TST, Blood Work, X-Ray

[RyaNRiza 1]

We went to a civil surgeon today. I was stunned of him asking me for my blood work, TST and X-ray when in fact my medical exam conducted in the Philippines hasn't expired yet. This sounds to me like I am going to have a new medical exam. Thankfully, I had my new blood work from my OB/GYN (since I am pregnant) that was only administered last January so I don't have to worry about it. They poked a needle on my arm this morning for TST which costs $60. Another $130 fee was billed for the INS fee sort of thing (medical and such). I also believe that I will not have additional vaccination this time because I am pregnant, that should be noted on the transcribed vaccination record as "to follow." Now, I really don't want to have another X-ray. My reasons are: 1.) my medical exam isn't expired until May 20 2.) risky for the baby 3.) another $$$ for fee . They already billed us $190. I heard from other filers that it only cost them less than $100 to get everything done from a civil surgeon.

For those who have gone through AOS, what can you advice in my situation? I would really appreciate your suggestions, recommendations, advice on this regard.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Riza

[Kathryn41 3,205]

A lot of doctors try to insist that you need the whole medical. You don't. You just need the vaccinations (if any) and the vaccination part of the medical form. It is probably too late now but it is a good idea to phone around and find a doctor who understands this. USCIS already has the rest of the information and it is still valid - you don't need to do another medical in spite of what the doctor says. The doctor is wrong - or just greedy.

[RyaNRiza 1]

A lot of doctors try to insist that you need the whole medical. You don't. You just need the vaccinations (if any) and the vaccination part of the medical form. It is probably too late now but it is a good idea to phone around and find a doctor who understands this. USCIS already has the rest of the information and it is still valid - you don't need to do another medical in spite of what the doctor says. The doctor is wrong - or just greedy.

We were thinking of printing out a link from USCIS website regarding the X-ray and show it to the doctor when we go back on Thursday for my TST result. I presumed if my TST is negative, X-ray is no longer needed.

Anyone knows the USCIS link regarding additional vaccination for AOS?

Thanks!

[island_princess 2]

I suggest that you do that -- not just the link, but the whole document and highlight the part that says that you do not need another whole medical exam within 1 year from your med exam abroad.

As Civil Surgeons, they should know the rules.

A lot of doctors try to insist that you need the whole medical. You don't. You just need the vaccinations (if any) and the vaccination part of the medical form. It is probably too late now but it is a good idea to phone around and find a doctor who understands this. USCIS already has the rest of the information and it is still valid - you don't need to do another medical in spite of what the doctor says. The doctor is wrong - or just greedy.

We were thinking of printing out a link from USCIS website regarding the X-ray and show it to the doctor when we go back on Thursday for my TST result. I presumed if my TST is negative, X-ray is no longer needed.

Anyone knows the USCIS link regarding additional vaccination for AOS?

Thanks!

[RyaNRiza 1]

I suggest that you do that -- not just the link, but the whole document and highlight the part that says that you do not need another whole medical exam within 1 year from your med exam abroad.

As Civil Surgeons, they should know the rules.

Thanks!

Well, they already took TST today and will know the result by Thursday. I heard that Filipinos usually get a positive result on TST. How true is that? Pretty sure that if my result is positive, I am required to get chest X-ray.

Edited March 18, 2009 by RyaNRiza

[island_princess 2]

I was positive in PPD test too. I was required to take the X-Ray, and they found nothing so I passed.

You are right. There is a big chance that we, Filipinos, will have a positive result in PPD test. The reasons can vary from the BCG vaccine we had when we were infants or simply our surroundings. If you took public transportation (or just plain unlucky to catch it somewhere) in Pinas, you could get the TB bacteria. Now, the issue is whether that bacteria is active or latent. If its is active, the sputum, PPD and X-Ray will tell, and you need to undergo 6-mo. treatment.

As for the X-Ray, you can use your insurance (if you have). That's what I did.

I suggest that you do that -- not just the link, but the whole document and highlight the part that says that you do not need another whole medical exam within 1 year from your med exam abroad.

As Civil Surgeons, they should know the rules.

Thanks!

Well, they already took TST today and will know the result by Thursday. I heard that Filipinos usually get a positive result on TST. How true is that? Pretty sure that if my result is positive, I am required to get chest X-ray.

Do not worry, if you are required to get an X-Ray, I am sure they will observe the allowable dosage (of radiation) not to hurt the baby.

[RyaNRiza 1]

I was positive in PPD test too. I was required to take the X-Ray, and they found nothing so I passed.

You are right. There is a big chance that we, Filipinos, will have a positive result in PPD test. The reasons can vary from the BCG vaccine we had when we were infants or simply our surroundings. If you took public transportation (or just plain unlucky to catch it somewhere) in Pinas, you could get the TB bacteria. Now, the issue is whether that bacteria is active or latent. If its is active, the sputum, PPD and X-Ray will tell, and you need to undergo 6-mo. treatment.

As for the X-Ray, you can use your insurance (if you have). That's what I did.

Really, you got a positive result too? During my visa application, there were folks in my batch who have children who undergone TST and everyone (or almost everyone) is positive. My husband and I were thinking that we will go to another civil surgeon if in case I get a positive result and need an X-ray. We are thinking about that CS from Texas people keep mentioning about here in VJ. Maybe we can have him transcribe my vaccination record. I heard that he only charges $30-40.

Btw, thanks for informing us about the insurance covering the X-ray. We will see what our decision will be in this matter. If we'll get to decide getting X-ray, we will use my husband's insurance of which I am a dependent.

Thanks princess!

[Angela & Paul 12]

The Civil Surgeon in Texas is Dr. Arnold. There are a few threads about him. He's one of the last few honest Civil Surgeons. He charges $30 for transcribing the vaccination history, but will not transcribe TB test, which is not required for AOS for K-1/K-3 anyway (everybody had a chest X-Ray for K-1 application).

Most Civil Surgeons will insist you do the whole thing again because they are greedy and that's why they volunteered to be Civil Surgeons, to get easy access to patients who have their hands tight and will have no choice to fork another $250 for something they don't need. Don't get me started on what I think of them...

[island_princess 2]

In adddition:

When the doctor gives you the slip for the X-Ray, look for the lab or X-Ray facility in your area that accept the insurance.

The lab will just fax the result to the doctor. There is no such thing as USCIS accredited lab. Then. you'll be good to go.

I was positive in PPD test too. I was required to take the X-Ray, and they found nothing so I passed.

You are right. There is a big chance that we, Filipinos, will have a positive result in PPD test. The reasons can vary from the BCG vaccine we had when we were infants or simply our surroundings. If you took public transportation (or just plain unlucky to catch it somewhere) in Pinas, you could get the TB bacteria. Now, the issue is whether that bacteria is active or latent. If its is active, the sputum, PPD and X-Ray will tell, and you need to undergo 6-mo. treatment.

As for the X-Ray, you can use your insurance (if you have). That's what I did.

Really, you got a positive result too? During my visa application, there were folks in my batch who have children who undergone TST and everyone (or almost everyone) is positive. My husband and I were thinking that we will go to another civil surgeon if in case I get a positive result and need an X-ray. We are thinking about that CS from Texas people keep mentioning about here in VJ. Maybe we can have him transcribe my vaccination record. I heard that he only charges $30-40.

Btw, thanks for informing us about the insurance covering the X-ray. We will see what our decision will be in this matter. If we'll get to decide getting X-ray, we will use my husband's insurance of which I am a dependent.

Thanks princess!

Edited March 18, 2009 by island_princess