What Does a Pre-Employment Physical Include?

A pre-employment physical is a health screening required by many employers before a new hire can start work. It confirms the applicant is physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the job, documents any health conditions that may require workplace accommodations, and — for certain roles — meets federal or industry-specific regulatory requirements.

TrufaMED Urgent Care in Surfside, FL offers walk-in pre-employment physicals seven days a week for residents and employers across Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Sunny Isles Beach, Aventura, and greater Miami. No appointment needed. Most physicals are completed in 30 to 60 minutes, and results are available the same day for most components.

What's Included in a Pre-Employment Physical at TrufaMED

Every pre-employment physical at TrufaMED is conducted by a board-certified physician — not a nurse or technician — and includes the core components below. Additional tests are added depending on the employer's requirements.

• Health history review. A brief review of medical conditions, medications, surgeries, and family history relevant to the job.
• Vital signs. Blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, height, and weight.
• Vision screening. Snellen eye chart, color vision (Ishihara plates when required), and peripheral vision.
• Hearing screening. Audiometry for employers that require it, particularly for DOT drivers and industrial positions.
• Musculoskeletal exam. Range of motion, strength, spine alignment, and functional assessment relative to the physical demands of the job.
• Cardiopulmonary exam. Heart and lung auscultation, pulse rhythm, and screening for cardiovascular red flags.
• Neurologic screening. Reflexes, coordination, and cognitive basics.
• Abdominal exam and general physical exam. Standard head-to-toe screening.
• Physician sign-off. Completion and signature of any employer-provided forms or regulatory paperwork.

Add-On Tests Commonly Required by Employers

Depending on the role, employers may request one or more of these add-ons. TrufaMED can perform them all during the same walk-in visit, with same-visit lab results when clinically possible.

• Drug testing (5-panel, 10-panel, or custom). Urine drug screen for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and more. DOT-regulated drug testing available.
• Alcohol screening. Breath alcohol test for DOT and safety-sensitive positions.
• TB screening. QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test or traditional PPD skin test. Required for most healthcare, school, and daycare positions.
• Titers and immunization records. Hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and Tdap titers for healthcare and school workers.
• Respirator clearance. OSHA-required respirator medical evaluation for positions requiring mask or respirator use.
• Lift test and functional capacity evaluation. For labor-intensive positions.
• Basic labs. CBC, CMP, lipid panel, urinalysis — typically required for some executive or FAA positions.
• EKG. Baseline electrocardiogram for executive physicals and safety-sensitive roles.

DOT Physicals vs. Non-DOT Pre-Employment Physicals

A DOT physical (Department of Transportation Medical Examiner's Certificate) is a federally mandated exam for commercial drivers. It is regulated, specific, and must be performed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. A non-DOT pre-employment physical is whatever the employer specifies — typically simpler and less regulated.

TrufaMED provides both. Key differences:

• DOT physical: regulated by federal law, valid for up to 24 months, includes specific vision and hearing thresholds, urinalysis for sugar/protein/blood (not drug screen unless separately ordered), and issuance of the federal Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC, Form MCSA-5876).
• Non-DOT pre-employment physical: tailored to the employer's form, no federal registry requirement, add-on drug tests optional, no standardized validity period.

How Long Does a Pre-Employment Physical Take?

Most pre-employment physicals at TrufaMED are completed in 30 to 60 minutes start to finish. A DOT physical with basic components typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. A pre-employment physical with drug test, TB screen, and titers typically takes 45 to 75 minutes. Complex physicals that include labs, EKG, and a functional capacity test may take 90 minutes.

Because TrufaMED is a walk-in urgent care facility, wait times vary but are typically under 20 minutes. Arriving earlier in the day (9 to 11 AM weekdays) minimizes wait times.

Pre-Employment Physical Cost in Miami Beach

TrufaMED offers transparent self-pay pricing with no surprise facility fees:

• Basic pre-employment physical: from $95
• DOT physical with MEC certificate: from $125
• Pre-employment physical with drug test (5-panel): from $145
• Pre-employment physical with drug test and TB screen: from $175
• Full exam with labs, EKG, TB screen, drug test: from $275

Most major insurance plans do not cover pre-employment physicals because they are considered an employer requirement rather than medically necessary care. Employers sometimes reimburse the cost directly. HSA/FSA accounts can usually be used for the medical exam portion. Ask our front desk for an itemized receipt if needed for reimbursement.

