Medical Exam for AoS - Does the civil surgeon need to read the TB test?

[Kittyfang 6]

Hi guys! I know I asked a question similar to that, but I still need to pick your brains about it.

I was wondering. My husband and I live in a small town that is about 1.5 hour from the closest civil surgeon. Now, I know it's not that far, but I'm ill and I cannot really go far.

So, I know I need a civil surgeon to conduct the Medical. I can't escape that. But once he administers the TB test, I have to wait two days, then go back to see him. If everything looks good, he will give me my results in a sealed envelop.

Here is my question. Can I have my doctor read the TB test (one civil surgeon hinted that this might be possible), inform the civil surgeon of the result and (and this is the important part), have the civil surgeon mail me the sealed envelop?

Also, as for being ill and waiting. This condition is pretty much a constant thing, and it will most likely get worse, before it gets better. So I can't wait till it goes away.

[NCWife 0]

I believe the person who can give you the best answer is the civil surgeon himself.

When I was calling to "shop" for the best and reliable CS, most of them told me that I can do my shots and bloodwork at my own doctor (and bring the results to CS later) but TB test has to be done at the CS office. I asked if that's mandatory and they said yes. Anyways, that doesn't really answer your question but as mentioned above, the best is to call your CS and tell him your situation and see what he suggests.

All the best. Cheers.

[Dakine 26]

Call Dr. Arnold in Texas. He does it all by mail for $30.

Dr. L. E. Arnold

4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 106

Austin, TX 78745

Tel: (512) 444-3131

Fax: (512) 447-4699

LOTS of people here have used him.

Edited October 7, 2009 by Dakine

[Kittyfang 6]

Call Dr. Arnold in Texas. He does it all by mail for $30.

Dr. L. E. Arnold

4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 106

Austin, TX 78745

Tel: (512) 444-3131

Fax: (512) 447-4699

LOTS of people here have used him.

He does it by mail? As in... I get my family doctor to do everything and send him the results?

[Dakine 26]

Call Dr. Arnold in Texas. He does it all by mail for $30.

Dr. L. E. Arnold

4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 106

Austin, TX 78745

Tel: (512) 444-3131

Fax: (512) 447-4699

LOTS of people here have used him.

He does it by mail? As in... I get my family doctor to do everything and send him the results?

Yep he does it by mail. Call him and he will tell you what you have to do. You'll probably get a recording but he does return calls.

[Kittyfang 6]

Call Dr. Arnold in Texas. He does it all by mail for $30.

Dr. L. E. Arnold

4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 106

Austin, TX 78745

Tel: (512) 444-3131

Fax: (512) 447-4699

LOTS of people here have used him.

He does it by mail? As in... I get my family doctor to do everything and send him the results?

Yep he does it by mail. Call him and he will tell you what you have to do. You'll probably get a recording but he does return calls.

Well, I'm new to the immigration proceedings. But it sounds strange. Doesn't USCIS want the medical exam to be conducted by a recognized civil surgeon? If so, it seems kinda strange that I would get my own doctor to do the work and have Dr. Arnold just... approve it for $30. (Never mind the fact that I'm far from Tx, I'm in Ohio. Wouldn't that raise an eyebrow at USCIS?)

By the way, I'm not trying to sound disrespectful. Heck, if this is true, it's the answer to my prayers. I'm just looking for clarity, since it's the first time that I've heard of a doctor doing that.

Edited October 7, 2009 by Kittyfang

[Dakine 26]

Call Dr. Arnold in Texas. He does it all by mail for $30.

Dr. L. E. Arnold

4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 106

Austin, TX 78745

Tel: (512) 444-3131

Fax: (512) 447-4699

LOTS of people here have used him.

He does it by mail? As in... I get my family doctor to do everything and send him the results?

Yep he does it by mail. Call him and he will tell you what you have to do. You'll probably get a recording but he does return calls.

Well, I'm new to the immigration proceedings. But it sounds strange. Doesn't USCIS want the medical exam to be conducted by a recognized civil surgeon? If so, it seems kinda strange that I would get my own doctor to do the work and have Dr. Arnold just... approve it for $30. (Never mind the fact that I'm far from Tx, I'm in Ohio. Wouldn't that raise an eyebrow at USCIS?)

