You’re Certified. Now Let’s Make DOT Exams Work for Your Practice
You’ve completed your NRCME Plus training. You’ve got the certification, the knowledge, and the tools.
Let’s talk about putting it to work in your practice. Whether you’re in urgent care, primary care, or occupational medicine, adding DOT physicals can expand your services, generate new revenue, and serve a vital public safety need.
Here’s how to make DOT exams a successful, sustainable part of your clinical workflow:
- Tap Into Underserved Demand
FMCSA certified medical examiners are in short supply in many regions. By offering DOT physicals, you become an essential resource for local drivers, trucking companies, and logistics employers. This demand creates natural referral opportunities.
- Use What You’ve Already Learned
The tools and templates in your NRCME Plus program — from the CMV Physical Exam checklist to sample waiver forms — can be integrated into your patient flow with minimal setup. Leverage what you learned from the 28 training modules and Bonus Resource Library to streamline exams and documentation.
- Make It a Revenue-Positive Service
Most DOT physicals are billed as cash-pay services, averaging $75–$150 per exam. With a 20–30 minute visit time and no insurance billing, they’re a clean addition to your daily schedule. Add-on services like drug testing or TB screening can enhance value.
- Train Your Staff and Define Workflow
Set expectations with your team: intake forms, vitals, UA strips, and FMCSA forms can be prepped before you step into the room. The more repeatable your process, the more time and money you save.
- Apply Clinical Judgment Confidently
As you learned in your training, not every case is clear cut. Drivers with borderline conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea) may require nuanced decisions. Revisit your case studies and decision trees from NRCME Plus to stay sharp.
Bottom Line
You’ve trained for this. You’re ready. Adding DOT physicals to your practice isn’t just a credential; it’s an opportunity to serve, grow, and make a tangible impact on road safety and public health.
Need help implementing what you’ve learned? Your Oakstone resource library is just a click away.