
(253) 313-0935

Working Hours

Monday10:00AM - 2:00PM
Tuesday8:30AM - 2:00PM
Wednesday1:00PM - 7:30PM
Thursday8:30AM - 2:00PM
Friday10:00AM - 2:00PM
Saturday - SundayClosed
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Tri-CitiesNorthwest Aviation Medicine

info@nwaviationmedicine.com
Tri-Cities Airport, 4102 N Stearman Ave, Pasco, WA 99301 (TRI)
(253) 313-0935

Working Hours

Every 1,2, and 4th Tuesday09:00AM - 1:00PM
Wednesday-MondayClosed
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HillsboroNorthwest Aviation Medicine

info@nwaviationmedicine.com
3355 NE Cornell Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124 (HIO)
(253) 313-0935

Working Hours

Every 3rd Tuesday09:00AM - 1:00PM
Wednesday-MondayClosed
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