Medical complete - Review of Dr Zatsman

[CDNme 11]

Just got home from my 8-hour round trip and medical today. Worst part of the whole thing? The boring 401 drive!

This review is not unlike others on Dr. Zatsman... but I always appreciate new reviews, so here it is:

I scheduled my medical on September 26th for today (Oct 22nd). At the time, I did not have an interview date (none showing on CSC website for weeks). Just thought this could be important because not all offices would schedule me an appointment for medical without an interview already scheduled - thankfully, Dr. Zatsman's reception would. I did experience some... less than 'customer friendly' experience by the receptionist I spoke to over the phone. She sounded disinterested, annoyed or just tired/sick. I mean, we all have off days... but not what I normally expect when I contact a Dr.'s office. I didn't get a name, but others have spoken about 'Michelle' at Dr. Zatsman's office with similar experiences. I called again, the day before my appointment, to confirm everything and had the same less than stellar experience.

The medical building is easy enough to find on Maj. Mackenzie Dr in Vaughan. The main entrance is facing the Tim Horton's in the same plaza. Dr. Zatsman is located in rm208 (second floor, veer right off the elevator - all the way at the end). I arrived at 1235pm for my 130pm appointment. The receptionist (I don't think it was the 'Michelle' people have spoken about - this young lady was very nice and appeared very knowledgeable/was helpful and the only receptionist there at the time). She asked for:

- Passport

- Packet 4 (well, its 4 pages printed - she only needed the last page)

- Confirmation from the CSC website for your scheduled interview (only the 1st page)

- 1 photo

- Immunization records

She never asked for 'medical history'. She then confirmed my home address to which she followed up with "I guess you're going to want this couriered - unless you want to drive back to pick it up [from Windsor]". I smiled and said, "Yes, please." She made some copies and then called someone for a quote to have the file couriered overnight when it was completed. The fee to have the file couriered was $20. She asked for $240 + $20 cash, printed some receipts for me, as well as the paperwork required for an X-ray and bloodwork. She then instructed me to go ahead and get the lab work done first since I was early for my appointment. This process took about 20 minutes.

I went to the Xray lab (which is on the first level, I forget the rm#, but as soon as you exit the elevators, its directly to your right - two frosted glass doors). I walked in (12:55pm) to a packed waiting room and two receptionists on phones. One asked me to come forward as they were on the phone. I handed the paperwork from Dr Zatsman's office, they asked for my passport and $50. I only had 20s on me and she said they had no change. They do not have debit or credit. Or change. Bring exact bills. So, I stepped out to the drug store (off the main entrance) and they - begrudgingly, changed my 20 for a 10 and two 5s. Back to the Xray lab, the receptionist, still on the phone, processed my paperwork then handed me back my passport and I sat down. As I sat down, the waiting room quickly dwindled as people were being called rather quickly. I'm assuming it was backed up due it the lunch hour? My name was called at 1:25pm, Xray was quick and painless, I was out of the Xray lab by 130pm. Total time in Xray lab - 30mins.

Next onto the bloodwork (what I dread, because I am irrational and afraid of needles). This office is also on the main floor, walking away from the front entrance, veer left, around the corner and all the way at the end of the corridor is rm108. I walked in at about 1:35pm, grabbed a ticket and sat down. There were 2 people waiting ahead of me & 2 technicians working. They were extremely quick and nice! When I was called, the technicians took my paperwork, entered it all into the computer and asked for $7.76 payment. Options here are exact change or debit/credit. She the told me to sit in cubicle 3, by the time I sat down, she was there and ready... before I knew it, it was over. All of that worrying for nothing. I thanked the technician for being so prompt and gentle! She looked at me funny... just routine for her - but the scariest par of my week, for sure I was in and out of here in 15 minutes.

Back upstairs to Dr. Zatsman's office (1:55pm). There are now 3 receptionists. I believe to have recognized Michelle - who was fortunately busy assisting another patient. I mentioned to the younger receptionist who was helping me earlier that I was back. She got up, walked into an office (labeled for Dr. Zatsman) and then returned and told me to have a seat. I waited about 10 minutes before Dr. Zatsman called me, himself. He was extremely pleasant and friendly. Explained the questionnaire he was going to ask, asked all the questions, took my height/weight and blood pressure. Thanked me for having all of my immunization records and entered all the dates into the computer (which was the longest part of this whole process). He said he would courier my results next week and not not open the sealed package. I asked if he needed any of my medial history, since I had brought it - he said, "No, this (pointing to the medical questionnaire) is the medical history that they (US) is concerned about. If you have a history with any of the questions - then I would need more history from you." I haven't had any health/medical issues - so no need to have my family Dr. print of 20-some years of medical paperwork for nothing. But I suppose better to have it then need it, no? We talked a bit about wedding plans and where I'd be moving to - again, he is very kind. I was in the office with Dr. Zatsman for 15mins.

Walked out of the medical buildings at 225pm. Was there just under 2 hours - great experience - would highly recommend Dr. Zatsman for your medical!

