Frequently Asked Questions

No. We see patients by appointment only, to keep waiting to a minimum. Because we specialize only in physical examinations and drug testing, our reception area is free of sick individuals.

Our Fort Lauderdale office answers phones and schedules appointments Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM and Saturday 8 AM–12 PM. Those are phone hours, not walk-in hours: all exams are by appointment only, appointment times vary, and the Fort Lauderdale office does not offer Saturday appointments. Our Atlantic City area office in Marmora, NJ (USCG physicals and drug testing only) sees patients by appointment, usually one Saturday a month (often the last Saturday, but the date varies).

Use our Appointment Scheduler, or call 954-359-0770 (Fort Lauderdale), 609-272-9333 (Atlantic City area: USCG physicals and drug testing only) or toll free 888-435-0007 and make an appointment or leave a voice mail. All appointments are subject to change and/or verification by our office. We will notify you.

Complete the FAA's MedXPress application online before you arrive. Bring your MedXPress confirmation number, a government-issued photo ID, and your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.

No. Our Atlantic City area office in Marmora, NJ offers USCG physicals and drug testing only. FAA physicals are done at our Fort Lauderdale office at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Yes. All of our FAA HIMS-trained AMEs (Aviation Medical Examiners) are pilots and advocates for pilots, with fiduciary responsibility, through the FAA, for public safety.

Yes. We have had the FAA-mandated computerized color vision test since January 1st, 2025. We also retain the Farnsworth Lantern Test (FALANT) and Dvorine Second Edition in our Fort Lauderdale office for testing color deficiencies to be used in legal challenges.

Our Record Review service gives an opinion as to what must be accomplished and whether or not you could expect the FAA to issue you a medical certificate, based on your complete, unedited medical records. We can also prepare an outline of what needs to be accomplished. This is in addition to our in-office services and is charged separately, and it does not include preparing and submitting your request to the FAA. Dr. Tordella has specific experience in petitioning for special issuances for those with unique medical problems.

Our office is at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 1100 Lee Wagener Blvd., Suite 346. For those flying in, there is a FREE shuttle to and from the main terminal and our office building. We are also accessible by motor vehicle, train and boat, or a short cab ride from downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Yes. Dr. Tordella is an IMS (Independent Medical Sponsor) paneled by ALPA and the FAA, and has been involved with HIMS practically since its inception. He guides the airman through the complete program, and usually within 6 months an application for special issuance is prepared on your behalf. See our HIMS page for details.

Yes. SSRI antidepressants are now part of the HIMS Special Issuance Process, and we are active in assisting applicants on Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro and others. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Yes. USCG Merchant Mariner physicals are done in Marmora, NJ by appointment, usually one Saturday a month (often the last Saturday, but the date varies). Call 609-272-9333 or contact us to confirm the next date. USCG physicals are also available at our Fort Lauderdale office.

Results are normally reported in 24-48 hours. Our urine collection staff is trained in accordance with Part 40 of DOT regulations, and we use SAMHSA drug test approved laboratories.

For contract physicals (USCG Captain's License schools, municipalities, police, fire and beach patrol), we can come to your site with our traveling medical office and team, depending on time availability, the number of examinations and distance to travel. FAA physicals are the exception: both the doctor and the office must be certified, so they are done in our office.

Yes. He has supported attorneys for both plaintiffs and defendants in aviation cases. His Curriculum Vitae is available upon request; see our Consultant / Expert Witness page.