Grrr!!! Ripped off by the Civil Surgeon!!

[Richard&Maria 0]

There are few Civil Surgeons in our area. One hour trip and $70 (need to recheck if it was a single fee or x3 with my insurance) for Maria and her two boys for the vaccination supplement paperwork. Filled in by the surgeon himself who insisted he had to see each in person - initially I hoped I could just bring in the papers and not pull the boys from school. Filed the expense with my insurance, but have no answer yet on if there is coverage or not. Doctor+Paperwork+Government=$$$. Considering the original vaccination list was drawn up overseas during a USA-sanctioned hospital exam I simply blame federal redtape as the cost factor.

[John & Annie 0]

Today Gie and I went to see the Civil Surgeon to get our vaccination supplement done. Of course, having read this site extensively, I knew that a full physical was not required for a K-1 visa holder. Well after going around and around with the doc over whether a full physical was required or not, he politely informed me that he was going to charge the same amount ($90) regardless. My first instinct was to walk, but as Gie's interview is next week, I didn't have the time to find another surgeon and schedule an appt.

Well, he took me for the $90. No sleep lost over that. But what bothers me is that USCIS is putting money in the pocket of a scam artist by designating this guy as a civil surgeon. And of course, they provide no means to make reports of un-ethical business practices of their civil surgeons that I'm aware of.

If anyone is in need of a civil surgeon on Oahu, PM me and I will tell you who NOT to go to.

Why don't you report him to the medical board for an ethics violation.

[CanadaGirl 0]

I know how you feel about being ripped off by a doctor. I am from Canada so have never had to think about what doctors make from their patients but since moving here my eyes are WIDE OPEN. I paid $75 for my vaccination supplement and I did not even see the doctor. The nurse filled out the form and came back with it signed.

I would love a job where I could make $50 in 5 min and not even have to say Hi to my client! But, I am not a doctor.

I’m sorry you got ripped off and if you feel the need to report him then I would do just that!

[~krakatoa~ 27]

Today Gie and I went to see the Civil Surgeon to get our vaccination supplement done. Of course, having read this site extensively, I knew that a full physical was not required for a K-1 visa holder. Well after going around and around with the doc over whether a full physical was required or not, he politely informed me that he was going to charge the same amount ($90) regardless. My first instinct was to walk, but as Gie's interview is next week, I didn't have the time to find another surgeon and schedule an appt.

Well, he took me for the $90. No sleep lost over that. But what bothers me is that USCIS is putting money in the pocket of a scam artist by designating this guy as a civil surgeon. And of course, they provide no means to make reports of un-ethical business practices of their civil surgeons that I'm aware of.

If anyone is in need of a civil surgeon on Oahu, PM me and I will tell you who NOT to go to.

I paid $100 but I called around prior to the visit to the CS so I know I am expecting just right. Yours is actually cheaper!

And charging for the same amount of $90 regardless whether a full phyical or not? I'd go physical.

[Dan J 277]

Considering the cost of health care in the US, $90 is cheap. Last time I went to the doctor for tonsillitis, I was charged $115 dollars for the appointment and didn't see the doctor for more than a couple minutes. He came in, wrote a prescription, and left.

[cellarlily 0]

With good insurance I paid about $90 (not counting pharmacy fees) for a 5 minute visit to get prescriptions for a sinus infection.

While it sucks that you had to pay that much for a simple rewriting of vaccinations, it is a hard lesson learned that you need to call around and enquire about these things before making an appointment. And now it's done with an you have your interview! Hopefully you'll never have to do this again.

[StormnRolly 0]

I know how you feel about being ripped off by a doctor. I am from Canada so have never had to think about what doctors make from their patients but since moving here my eyes are WIDE OPEN. I paid $75 for my vaccination supplement and I did not even see the doctor. The nurse filled out the form and came back with it signed.

I do understand what you mean about that... but some doctors in canada have the rules that they follow strictly... 15 mins max and for 1 item of concern for each visit... to make more money from more visits.

I too paid the 20 dollars and never saw the doctor here. If I were faced with the only choice being 90 dollars... I would contact the CS in Austin that does it all in the mail for 10 dollars though... just a thought for people in the future... there is many topics on this and his name is mentioned several times as an option for those faced with one poor option only.

