Medical exam for I-485 filing

[LanaMay 5]

They don't have to give you a copy but ask and they will usually give you one. It's not a requirement though.

After few hours of research on USCIS site I found out the form instructions require the

civil surgeon to make two copies of the completed and signed Form I-693 and supporting documentation:

one copy is for the civil surgeon’s records and the other copy is for the applicant.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-693instr.pdf

Page 4 of Instructions for Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record :

"Make 2 copies of the completed and signed Form I-693 for submission to USCIS. You should keep a copy of Form I-693 and any supporting documentation that you submit to USCIS for your records. Give the other copy of the completed and signed Form I-693 and any supporting documentation to the applicant."

Edited August 16, 2013 by LanaMay

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Cool.

[LanaMay 5]

Hi guys,

just went to have our medical exams done.

We did them once before 6 years ago for GC process trough my husbands employer.It is a long story about how employer's tax fraud can prevent you from filing I-485 in the end. Well, anyway all tests were negative(good) than, no x-ray was needed. This time doctor sent us to have x-rays done without even performing skin test for TB first.

I asked why.She said no one from Ukraine ever had negative(good) results for skin test and than you have to do x-ray anyway so why bother at all.I showed her our I-693 forms from six years ago that clearly stated both of us had negative(good) results.We did not travel abroad since.

She said:"You can be mad at me but I am still going to do what I think is right.INS will likely consider negative skin test insufficient.We are going ahead with x-rays." That is fine with me but is this situation seems a little weird or not at all?

I should mention the young nurse that took our blood. She looked trough some book for 10 minutes with stressed and confused expression on her face and than had to call the lab to make sure what test to perform and what size of tube to use.That is where seeds of my paranoia come from.

So here is my question.What is requirement for Tuberculosis test? Is x-ray mandatory now? Will it be OK if we only have X-rays and no skin test?

The way I understand it there needs to be a reason to have x-ray done instead of skin test.Is being from Ukraine a legitimate reason? Does it make any difference what kind of test you get as long as result is OK?

Here is the rest of the story:

I call doctor and say:"USCIS clearly will not accept paperwork if there is an x-ray without previous TST reaction of 5mm or more or severe reaction with blistering." She answers:"You have previous NO REACTION TST results in old I-693 from six years, ago from different doctor.But if you want another one she will do it again."

It does not make any sense.It is up to me now.Am I being swindled or is she a moron? Do not answer that )))

In any case I do not trust this doctor to fill out my I-693.She just will not be able to do it correctly after everything that transpired.Form I-693 itself is pretty straight forward and there is no option to submit x-ray without lying about TST result. Or even submit it without x-ray based on TST from 6 years ago.I am going to have to do it again with different civil surgeon.

So on Monday I am supposed to go get my results and sealed envelope.How should I go about it.I do not want to pay for doctors visit that did not accomplish anything.Do you think I will be able to somehow transfer blood test results and x-ray to another doctor so I do not have to pay for same tests again?

Should I file complaint? I think she should be taken off USCIS civil surgeons list.

I am worried she is running some sort of scam practice and now her office has my husband's and my dates of birth, SSN,address,driver license numbers.How do I get it back? HELP!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The doctor is not your servant, and is trained and certified to do these exams. If you don't like it, it doesn't mean it is a scam. If you were to do the x-ray only and it came back as not valid, then the CS would be responsible to fix your paperwork, but I bet that wouldn't happen. If you don't like it, go somewhere else, but these are real doctors with real training. You aren't responsible for "schooling" the CS.

[LanaMay 5]

I am going somewhere else.Doctor is not my servant but she is supposed to follow CDC instructions for civil surgeons and she does not.I contacted my lawyer and she suggested to get a second opinion.I talked to different civil surgeon few hours ago and he said I do have reasons to be concerned as clearly she did not follow CDC and USCIS instructions.

I am paying for I-693 completed correctly and truthfully.If she does not deliver I-693 filled out correctly or truthfully I am obviously not going to submit it.Do you think I owe her for doctors visit?Would you pay? What would be your reason to not report an unethical doctor and civil surgeon that does not do what she is supposed to?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Because I believe your assessment of the situation is not the truth. I don't believe the doctor is unethical or a liar. Plenty of people have medicals overseas where they just go straight to x-ray, because the country gave out the vaccine in the past, and the likelihood to get a positive test is too high. I don't see why the same wouldn't apply here. They don't publish all CS laws for the public to see. That's why I wouldn't report it.

[LanaMay 5]

Why would you assume both other civil surgeon and I am wrong? Or do you imply I am lying?

My results came back clear and only thing I want is to have legit I-693.I do not want to spend money on another exam but I have to. This one just will not do.

And yes they do publish all requirements and exemptions in CDS and USCIS sites.I spent days researching and hoping I can salvage the results and not have to go to do exam again.In US laws and rules are not kept in secret.

Ignorance is a bliss but I can not afford to be ignorant, this I-485 filing is my last and only chance to get GC after 11 years of hard work and struggle.

I think maybe because this CS is from same part of the world and speaks same language as I am she feels she is doing me an extra favor, it is common in Ukraine and Russia to neglect the rules to do your comrad a favor.But I did not ask for it and I want everything by the book.If I demanded it she would probably do it as I ask,but I do not trust her any more and thats it.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I don't think you are lying and I am not implying such. I think you are overreacting. Go somewhere else and that's that. Good day to you.

Edited August 17, 2013 by Harpa Timsah