Pre-Employment Physical in Baton Rouge: What Job Applicants and Employers Should Each Expect

Occupational health clinician conducting a routine pre-employment physical in a bright examination room

A pre-employment physical helps an employer understand whether you can safely perform the essential duties of a specific job. The exam is based on the position, not a one-size-fits-all checklist, and it is different from a DOT physical for commercial drivers.

Care Plus Occupational Health and Wellness provides pre-employment and non-DOT physicals in Baton Rouge. We also perform DOT physicals, so employers hiring for both non-DOT roles and CDL positions can coordinate occupational health needs in one place.

At a Glance

Clinic: Care Plus Occupational Health and Wellness
Address: 5333 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Landmark: Directly across from Baton Rouge Community College
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Walk-ins: Welcome; call ahead to confirm availability and requirements
Phone: (225) 926-1900
Directions: Get directions to the clinic

Job applicant checking in with photo identification and employer paperwork

What a Pre-Employment Physical Verifies

A pre-employment physical is a job-related medical examination requested by an employer. Its purpose is to assess whether an applicant can safely perform the essential duties of the position, based on the requirements provided by the employer.

Depending on the job, the exam may review:

General physical health and relevant medical history
Movement, range of motion, and physical ability
Strength or job-related functional tasks
Vision and hearing
Other requirements related to the position

The exam should reflect the actual work, not assumptions about what an employee might need to do. A job description or a clear list of essential duties helps the clinic understand what the employer needs assessed.

A pre-employment physical is not automatically a drug test or a DOT exam. If your employer also requires workplace testing, ask which tests are required and whether you need separate authorization or paperwork.

Pre-Employment Physical vs. DOT Physical

A non-DOT physical follows an employer’s requirements for a non-DOT role. Its scope depends on the job and the information the employer provides.

A DOT physical is the federally regulated medical examination for drivers subject to applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements. It must be performed by an examiner who is certified and listed on FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The DOT exam determines whether a driver meets the applicable medical qualification standards; it is not a substitute for every employer-specific physical.

Care Plus provides both types of exams. If you are unsure which one your employer requested, check the authorization form or call before your visit. A DOT physical in Baton Rouge and a non-DOT pre-employment physical serve different purposes.

For Applicants: What to Expect

Your employer’s request determines what the clinic needs to complete. A routine physical may include a review of relevant health information and an assessment of physical abilities or senses that matter for the position. Some jobs require additional testing or specific forms.

Plan for about 20–30 minutes for a straightforward physical. Allow extra time if the employer has requested functional testing, additional screening, or more extensive paperwork. The exact visit length depends on the exam requirements, so call ahead if you have a tight schedule.

The clinic welcomes walk-ins. However, calling first is a good idea, especially if your employer has a deadline, special forms, or specific testing requirements.

Applicant completing a simple job-related movement assessment with an occupational health clinician

What to Bring

To help your visit go smoothly, bring:

A current photo ID
Employer paperwork, authorization, or exam forms
Your job description or a list of essential duties, if provided
Glasses or contact lenses you use
A current list of medications

Your employer may request additional records or tests. Check your instructions before you arrive, and call the clinic if anything is unclear. Bringing complete paperwork helps us understand what was requested and what information needs to be returned to the employer.

For Employers: How to Schedule

If you are arranging a pre-employment physical for one employee, have the employee bring your authorization and any required forms. For multiple employees, a specific form, or a time-sensitive hiring process, call the clinic before sending staff in.

When you call, be ready to provide:

The position title and job description, or a list of essential duties
The exam or assessments you are requesting
Employer authorization and any forms that must be completed
The number of employees and your preferred scheduling approach
Your preferred method for receiving completed results

Clear instructions help ensure the exam matches the position and that the clinic knows where to send the appropriate information. Medical information should be handled confidentially. Employers can review the EEOC’s guidance on medical examinations and inquiries for general information about workplace requirements.

Employer and occupational health coordinator reviewing a job description and exam paperwork

Results and Turnaround

Turnaround depends on the services requested, how complete the paperwork is, and whether additional testing or follow-up is needed. We will help clarify what is included and how results can be delivered when you schedule.

Employers: tell us your hiring timeline and preferred result-delivery method when you call. Applicants: bring all requested forms and follow the employer’s instructions about where completed paperwork should go. If you need results by a particular date, confirm the expected timing before your appointment.

About Care Plus Occupational Health and Wellness

Care Plus is an occupational health clinic in Baton Rouge serving local employers, job applicants, and commercial drivers. Dr. Latresia Bell leads the practice. She is a National Registry Certified Medical Examiner (NRCME #1019525092), with more than 23 years in practice and more than 10 years of occupational health experience.

We provide pre-employment physicals, non-DOT physicals, DOT physicals, and occupational health services. Helping you understand the requested exam and complete the next step is part of the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to a pre-employment physical?

Bring a photo ID, employer paperwork or authorization, glasses or contacts if you use them, and a list of your medications. Bring the job description or essential duties if your employer provided them.

How long does the appointment take?

Allow about 20–30 minutes for a straightforward physical. Additional testing, job-specific assessments, and paperwork can take longer. Call ahead for an estimate based on your employer’s requirements.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, walk-ins are welcome. Call (225) 926-1900 before coming in to confirm availability and check whether your employer’s forms or testing instructions require special arrangements.

Where is Care Plus located?

We’re at 5333 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, directly across from Baton Rouge Community College. Get directions.

How do I know whether I need a DOT or non-DOT physical?

Check your employer’s instructions or authorization. A DOT physical is the FMCSA-regulated exam for qualifying commercial drivers; a non-DOT physical follows the employer’s requirements for other roles. If you’re unsure, call us before your visit.

Schedule Your Physical

Applicants: bring your employer paperwork and call ahead if you have questions about what to bring. Employers: call to arrange appointments for multiple employees, confirm specific forms, and discuss your preferred result-delivery method.

Care Plus Occupational Health and Wellness
5333 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Call (225) 926-1900 to confirm availability and schedule.