Mother visiting & healthcare

[CelloLover 26]

My wife's mother is from Ukraine and will be visiting us in California for a couple of weeks. We would like for her to get a) a comprehensive blood test and b) physical examination. We have the following questions:

• What is the best way to achieve our goals based on cost vs quality?
• Should we buy her health insurance? Which health insurance?
• Do blood tests require a doctor's order?

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

Make her an appointment with a GP.  You will, likely, have to pay out of pocket.  This won't be covered by travel insurance.  Yes, blood work will be ordered by the GP.  Probably a CBC, Metabolic Panel, Lipids, etc. 

Calling @Jorgedig

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Boiler 45,445]

Visitors buy Travel Insurance that includes Medical and Emergency Travel cover.

 

Her best bet would be to have her check up done elsewhere, much more expensive in the US.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,432]

Doctors in Ukraine are pretty good, for the most part.  And way way way less expensive. 

[SalishSea 17,801]

1 hour ago, CelloLover said:

My wife's mother is from Ukraine and will be visiting us in California for a couple of weeks. We would like for her to get a) a comprehensive blood test and b) physical examination. We have the following questions:

• What is the best way to achieve our goals based on cost vs quality?
• Should we buy her health insurance? Which health insurance?
• Do blood tests require a doctor's order?

Why have those routine things done in the US?  All blood tests require an order.  You can call around and get quotes from providers on paying out of pocket.

 

Very much doubt you can buy standard health insurance while on vacation.   Is she  actually planning to overstay/try to adjust status?

Edited January 9, 2023 by Jorgedig

[TBoneTX 45,258]

4 hours ago, CelloLover said:

a comprehensive blood test

Independent outfits such as "Any Lab Test Now" might have packages for purchase.  However, as stated, it probably won't be cheap.

[milimelo 4,475]

17 minutes ago, TBoneTX said:

Independent outfits such as "Any Lab Test Now" might have packages for purchase.  However, as stated, it probably won't be cheap.

This - you can self-order any test you want but it will be at a cost. I’d look to see what’s most prevalent lab close to you and check out their website for self-order tests. 

[Kanja 201]

You could go to an urgent care facility. Many of them do fill physicals and blood work ups and they are used to doing that for international students, student athletes Etc. I called around for an international student and found somewhere willing to do it for about $300

[Mike E 11,739]

A GP at a clinic owned by historical will be the most expensive, as will any lab work, images, etc  at that hospital  

 

Finding a GP that is taking new patients on short notice can be a challenge. Start booking now. 

[Thunderbolt 172]

If your mother in law is now in Hungary/Poland/Czech/Romania ask her to do the test there. There are a lot of places where she can get it done. 

I actually did that while travelling to Europe last year. For regular blood test I've paid about $5. Did the test 7am and had the results by 2pm. 

Also I did the food allergy test. Tested for 100 common foods and paid for it about $50. The food allergy test results took 3 days and they've sent them to me via email. In US the same test starting at $350 and insurance is not covering it. 

[CelloLover 26]

8 hours ago, Thunderbolt said:

I actually did that while travelling to Europe last year.

In which city did you do it?

 

I will be going to Warsaw to pick her up and bring her to the US. Would love to get a food allergy test done while there, if possible.

[SalishSea 17,801]

9 minutes ago, CelloLover said:

In which city did you do it?

 

I will be going to Warsaw to pick her up and bring her to the US. Would love to get a food allergy test done while there, if possible.

Please petition her for an immigrant visa if the plan is for her to stay.  

[Boiler 45,445]

Seems she is just visiting otherwise Patole would be the way to go

[CelloLover 26]

22 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Please petition her for an immigrant visa if the plan is for her to stay.  

She has no desire to stay. She refuses to give up her life in Ukraine despite the invasion.

[top_secret 2,402]

LabCorp is practically everywhere in the US and will let one 'self order' a wide variety blood tests online.  Though I would concur with others that it is probably cheaper/better to get them done in Ukraine or elsewhere in Europe.

 

https://www.ondemand.labcorp.com/lab-tests/womens-health-blood-test