What to Bring to Your Pre-Employment Physical

• Photo ID. Driver's license, passport, or state ID.
• Any employer-provided forms. Bring all paperwork the employer has given you so the physician can complete and sign it during the visit.
• Medication list. Names, doses, and frequencies of all prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Glasses or contact lenses. If you wear them, bring or wear them for the vision screening.
• Immunization records. If titers or vaccinations are required and you have prior records, bring them.
• DOT applicants: bring your current CDL (if applicable), the name and address of your employer, and any prior DOT medical examiner's certificate.

Why Choose TrufaMED for Your Pre-Employment Physical

• Board-certified physicians on every visit. Not a nurse, not a technician. An MD signs your paperwork.
• Joint Commission accredited. TrufaMED is the only Joint Commission-accredited urgent care in Florida — one of eight nationwide.
• Walk-in seven days a week. Mon–Fri 9 AM–9 PM, Sat 11 AM–11 PM, Sun 12 PM–8 PM.
• Same-visit results. Drug screens, TB screens, and most labs return results the same day.
• On-site lab, X-ray, and ultrasound. If additional workup is needed, it happens during the same visit.
• Eight languages spoken on staff. Patient communication is never a barrier.
• Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Surfside, Sunny Isles Beach, Aventura — all within minutes.

Who Needs a Pre-Employment Physical?

Employers most commonly require pre-employment physicals for:

• Commercial drivers (DOT): CDL holders, interstate truck drivers, bus operators.
• Healthcare workers: hospital staff, nursing home staff, home health aides, medical assistants.
• School employees: teachers, substitute teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, daycare staff.
• Construction and trades: contractors, electricians, plumbers, roofers, heavy equipment operators.
• Public safety: police, firefighters, EMTs, corrections officers.
• Hospitality and food service: hotel staff, restaurant workers, cruise ship crew.
• Airline and aviation: pilots (FAA), flight attendants, ground crew.
• Industrial and manufacturing: warehouse workers, machine operators, logistics staff.

Pre-Employment Physical in Miami Beach — Same-Day Walk-In

If you need a pre-employment physical fast, TrufaMED is the fastest path to a signed form in the Miami Beach area. Walk in during operating hours, bring your employer's paperwork, and leave with a physician-signed exam the same day. For employers: contact us about setting up a corporate account for volume pre-employment screening.

Location: 9445 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 — minutes from South Beach, Mid-Beach, Bal Harbour, and the Sunny Isles corridor. Walk in or call (305) 537-6396. Have questions before coming in? WhatsApp us at (305) 842-9801.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment for a pre-employment physical?

No. TrufaMED accepts walk-ins seven days a week for pre-employment physicals. Most patients are seen within 20 minutes of walking in. Arriving between 9 and 11 AM on weekdays minimizes wait times.

Does a pre-employment physical include a drug test?

A basic pre-employment physical does not automatically include a drug test — it is a separate add-on. If your employer requires one, bring that paperwork. TrufaMED offers 5-panel, 10-panel, and DOT-regulated urine drug screens with same-day results.

How long does a pre-employment physical take?

Most pre-employment physicals are completed in 30 to 60 minutes. DOT physicals average 30 to 45 minutes. Physicals that include drug testing, TB screening, and labs average 45 to 75 minutes.

How much does a pre-employment physical cost at TrufaMED?

Self-pay pricing starts at $95 for a basic physical, $125 for DOT with MEC certificate, $145 with a 5-panel drug screen, and $175 with drug screen plus TB test. Full exams with labs and EKG start at $275. HSA/FSA accepted.

Does insurance cover pre-employment physicals?

Most insurance plans do not cover pre-employment physicals because they are considered employer-required rather than medically necessary. Some employers reimburse the cost directly. HSA and FSA accounts can typically be used for the medical portion of the exam.

Can I get a DOT physical at TrufaMED?

Yes. DOT physicals are performed by a Medical Examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. The exam includes vision, hearing, blood pressure, urinalysis, and review of medical history. Patients leave with a federal Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876) valid up to 24 months.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Photo ID, any employer-provided forms, a current medication list, glasses or contacts if you wear them, and prior immunization records if titers or vaccinations are required. DOT applicants should also bring their CDL if applicable.

Can you complete my employer's specific form?

Yes. Bring any employer-provided paperwork and the physician will complete and sign it during the visit. Custom forms for school districts, healthcare systems, construction trades, and aviation employers are all accepted.

How do I get a copy of my results?

Most results are provided the same day at discharge. For labs and send-out tests, results are available through our patient portal typically within 24 to 72 hours. An itemized receipt is provided at checkout for employer reimbursement.

Do employers send employees to TrufaMED directly?

Yes. TrufaMED works with Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside-area employers, schools, construction firms, healthcare systems, and hospitality groups for volume pre-employment screening. Contact (305) 537-6396 to set up a corporate account.