MinuteClinic practitioners certified to perform USDOT exams

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health’s MinuteClinic has become the first retail clinic provider to offer United States Department of Transportation physicals for interstate commercial drivers at select locations coast to coast.



MinuteClinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants are now included on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, a new Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration program.



A law requiring drivers to see only medical professionals included on the National Registry was implemented in May 2014 to ensure that examinations were performed by certified medical professionals.



MinuteClinic practitioners have completed FMCSA training and passed a test on physical qualification standards as part of the certification process.



All interstate commercial drivers must pass a USDOT medical examination at least every two years to obtain a valid medical certificate, maintain their commercial driver's license, and legally operate a commercial motor vehicle.



“Through the stringent FMCSA training and certification exam, our practitioners have the knowledge to determine if a professional driver can safely handle the medical demands of driving a commercial motor vehicle on the highways,” stated Nancy Gagliano, MinuteClinic chief medical officer.



To remain on the National Registry, MinuteClinic practitioners are required to maintain and demonstrate competence through periodic training and recertification testing, according to Gagliano.



The USDOT medical exam looks at a range of conditions to improve safety for all drivers on the road, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory and muscular functions, vision, and hearing.



The cost of a USDOT exam at MinuteClinic is $109 and $35 for a follow-up exam visit. Healthcare insurance does not cover USDOT physicals but most insurance is accepted for other MinuteClinic services.



“Because we’re all over the country and easy to reach, MinuteClinic is a great fit for drivers to not only obtain their biannual exam but also receive medical care throughout the year for acute illnesses and chronic condition monitoring,” added Angela Patterson, MinuteClinic chief nurse practitioner officer. “Our electronic medical records system allows us to access patient histories at any clinic in the U.S, which makes it easy for drivers to visit us in most parts of the country.”