What kind of medical information to bring to US?

[fruto123 0]

Hi guys,

When you arrive in US, what kind of medical information do you bring with you? It is unrelated to this particular visa but might help down the road, such as insurance, other paper process, etc. And these medical information should include what information? Thank you!

[Reba 2]

you don't need to bring any medical history with you at all for any purpose except perhaps your own peace of mind. If you have a medical condition that requires constant care and medication, you may want to bring a copy of your file. If you have no medical condition there's no need to bring anything.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I arranged with my family physician in Canada to obtain photocopies of my most recent medical information as well as 'significant' medical information related to past medical events (ie. surgery, hospitalization). I handed them over to my new primary care physician so he had a baseline of information for comparison with my ongoing medical care here. You don't 'need' to do that, but it is a good idea and may be of benefit when you find a new doctor.

One thing you should do is to obtain a 'Proof of coverage' letter if you are currently covered by any medical insurance. It should state what type of coverage you have (ie prescription, vision, medical, dental, etc.) and both the enrollment date and end date of the coverage, especially if you do have a medical condition. If your spouse is signing you on to his/her medical insurance there is often an 'existing condition' clause that denies coverage for that condition for a year or so unless you were covered by another medical insurance plan immediately prior to being added to your spouse's plan. Your current insurer should be able to provide that for you upon request. If you have any prescriptions, try to bring along enough to cover a 3 month period because sometimes there are waiting times before you can get in and see a specialist. Also bring along copies of any prescriptions. You won't be able to get them filled in the US, but they will give your new doctor the information he needs to write out a US prescription for the same items.

Also, bring along any vaccination or immunization records that you have. Part of the Adjustment of Status application requires you to obtain an Vaccination Supplement form from a US civil surgeon. If you received a copy of the immunization worksheet from your K-1 medical you will use that to get the Supplement form filled out, but not all doctors provide the supplement copy, so you can also use your original immunization records to prove you have already had the vaccination.

It is easier to make arrangements for these things before you travel than after you arrive so you are smart to think of it now. Good luck.

Edited August 29, 2006 by Kathryn41

[kitkat1 5]

I arranged with my family physician in Canada to obtain photocopies of my most recent medical information as well as 'significant' medical information related to past medical events (ie. surgery, hospitalization). I handed them over to my new primary care physician so he had a baseline of information for comparison with my ongoing medical care here. You don't 'need' to do that, but it is a good idea and may be of benefit when you find a new doctor.

One thing you should do is to obtain a 'Proof of coverage' letter if you are currently covered by any medical insurance. It should state what type of coverage you have (ie prescription, vision, medical, dental, etc.) and both the enrollment date and end date of the coverage, especially if you do have a medical condition. If your spouse is signing you on to his/her medical insurance there is often an 'existing condition' clause that denies coverage for that condition for a year or so unless you were covered by another medical insurance plan immediately prior to being added to your spouse's plan. Your current insurer should be able to provide that for you upon request. If you have any prescriptions, try to bring along enough to cover a 3 month period because sometimes there are waiting times before you can get in and see a specialist. Also bring along copies of any prescriptions. You won't be able to get them filled in the US, but they will give your new doctor the information he needs to write out a US prescription for the same items.

Also, bring along any vaccination or immunization records that you have. Part of the Adjustment of Status application requires you to obtain an Vaccination Supplement form from a US civil surgeon. If you received a copy of the immunization worksheet from your K-1 medical you will use that to get the Supplement form filled out, but not all doctors provide the supplement copy, so you can also use your original immunization records to prove you have already had the vaccination.

It is easier to make arrangements for these things before you travel than after you arrive so you are smart to think of it now. Good luck.

Excellent advice