Boise Osteopathic
Medical Clinic
Dr. Higginbotham has been a senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for over 30 years. As a senior AME he can perform all classes of flight physicals. Our office performs over 1200 flight physicals per year so we are well versed in the FAA regulations and how to handle special issue cases. (Dr. Higginbotham DOES NOT participate in the BASIC MED program).
In 2019 he also became certified with the FAA to be a HIMS AME. HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) is a program that the FAA will direct some airman to complete before they can be medically cleared. This program is for anyone with a history of a DUI or any Drug abuse and or arrest. The FAA also uses this program for airman that have a history of depression or other mental conditions that have required the use of medication. Currently the FAA will approve an airman with the use of an antidepressant on a limited basis. Please check the FAA regulations for the medications that can be approved.
*The FAA can put a time restriction on any of the medical certificates so make sure you are aware of your time restrictions.*
VISION
The FAA requires that all Class 1 and Class 2 airman have 20/20 vision for distance. You are allowed to wear contacts for distant vision.
The FAA requires that all Class 3 airman have 20/40 vision for distance. You are allowed to wear contacts for distant vision.
YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WEAR CONTACTS THAT CORRECT FOR READING. You may use glasses.
HEARING
The FAA hearing requirements are that applicants must demonstrate the ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room at a distance of 6 feet and understand speech at an acceptable level. The hearing qualification is the same across all three classes. You are allowed to wear hearing aids.
FAA SPECIAL ISSUE CASES
If you are currently on a special issue and will be coming to our office for the first time, you will need to bring the letter from the FAA that authorized you to fly as well as the documentation that they ask for to be recertified.
Complete your 8500-8 Application online at https://medxpress.faa.gov/
If you are inquiring about the status of your FAA Medical Certificate or have questions about what is required to obtain your Medical Certificate, please contact the FAA directly at 405-954-4821 (Oklahoma City) or 206-231-4001 (Northwest Region).
For all FAA Aviation Medical Examinations the applicant must do the following:
Be sure to bring the following documentation to your Aviation Medical Exam:
Our Payment Policy for FAA Exams
These are Non-Refundable Fees:
Class 1, 2, or 3 – $200
FAA Return Patient Exam – $185
FAA/DOT Combo Exam additional – $45
EKGs – $90
Special Issuance (AASI) – $45-$75 depending on the complexity of issues.
Interim physicals (as FAA allows) $75
Payment is due at the time of service.
What is Covered in a DOT Physical Exam?
If you’re a professional truck or bus driver, you may have been told that you need a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. Mandated by federal law, this checkup clears you for driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and helps ensure that you and fellow CMV drivers can handle the long hours, exhausting schedules, and stress of operating commercial vehicles.
What is the DOT physical?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations for safe operation of commercial vehicles in the country. Each state also has specific regulations. The test assesses your general health, as well as mental and emotional fitness for the demands of professional driving.
The FMCSA requires all commercial drivers to carry a certificate of good health, which you’ll receive upon passing your DOT Medical Examination. Only medical professionals who are listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners can issue your certificate. Those listed on the registry have had the proper training in FMCSA regulations to determine if you’re healthy enough to work safely and ensure that you’re not wrongly disqualified.
Do I need a DOT Physical?
Yes if you fall into one of these categories:
• You operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people.
• You are paid to operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than 8 people.
• You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds.
• You transport hazardous materials that require your vehicle to be placarded.
Cost for DOT Exam: $175
We do NOT offer chain of custody drug testing
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