$1250 Blood tests for form I-693...!

[il_moe 2]

Hi everyone,

today i went to the doctor (civil surgeon listed in the USCIS website) , she performed a routine visit , TB test , and she prescribed me blood tests to be done in an external laboratory.

I went to the lab and i asked for the total cost of the tests and the price was 1250$!!!

I thought it was a joke, but it wasn't!

Of course i didn't accept and now i'm trying to understand where to go and what is the average price of the tests.

The tests are pretty standard: MMR , Hepatitis A and B and Syphilis.

The same test would cost 60€ in Italy!!

[C-ma'am 684]

Check this list. You might get lucky http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/231026-civil-surgeons-who-dont-rip-you-off/page-3

[il_moe 2]

I've already checked it but there is no reference to laboratories.. thank you!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Just get the shots again if you don't have records. The shots are cheap, some might be free at a county health clinic. A blood titre test to test for antibodies is pricey. There is no risk in getting extra shots.

THe above suggestion is also to go to a different Civil Surgeon, which you might have to do if the CS only wants a blood titre test.

You will have to get tested for syphilis separately, but that should be included in the cost of the CS visit.

Edited January 25, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[cazzers 83]

that is outrageous. the price for my blood test for i693 was $104. Can't you go to another lab?

[il_moe 2]

Just get the shots again if you don't have records. The shots are cheap, some might be free at a county health clinic. A blood titre test to test for antibodies is pricey. There is no risk in getting extra shots.

THe above suggestion is also to go to a different Civil Surgeon, which you might have to do if the CS only wants a blood titre test.

You will have to get tested for syphilis separately, but that should be included in the cost of the CS visit.

I see, i'm sure i'll be able to find a different laboratory but i wanted to share this experience in the forum..

i have to try a few different places next week, i will update my post as soon as i have news.

Thank you!

that is outrageous. the price for my blood test for i693 was $104. Can't you go to another lab?

That makes sense to me..I will check more options on monday.. that specific lab was the closest to the doctor, that's why i went there first.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I did not suggest a different lab. I suggested getting the shots you need instead of getting your blood tested for antibodies. The "test" your doctor sent you have is to test for antibodies. Just get the shots instead of show your vaccination records from Italy.

Talk to the doctor about this. A test for antibodies will be expensive. The shots are cheap.

[belinda63 3,047]

Agree with Harpa. If you don't have proof of having had the immunizations previously just get them again. It doesn't have to be at the civil surgeon it can be at the health department, Walgreen's, wherever. You don't have a yellow booklet with all you immunizations in it?

[Dzny85 3]

Agree with the above, just get the shots again if you don't have your medical records from Italy proving you've already had them.

Looks like you're in NYC, same as me...I was missing the Flu shot when I got here so went to this place: http://greencardmedicalexam.com/%C2'>

It cost me $70 for a quick consultation and the flu jab and for the doctor to fill in the form required for the AOS, cant remember the number. Only took me half an hour.

I'm sure you can call in advance and ask what the cost of the shots would be, or just go to a local health clinic and get the shots, then go to a civil surgeon just to get the form signed off.

[Darnell 8,479]

if you came in on an immigrant visa, the medical exam and vaccinations was done in Italy.

Reading your timeline, I am confused.

If no medical exam for a visa done, then you need the big medical exam.

agree with Harpa's approach on testing vs shots.

[il_moe 2]

Thank you all guys for your answers!

I think i'm gonna do that then.. i just need to ask my doctor which vaccines i need.

I do have the report of my vaccinations but that doesn't include Hepatitis and Varicella

The doctor's prescription is a test for : MMR , Hepatitis A and B , Syphilis.

if you came in on an immigrant visa, the medical exam and vaccinations was done in Italy.

Reading your timeline, I am confused.

If no medical exam for a visa done, then you need the big medical exam.

agree with Harpa's approach on testing vs shots.

I came here on B2, didn't plan to get married and stay so, yes, i need the "big" exam..

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

MMR and the Hep A & B are vaccines. You can get MMR for free at the county health clinic. Check on the price for the Hep. Syphilis is a blood test. There is no vaccine.

I assume you already paid, but my husband used Dr. Blau. $200 everything included. The doctor you have seems a little confused. Good luck.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Here are locations and information for walk-in public health immunization clinics in NYC. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/living/immun-clinics.shtml

[il_moe 2]

Here are locations and information for walk-in public health immunization clinics in NYC. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/living/immun-clinics.shtml

Thank you, my doctor says she wants to see the blood tests in order to make sure i don't have any condition, then she will tell me what vaccines i need.

[belinda63 3,047]

BS. You can have the vaccines unless you are pregnant. Get the immunizations at the health department and ask if they test for syphillis (they usually do). Take the form they provide you back to the CS and have them transcribe it. Of course you need the exam.

I would look at finding a different CS.