North Carolina Mobile DOT & School Sports Physical Exams
Mobile, On-site, Office, and Physical Exams!
What is a DOT Physical?
Vision Requirements
To pass the vision test, you need to have 20/40 vision in each eye either with or without glasses, a field of vision of 70 degrees or more in each eye, and be able to differentiate between red, green, and amber.
Hearing Requirements
Blood Pressure Requirements
If your blood pressure is 140/90 or below, you’ll pass the DOT physical blood pressure requirements with flying colors. Between 140/90 and 179/109, you may need to have a medical exam more frequently or be given a temporary medical card and be asked to reduce your blood pressure within a 3-month period.
Cardiovascular Function
Blood pressure check, heart rate and rhythm.
Fill Out Your DOT Physical Form
You need to fill out a medical examination report before or when you start your physical. Many people find that having time to think through their answers makes the process of getting their DOT medical exam less stressful, so you can find the form and fill it out ahead of time.
GET THE FORMWhat is a Sports Physical?
Also called pre-participation physical examinations (PPE), sports physicals are usually a part of registering youths for participation in a sport. Organizers generally require an evaluation for children to participate. Regulations vary according to the rules of the respective state, school or a sport’s governing body.
A PPE helps to assure that the athlete is healthy and physically ready for their chosen activity such as baseball, football, martial arts, soccer or track. Before registering, check with the organizers about their eligibility requirements. The purpose of the PPE is to help minimize the risk of injury while your child plays.
A sports physical exam is not intended to replace a comprehensive annual wellness exam and other screenings.
What’s Included in a Physical Exam for Sports?
A sports physical exam typically includes a review of your medical history and a physical examination focusing on the musculoskeletal system.
Movement
Range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle joints.
Vision Exam
A series of tests performed to assess vision and ability to focus on and discern objects.
Hearing Acuity
Hearing tests check a person’s ability to hear the loudness and pitch of sounds.
Reflexes
Reflex testing occurs when an initial test result meets pre-determined criteria.
Blood Test*
Checking for signs of anemia or diabetes.
*Not Always Applicable
Lung Function Test
Involves measuring how much air you can breathe in and breathe out.
Cardiovascular Function
Blood pressure check, heart rate and rhythm, and EKG if applicable.
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
Providers may perform sports physicals differently from one another. But they always include a conversation about your medical history and a physical exam.
Your provider will want to know about your health, your family’s health, your medical problems, and what medicines you take.
The physical exam is similar to your annual checkup, but with some added things that relate to playing sports. The provider will focus on the health of your lungs, heart, bones, and joints. Your provider may:
- Measure your height and weight
- Measure your blood pressure and pulse
- Test your vision
- Check your heart, lungs, belly, ears, nose, and throat
- Check your joints, strength, flexibility, and posture
Your provider may ask about:
- Your diet
- Your use of drugs, alcohol, and supplements
- Your menstrual periods if you’re a girl or woman
What Information Should You Bring to the Visit?
If you get a form for your medical history, fill it out and bring it with you. If not, bring this information with you:
- Allergies and what kind of reactions you have had
- A list of the immunization shots you have had, with the dates you had them
- A list of medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements (such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs)
- If you use contact lenses, dental appliances, orthotics, or have piercings
- Illnesses you had in the past or have now
- Injuries you have had, including concussions, broken bones, dislocated bones
- Hospitalizations or surgeries you have had
- Times you passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, had heat illness, or had trouble breathing during exercise
- Illnesses in your family, including any deaths related to exercise or sports
- A history of your weight loss or gain over time