I-485 Medical Examination - Help

[agopal]

Hello - can someone let me know how the Medical examination procedure works? I booked an appointment with a civil surgeon based on the list on USCIS website. Do we have to tell the doctor about the tests that are needed or would the doctor recommend tests based on our condition?

The doctor I spoke with (the receptionist I should say) mentioned that for physical it would be X dollars, if you need TB test then it would be this much but I am not sure how I would know if I need TB test or not?? A bit confused..

Help please

Also what is the date by which we should apply for COS for this visa bulletin cycle?

Thanks

[saji007]

They will do TB Skin test for every one, unless other wise you show proof that you did TB skin test in the recent past. It will take 2 days for the result. Based on the result, they will ask for a Chest X-ray. if you took BCG from India, the test may be +ve and you may need to take Chest X-ray. Check for the X-ray cost when you book the appointment.

You need to do Blood test for syphilis. Vaccinations needed are TDAP, MMR and Vericella. If you have proof that you took it, they will accept it, else they will ask you to take it. Better to take it from the PCP and go for the exam. Vaccinations may be covered by your insurance. Also check for vaccination cost, if you plan to take it from the Civil Surgeon

[saji007]

They will do TB Skin test for every one, unless other wise you show proof that you did TB skin test in the recent past. It will take 2 days for the result. Based on the result, they will ask for a Chest X-ray. if you took BCG from India, the test may be +ve and you may need to take Chest X-ray. Check for the X-ray cost when you book the appointment.

You need to do Blood test for syphilis. Vaccinations needed are TDAP, MMR and Vericella. If you have proof that you took it, they will accept it, else they will ask you to take it. Better to take it from the PCP and go for the exam. Vaccinations may be covered by your insurance. Also check for vaccination cost, if you plan to take it from the Civil Surgeon

[agopal]

When I look at USCIS website they list a whole bunch of vaccines as required.

My doctors administered TDAP (and blood work for syphillis) and I think MMR but not varicella..

DOes MMR also cover Varicella?

Background
Under the immigration laws of the United States, a foreign national who applies for an immigrant visa abroad, or who seeks to adjust status to a permanent resident while in the United States, is required to receive vaccinations to prevent the following diseases:

Mumps
Measles
Rubella
Polio
Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids
Pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type B
Hepatitis B
Any other vaccine-preventable diseases recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices

[krishmunn]

MMR and Vericella are different but if you had Chicken pox ever in your lifetime (most from India had) , you do not need Vericella.

A general advice to all for vaccines, If you have vaccine records go with that. All doctors accept vaccine record from a US doctor and MOST accept vaccine record from your home country (some do not though).

If not, DO NOT take the MMR immediately before going to Civil Surgeon. If you take MMR, you cannot have TB test for 6 weeks.

Vaccines are mostly covered 100% by insurance . This is a result of latest Obamacare which enforces all insurance companies to cover vaccine @ 100%.

[artha1]

Hi Krishmunn,

I did not read your post before going for my Med Exam :(

I had "proactively" gone to my PCP and got vaccinated for MMR, TDAP, Varicella few days before the med exam. The Civil Surgeon refused to administer the TB test and now I have to wait for a month.

Can we take a different TB test that will not be impacted by the MMR? Also can I request the Dr to go for the CHest X-Ray to test for TB?

Anyone else has any inputs?

Thanks.

[Tshelar]

Hi Krishmunn,

I did not read your post before going for my Med Exam :(

I had "proactively" gone to my PCP and got vaccinated for MMR, TDAP, Varicella few days before the med exam. The Civil Surgeon refused to administer the TB test and now I have to wait for a month.

Can we take a different TB test that will not be impacted by the MMR? Also can I request the Dr to go for the CHest X-Ray to test for TB?

Anyone else has any inputs?

Thanks.
There is no escape. One has to do a skin test. Just chest x-Ray without the skin test does not work. I had just submitted an X-Ray and received an RFE to provide skin test results. Landed up doing the skin test as well as an X-Ray since my skin test was positive because of the BCG vaccination.

[sharathmsc]

I got an RFE now for the I-693 for my wife filed in 2011 with Priority date of Nov 2006 under EB2. The RFE is to make some changes in the form without taking the test again but the issue is the doctor who did the test is passed away. As it's not a hospital there's no replacement for him and his office is closed now.

What are my options, I think I need to go to other doctor but do I need take the test again or will they just do the needful what USCIS asked. Please advise.

[artha1]

There is no escape. One has to do a skin test. Just chest x-Ray without the skin test does not work. I had just submitted an X-Ray and received an RFE to provide skin test results. Landed up doing the skin test as well as an X-Ray since my skin test was positive because of the BCG vaccination.

Thanks Tshelar!
Will have to wait I guess.