When I did my medical in canada... I was able to claim that on Blue Cross and get much of the $275 back....

Kristina

[florida_guy07 0]

Come on everyone, you guys are missing the point here. I agree $90 is not that expensive (we paid $190.00) but that's not the problem here, the problem is USCIS does NOT require a full medical, therefore you shouldn't be "forced" to get one... why spend $90 on what you do NOT need, when you could spend $25 for what you need ?

[tiberonsuave 0]

The doctor has his own rules. You are not required to use him. You perpetuated his greed by using him.

T

Come on everyone, you guys are missing the point here. I agree $90 is not that expensive (we paid $190.00) but that's not the problem here, the problem is USCIS does NOT require a full medical, therefore you shouldn't be "forced" to get one... why spend $90 on what you do NOT need, when you could spend $25 for what you need ?

[no name 1]

Come on everyone, you guys are missing the point here. I agree $90 is not that expensive (we paid $190.00) but that's not the problem here, the problem is USCIS does NOT require a full medical, therefore you shouldn't be "forced" to get one... why spend $90 on what you do NOT need, when you could spend $25 for what you need ?

The OP could've called around (or searched VJ) & found it cheaper.

[Killer_Clown_2009 0]

Actually T, while the doctor has his own rules. He also has to follow a huge set of rules laid out by USCIS and the CDC. I have my complaint letter set to go regarding my crappy civil surgeon and am mailing it off, once I have received my Green card. You can complain about these shysters. I am sure that enough and valid complaints will result in a change in the doctors behavior or they will risk losing their CS designation.

Edited May 18, 2007 by jane2005

[florida_guy07 0]

Come on everyone, you guys are missing the point here. I agree $90 is not that expensive (we paid $190.00) but that's not the problem here, the problem is USCIS does NOT require a full medical, therefore you shouldn't be "forced" to get one... why spend $90 on what you do NOT need, when you could spend $25 for what you need ?

The OP could've called around (or searched VJ) & found it cheaper.

Yeah, if you get robbed, just move on and stop walking around in the streets....

Same logic.

[no name 1]

Come on everyone, you guys are missing the point here. I agree $90 is not that expensive (we paid $190.00) but that's not the problem here, the problem is USCIS does NOT require a full medical, therefore you shouldn't be "forced" to get one... why spend $90 on what you do NOT need, when you could spend $25 for what you need ?

The OP could've called around (or searched VJ) & found it cheaper.

Yeah, if you get robbed, just move on and stop walking around in the streets....

Same logic.

Apples & oranges. That is not what I said. Anyone who has done their research can see that they need to call around for prices.

[tiberonsuave 0]

Precisely which rule did he break? And why are you waiting?

T

Actually T, while the doctor has his own rules. He also has to follow a huge set of rules laid out by USCIS and the CDC. I have my complaint letter set to go regarding my crappy civil surgeon and am mailing it off, once I have received my Green card. You can complain about these shysters. I am sure that enough and valid complaints will result in a change in the doctors behavior or they will risk losing their CS designation.

[John24689 0]

During our AOS interview, the Adjudicator informed us that we needed the I-693A form. He was nice enough to print out the Civil Surgeons in the area and give it to us. We went outside and started calling the ones on the list. Some did not work there anymore or no one answered or we got a recording. Around the 8th call, we found a clinic who would see us then. We ran over there and waited about 30 minutes and the Doctor looked at the shot records we had and said my wife needed another shot. My step-daughter did not need any additional shots. My wife got our shot and we waited out front for about another 20 minutes. Finally, I got to pay. I never did ask the price. It was only $165 for the I-693A and the one shot. I was not happy, but I was relieved we got it done. We went back to USCIS and I slipped the two sealed envelopes in the door slot and left. We got the Green Cards a few weeks later.

Overall, considering all the money we have paid out since our meeting, trips, and USCIS expenses, it was a small amount to pay. I did not have time to shop around.

I know you all told me to get the I-693A form completed for the interview. We waited because others had gotten approved without the I-683A. It was not a shock to us and we were just gambling and lost.