London medical question...

[dustingthestars 9]

Realised that I posted this question in the London medical review sub-forum initially, whooops!

With regards to the medical, do they get your medical records from your GP beforehand? or do they send out some kind of questionnaire?

Edited January 13, 2012 by dustingthestars

[Dan & Jenni 457]

http://www.visamedicals.info/us.asp

you fill in a questionnaire but not sure where you get that from lol. it is helpful if you have your vaccination record with you when you go but your actual medical records arent needed unless you have had or have certain illnesses.you have to obtain these from your doctor yourself though... they wont do it for you

Edited January 13, 2012 by Dan & Jenni

[dustingthestars 9]

Not requesting GP records leaves the process open to potential fraud and abuse, doesn't it? At least in my opinion it does. You could just answer the questionnaire without disclosing any medical issues - what would happen then? I would figure that as material misrepresentation?

The only reason I asked was that I've worked abroad for a number of years so I don't even know where my records are. I contacted my most recent GP and they informed me that they no longer had my records and that he couldn't tell me where they had gone - nice!

[Brando M 1]

there ain't any way of conning their blood tests and chest x-ray and the physical exam they give you

But i know what you are saying! THE big thing that intestest them apart from what they test for, is mental health, depression, self harming etc.

[dustingthestars 9]

It just strikes me as strange that they don't insist on full disclosure for the Visa, but then I guess they would if the USA had a universal healthcare system and they wanted to prevent people really becoming public charges. However with the healthcare system as it is in the US with insurance required, the US government aren't so concerned I guess?

I remember when I moved to Russia with my work and having to have an AIDS/HIV test, that was just for a work permit. Christ only knows what they'd do to me if I wanted to live here as an LPR!

Incidentally, I have nothing to hide myself. I just like to ponder certain aspects of processes that I come across. It's definitely a foible of mine...

[ameribrit 37]

This link http://photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-visa/IV018a%20_IV%20medical%20letter_%20Aug%202011%20_1_.pdf has all the information that you should need regatding your medical, including the questionaire that you fill out and take with you.

If you have no way of getting your medical records then ask your GP to give you a tDap booster jab and the mmr jabs. Depending on your age that should be good enough. Do make sure that you get these done before the medical though because it would be an expensive hassle to get them done on in the USA and get a civil surgeon to sign off on your paperwork. Get your Jabs done in the U.K. and you won't have that hassle.

[Dan & Jenni 457]

Not requesting GP records leaves the process open to potential fraud and abuse, doesn't it? At least in my opinion it does. You could just answer the questionnaire without disclosing any medical issues - what would happen then? I would figure that as material misrepresentation?

The only reason I asked was that I've worked abroad for a number of years so I don't even know where my records are. I contacted my most recent GP and they informed me that they no longer had my records and that he couldn't tell me where they had gone - nice!

it is strange that they dont require them but even though i have lived in the UK all my life my medical records went missing 12 month ago when i changed doctors... so im kinda glad i wont need them lol

[Dan & Jenni 457]

This link http://photos.state....02011%20_1_.pdf has all the information that you should need regatding your medical, including the questionaire that you fill out and take with you.

If you have no way of getting your medical records then ask your GP to give you a tDap booster jab and the mmr jabs. Depending on your age that should be good enough. Do make sure that you get these done before the medical though because it would be an expensive hassle to get them done on in the USA and get a civil surgeon to sign off on your paperwork. Get your Jabs done in the U.K. and you won't have that hassle.

getting all the required shots done in time for the medical is excellent advice but just to add to this list... i think you will also need the flu jab as it is flu season, and tell them that you have had chickenpox as this will mean the varicella jab isnt required in the US. getting your GP to do the jabs is best but if you dont mind paying then they will give you all the ones required at the medical

[dustingthestars 9]

Sorry to hear they lost yours. Just as well we don't need them, eh?

I had loads of injections during my time in the military so I'm wondering if some medical information might be in my discharge documents - something to check next time I'm back in the UK. I think it would be rude of me not to take advantage of the NHS and have the jabs gratis at some point when I return.

It does look like a pretty simple process considering how complicated they make the rest of it.!

[Brando M 1]

Some of my records are AWOL too, I guess it's a common occurance! When I went to sort out getting a couple of the vaccinations, they didn't have records of what I'd had in the past (before I moved to Manchester). But no biggy, I got the MMR jab again, others where up to date. If you are headed over during flu season, you need that too.

The medical is nowhere near as bad as I expected. I was really dreading it, but the worry was for nothing! The clinic they use in Knightbridge is really good, very friendly and very efficient staff / doctors.

The doctor told me that they used to screen for HIV, but no longer, something the Obama regime did away with. They still take blood sample, but really, thats as stressful as it got! As I mentioned earlier, the big thing they are interested in is stuff like depression / self harming.

[dustingthestars 9]

The NHS is such a convoluted mess that I'm surprised they don't actually lose more records! I figured that I'll probably have to have another round of injections but I'm sure the GP will know what needs doing, right?

Sometimes the association with words can have more an impact than the actual act. Hearing the word 'Medical' isn't pleasant for anyone, is it? I just remember all the different ones I've had to have down the line and this one does sound like a breeze in comparison. It's similar to when I was moving to Russia and needed a HIV/AIDS test and started freaking out. Only when I saw the nurse and realised that they just take some blood and screen it. My mind had created images of this special contraption that would drill into me or something bizzare like that!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Not requesting GP records leaves the process open to potential fraud and abuse, doesn't it? At least in my opinion it does. You could just answer the questionnaire without disclosing any medical issues - what would happen then? I would figure that as material misrepresentation?

You could do that and if it doesn't show up in a blood test for sexually transmitted diseases or a chest x-ray then probably could get away with it. Scars could show an undisclosed surgery or self-harm. Your police report which must be taken to the medical could show arrests from drugs or alcohol which could trigger a request for a full report from your doctor to determine if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse/addiction. The blood tests do not routinely screen for drugs or alcohol. But one guy showed up reeking of weed because of use in his hotel room the night before and was put through extra testing. Same for another who showed up at his interview somewhat drunk...sent straight to have a blood test for alcohol levels. Another popped off to the doctor when asked how much he typically drank in a night at the pub. His answer of 10 pints wasn't a wise choice. I don't know if he ever got the visa. The case got sent back to the US for some big review after he had to undergo psychological tests and such. His fiance eventually dropped off VJ. Had he only said 2 pints it would have had a different outcome.

Your medical records are private and nobody can request them in general. If Knightsbridge clinic suspects something needs further explanation, they can ask you to get a written report from your doctor. You don't have to comply, but then they won't sign off on the medical exam.

Edited January 13, 2012 by Nich-Nick