Visa Medical

[Rachie07 4]

Hi Guys

My medical is booked for the end of July and I am really worried about it for two reasons.

The first being my medical history. I was placed on anti-depressants for anxiety for a two month period back in 2009 and I am absolutely fine now. It was reactive and has disappeared completely. Do I need to tick the suffered with depression box on the form? I would imagine that that woudl indicate a longer period of depression, perhaps clinical depression and not just a fleeting thing. I had also, very stupidly, self harmed as a teenager, two small cuts that you can barely see now. I have done my research and got my doctor to write me a letter, stating this self harm has not presented itself in my adult behaviour and I am completely fine now. I wondered if any one else had a similar experience and if the letter from their doctor was enough or if they had to go for a psych evaluation? I read they cost 750 pounds which is something I really cant afford. Am I best to do the psych evaluation before I go to my medical and present it to the doctor if that is the case?

Secondly, I will be 25 weeks pregnant when I go for my medical and I have been told I have to have an x-ray. Has anyone else been to a medical when pregnant and had to do this?

If anyone can give me some ideas of what to expect I would be really happy. I am going to the Knightsbridge doctors and have read some very mixed reviews.

Many thanks guys

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to UK regional forum.

[photomile 101]

I don't know about the X ray or pregnancy but regarding the psych evaluation, Knightsbridge doctors will need to refer you to someone they approve for an answer.

Reactive depression is sometimes a little different from clinical depression. The big question here is 'were you actually diagnosed with depression' or just given anti depressants? There is a big difference.

[kittylondon 47]

have you read through the pinned medical thread? i know it's 44 pages and spans 6 years, but... there's gotta be some experiences similar to yours in there! or just call them - they answer straight away, it's not like calling uscis or anything, and they were all nice enough when i went last week. they will at the very least be able to confirm the x-ray procedure during pregnancy, if not the psych issue, which may be a less cut and dry matter..

good luck!

p.s their number - 020 7486 7822 (mon-fri 9-5)

Edited July 14, 2012 by kittylondon

[photomile 101]

They also correspond by email and are quite helpful

[sara80 17]

As far as I know you should be getting a letter from your GP stating your pregnancy, no. of wks etc and I believe you should be able to avoid X-ray. But I'm pretty sure I read this somewhere in here or the London embassy page perhaps!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians states:

Use lead shielding for women of childbearing age. Pregnant women who are asymptomatic * may request that no chest radiograph be taken. Note this request on medical report form and advise applicant to obtain skin test after arrival in U.S.

* Pregnant women with symptoms suggestive of active TB must receive a chest radiograph. If the radiograph is compatible with active tuberculosis, sputum smears must be obtained

.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/panel/technical-instructions/panel-physicians/tuberculosis.html

The latest version of mental health instructions can be found here 

http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/panel/mental-panel-technical-instructions.html

The letter from your GP is good. I wouldn't go have a psych exam unless Knightsbridge asked you to do so.

[Rachie07 4]

Thanks guys for your help.

I read somewhere that I wouldnt have to have an x-ray but after calling knightbridge its now a requirement. I was found to be immune from TB by a skin test which I had in high school and thats all detailed on my immunisations records so we shall see what they say. I have a midwife appointment this week so I shall get her to write me a letter confirming my pregnancy anyway to conincide with my green notes.

On my doctors letter it does say I was treated for depression and anxiety but it states its reactive. I will fill the form in and if they feel I should mark the box differently I will. I am just very nervous that they will either delay my visa or deny me because of the self harm part. I guess I will just have to wait and see what mood the medical doctor is in on the day of my medical.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks guys for your help.

I read somewhere that I wouldnt have to have an x-ray but after calling knightbridge its now a requirement. I was found to be immune from TB by a skin test which I had in high school and thats all detailed on my immunisations records so we shall see what they say. I have a midwife appointment this week so I shall get her to write me a letter confirming my pregnancy anyway to conincide with my green notes.

I looked that up and the United Kingdom did switch to the 2007 Technical Instructions on April 1 of this year. Prior to that, they still used the 1991 Instructions for TB.

The Dept of State FAQs:

If the applicant is pregnant must she have a chest x-ray?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires that women who are pregnant and required to have a medical examination in connection with the issuance of a visa, and are examined in a country currently using the 2007 TB Technical Instructions

must

have a chest x-ray examination conducted. Pregnant women will have to provide the panel physician with consent to conduct the chest x-ray. For the health of the applicant and her unborn child, CDC instructs panel physicians and laboratories to provide abdominal and pelvic protection with double layer, wrap-around lead shields when they receive the chest radiographs.

This requirement does not apply to countries using the 1991 TB Technical Instructions which allow for an exemption of the chest x-ray requirement for pregnant women. Pregnant applicants who do not wish to have the X-ray will be granted a temporary exemption when they provide written certification of pregnancy signed by their personal physician or obstetrician.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3745.html#_What_if_the_1

So make sure they do all the required lead shielding.