Just remember to bring cash equivalent to $240 and $50. The bloodwork lab needs $7.76 (exact) or will take credit/debit. If you will need the results couriered, bring another $20-25.

Now... Interview in 16 days!

[Cherie and David 0]

I tried several times to make an appointment with Dr Zatsman...unfortunately, Michelle never answered the phone and every message left which "would be returned by the end of business day" according to her voicemail, was never returned. I finally got fed up and made the appointment with another doctor's office even though it would be further away from me. After your review, I really wish Michelle would have returned one of my 4 phone calls, because he seems nice and is losing patients as a result

[CDNme 11]

I tried several times to make an appointment with Dr Zatsman...unfortunately, Michelle never answered the phone and every message left which "would be returned by the end of business day" according to her voicemail, was never returned. I finally got fed up and made the appointment with another doctor's office even though it would be further away from me. After your review, I really wish Michelle would have returned one of my 4 phone calls, because he seems nice and is losing patients as a result

I've read that others have had problems getting ahold of someone at the office :/

I called twice and both times she picked up. I was put on hold for 5-6mins both times. It is a shame they are losing out on patients because of the reception (or one of them)... I did really like dealing with Dr. Zatsman and would consider being a patient if he was closer (and accepting!).

[CDNme 11]

**UPDATE**

Just thought I'd let everyone know about receiving the sealed packet...

My interview was 9 days ago (Tues, Oct 22nd) and today (Thurs, Oct 31st) I contacted Dr. Zatzman's office and left a message asking for an update on my file. I received a call back within the hour and the receptionist confirmed that they sent out my package today and that I should receive it tomorrow (Friday).

Imagine my surprise when one hour later it showed up! So. 9 days to receive my medical results. Perfect timing... 7 days until my interview!

[waitingonwaito 0]

So if you don't have all your immunizations your visa gets delayed?? I thought I read somewhere that you could always get them done later on once you entered the United States. My medical exam is in 3 days and I just checked their website and it looks like I'm missing 2 shots.

[kc247 22]

So if you don't have all your immunizations your visa gets delayed?? I thought I read somewhere that you could always get them done later on once you entered the United States. My medical exam is in 3 days and I just checked their website and it looks like I'm missing 2 shots.

The Dr. can't give you the results unless you have the proper immunizations. If you are missing some he would probably tell you to go get them and fax proof to him that you got them before he will send results. So no, you can't enter the US until you have the immunizations because you wouldn't get a visa without medical results.

[NikLR 13,227]

You can get the immunizations at the panel physician, not later in the USA.

9 days for the medical packet?!?! wow. Mine was ready in 3 and Dr Cheema in Surrey has it ready the NEXT DAY. C'mon... 9 days? At least it arrived before the interview.

Best of luck on that btw. CHEERS!!!

[Ontarkie 14,225]

So if you don't have all your immunizations your visa gets delayed?? I thought I read somewhere that you could always get them done later on once you entered the United States. My medical exam is in 3 days and I just checked their website and it looks like I'm missing 2 shots.

In some Countries they let you do that but in Canada they don't. You must have all or they delay the medical. I had to get the HepB shot for my son and fax it in. Since it's done at birth in the US somehow I missed it.

[CDNme 11]

You can get the immunizations at the panel physician, not later in the USA.

9 days for the medical packet?!?! wow. Mine was ready in 3 and Dr Cheema in Surrey has it ready the NEXT DAY. C'mon... 9 days? At least it arrived before the interview.

Best of luck on that btw. CHEERS!!!

The expectation of the waiting period was set ahead of time and really didn't bother me (after all, it was 6 business days). Dr Zatsman performs (or did in November) US Immigration appts on Tues & Thurs and then completes the packets on the following Monday.

And thanks for the luck - a little late, but I'll take it for my AOS! Interview was smooth, then it was Christmas and our wedding on NYE.

Edited January 16, 2014 by CDNme

[dburnt 59]

I also thought that immunization was not fully required until actual AOS. How can you get all the shots when the Hep A/B is a six month to a year series of shots?

[NikLR 13,227]

Hep a and b are not required for Canadians.

[dburnt 59]

Really? Perhaps I have been looking at the wrong list? Do you have a link please? I have an appointment on Friday with my doctor (had a full immunization blood work up done but based off a list on CDC).

Thanks so much!

[NikLR 13,227]

Go here: http://www.drcheema.ca/ Then the US immigration and then go down to vaccinations and scroll down to your age range.

19-26 YEARS
Tdap (Adacel or Boosterix) - ensure you get Tdap not just Td
MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough). You need MMR
Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed
Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)
27-49 YEARS
Tdap (Adacel or Boosterix) - ensure you get Tdap not just Td
MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough). You need MMR
Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed
Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)
50-59 YEARS
Tdap (Adacel or Boosterix) - ensure you get Tdap not just Td
Influenza - (only required during October - February, annually)
Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed
60-64 YEARS
Tdap (Adacel or Boosterix) -ensure you get Tdap not just Td
Influenza - (only required during October - February, annually)
Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed

I took evidence of my hep B immunity and it was checked off as not age appropriate.

Edited January 21, 2014 by NLR