By the way, I'm not trying to sound disrespectful. Heck, if this is true, it's the answer to my prayers. I'm just looking for clarity, since it's the first time that I've heard of a doctor doing that.

As I said LOTS of people here have used him. Plus I have 2 friends here in Hawaii that have also with success. Look at the second pinned AOS thread.

[Kittyfang 6]

Call Dr. Arnold in Texas. He does it all by mail for $30.

Dr. L. E. Arnold

4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 106

Austin, TX 78745

Tel: (512) 444-3131

Fax: (512) 447-4699

LOTS of people here have used him.

He does it by mail? As in... I get my family doctor to do everything and send him the results?

Yep he does it by mail. Call him and he will tell you what you have to do. You'll probably get a recording but he does return calls.

Well, I'm new to the immigration proceedings. But it sounds strange. Doesn't USCIS want the medical exam to be conducted by a recognized civil surgeon? If so, it seems kinda strange that I would get my own doctor to do the work and have Dr. Arnold just... approve it for $30. (Never mind the fact that I'm far from Tx, I'm in Ohio. Wouldn't that raise an eyebrow at USCIS?)

By the way, I'm not trying to sound disrespectful. Heck, if this is true, it's the answer to my prayers. I'm just looking for clarity, since it's the first time that I've heard of a doctor doing that.

As I said LOTS of people here have used him. Plus I have 2 friends here in Hawaii that have also with success. Look at the second pinned AOS thread.

I read the second pinned post. From what I can tell, Dr Arnold only deals with vaccinations (by mail). Nothing else. Would have been nice if my whole medical exam could have been done by mail.

[NCWife 0]

As far as I know, Dr. Arnold can transcribe your vaccination record to I-693 for that minimal fee when your medical does not exceed a year old. As for your case, I don't think Dr. Arnold can be much of help since you need to do your medical all over again. Some of the evaluation need to be done in person for the physical part of the medical.

Cheers.

[Kittyfang 6]

As far as I know, Dr. Arnold can transcribe your vaccination record to I-693 for that minimal fee when your medical does not exceed a year old. As for your case, I don't think Dr. Arnold can be much of help since you need to do your medical all over again. Some of the evaluation need to be done in person for the physical part of the medical.

Cheers.

You know, my biggest problem really is the TB thing. Having to go back 2 days after is going to be a big problem. I wonder if they can just X-Ray my chest.

[Dakine 26]

Local health departents normally do the TB skin test for free.

[Kittyfang 6]

Local health departents normally do the TB skin test for free.

Yes, but for Immigration, it has to be done by the civil surgeon

[Dakine 26]

Local health departents normally do the TB skin test for free.

Yes, but for Immigration, it has to be done by the civil surgeon

You can take the records of the skin test to a civil surgeon for another doctor or the health department.

http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/dq/pdf/civil_surgeons_faq.pdf

Can the civil surgeon accept TST results measuring less than 5mm

induration or chest radiographs (images), which are dated before the civil surgeon examination and submitted by an outside doctor's office?

Civil surgeons must ensure that the person appearing for the medical examination is the person who is actually applying for immigration benefits. The civil surgeon must confirm the applicant's identity by comparing facial appearance and signature with an official government document containing a recent photograph and signature, such as a passport, driver’s license, or other type of identity card. The applicant’s identity must be verified in the same manner when the applicant is referred to another facility for a chest radiograph or laboratory test.

[AmberOctober 25]

I applied for AOS in August. Just went to the local health department, asked for the TB test, came back in two days and got the answer (written and stamped on a single page). Then sent everything I had to Dr Arnold.

Got my sealed envelope the same week and a copy for myself.

He's really great.

If your last medical was less than a year ago from now you don't have to pass another one. Just let the doctor transcript your vaccination list.

[NCWife 0]

X-ray won't be instant either. You still need to wait a few days for the results to come back so which means you still need to make another trip to the CS office.

As far as I know, Dr. Arnold can transcribe your vaccination record to I-693 for that minimal fee when your medical does not exceed a year old. As for your case, I don't think Dr. Arnold can be much of help since you need to do your medical all over again. Some of the evaluation need to be done in person for the physical part of the medical.

Cheers.

You know, my biggest problem really is the TB thing. Having to go back 2 days after is going to be a big problem. I wonder if they can just X-Ray my chest.