London Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

[obbynox 0]

Hey guys, been a long time since i was in this thread, but i thought my experience may help put some of your minds at rest (i hope..lol)

My son (he's now 14) has a diagnosis of Aspergers, A.D.H.D, D.C.D and suffers from anxiety. All i needed for him for the medical was written proof from a doc that he would not be a danger to himself or others and his diagnosis so far. He passed the medical with flying colours and surprisingly hardly any questions asked, so long as you can gather as much paperwork as possible beforehand *fingers crossed* all should go well. We've now been here in the US for almost 7 months, and my son is surprisingly settled and we're looking forward to the winter break.

SunDrop there aren't too many of us with a child on a K2 visa, if you need any info regarding the K1/AOS etc.. drop me a PM, i'd be more than happy to help.

I wish everyone the best of luck with their medical's, interviews etc.

All the best

Selina.

[beatlesrebel 0]

And central London is quite good fun late afternoon/ early evening this time of year. All the Christmas lights are on and it's worth a visit to Harrod's just to see their window displays and balk at the wierdos lining up for hours to take their little jems to see Santa there... Just be sure to wear comfy walking shoes

Oh I bet! He said he'll just walk around, I told him to take pictures of the window displays for me!

[FrostyMist 1]

Took me a while to post this, but here's my review of my recent medical.

For the past few weeks, I’ve spent day and night stressing and fretting about the medical examination. Everyone worries about their medical, of course, but I felt that I had particular cause for concern because I have a rare medical condition, and two disabilities. (I’m a wheelchair user, and also severely visually impaired). My appointment was scheduled for Thursday, 1:15pm at Basil Mansions.

The drive down to London was fairly uneventful. Once we hit London (at around 12:05) it took us a while to actually find the doctors - traffic was awful, and we couldn't find anywhere to park. The receptionist at Knightsbridge Doctors had told me when I phoned to confirm the time, date and place of my appointment that Basil Street was behind Harrods, so once we found that, I knew we must be pretty close to our destination.

After parking in what a traffic warden warned us to be "London's most expensive car park" (and at £8 an hour, it certainly was that!) we headed from the car park into Basil Street. Finding the correct building can actually be a little confusing here, because there is a number 15 (just a normal flat) and then a little further down the road, there is Basil Mansions (the place we needed to get to). I can certainly imagine a lot of people being confused by this.

Once we got there, the receptionist greeted us with a cheerful “hello”, and asked me for my passport photos, passport, medical questionnaire and vaccination records. I had everything ready in a plastic envelope, so pulled out my passport and photos, and my paperwork (which I’d clipped together with a bulldog clip). The receptionist commented happily about my organization, took the paperwork, explained what was going to happen next and instructed us to take a seat in the waiting area. It was now approximately 1:15.

The waiting room was empty, so I selected a seat and waited. After a short wait, the receptionist returned, handed me my passport photos (one had been cut from the set of four I’d handed her) and my passport. She left me with the questionnaire to be filled out, and instructed us to return it to her once it was completed. I had my step-father fill out my form for me, because of my sight problem. We took our time filling out the form, and were just finishing up as the nurse came to collect me for the next stage of the medical.

The nurse took us into her office, and instructed us both to sit down. She explained that she was going to discuss my vaccination history with me, and then told me that after looking through my records, she had determined that I needed a tetanus booster. I felt my heart fall a little here, because I’d asked my GP if I were up to date and she’d said I was fine. Guess not.

I’d read at visajourney.com that it’s best to opt to have the vaccines done during the medical, as they can then complete the necessary vaccination records needed during Adjustment of Status. I told the nurse I was happy to have the vaccine, but she advised me not to because (according to her) it won’t save us any time during AoS and would only cost money now. Her opinion was that it made more sense to have the vaccine done at my GP’s, where it would be free.

I’m not altogether connived that her advice was correct: whilst I know it is not necessary to have the vaccines completed for the K1 visa, I know they’re needed for AoS. And the only one who is able to complete the vaccination records is a civil surgeon – not always an easy person to find. Fortunately, there's a civil surgen based near my fiance who will charge $20 to transcribe the vaccine info onto the required form, once I've had it done. But this isn't the case for everyone, and the nurse could very easily have been in the wrong here.

After finishing up with the nurse, we were taken through to a different waiting area (there was no one else waiting to be seen here, either) and told to wait until it was time for the X-ray. After a short while, a lady arrived and told me she was here to do my x-ray. My step-father remained in the waiting room, whilst she took me through to have it done. I was told to change into a gown, and then had to stand in the “chicken position” whilst the x-ray was taken. The lady that took the x-ray had a slightly stern manner, but was considerate of my visual impairment and reassured me that I should take my time as there was no rush.

After the X-ray was done and had been checked, I was asked to wait in the (still empty) waiting area once again. It wasn't long until a different lady (the doctor) came in and called my name. She took me into a pretty typical looking doctor’s office, and directed me to a seat. After she’d explained who she was and what was going to happen next, she told me I needed to sign some paperwork and asked whether I could do so if she pointed to where I needed to sign. I told her that was fine, and hoped she wouldn’t notice that my hands were shaking terribly as I took the pen from her (I was so nervous!)

The doctor was very nice, and conducted the entire process in an informal manner whilst still managing to be very professional and thorough throughout.

She started off by asking about the operation I had had when I was two. I couldn’t remember the exact name of the procedure, but I described what had been done as best as I could, and from that she seemed quite satisfied and wrote something down on her form. At this point, I was prepared for her to ask about the other times I’d been hospitalized, since I’d listed at least six occurrences of illness since my birth, and most of them had required a stay in hospital of at least a week. She didn’t ask a thing about this though.

We then moved on to discussing my medical condition. Although I’d worried that I’d not prepared enough evidence here, I’d actually provided everything she needed: I had my GP’s letter, my specialist’s letter, and my own written explanation about my condition (which I’d submitted with my questionnaire).

Mostly, she wanted to know about my wheelchair usage, and my sigh impairment. She was concerned about learning whether I can walk unaided, and what sorts of things I use the wheelchair for. I confirmed that the only reason I need assistance when walking is because I need a sighted guide, not because I need help to walk. I then explained a bit about the situations when I do need a wheelchair, and when I don’t need to use one.

Because of my condition, my fiancé and I have known from the start that our relationship is likely to be under extra scrutiny because they will want to be satisfied that he is truly prepared to take care of me and my needs. There were questions about how much time we’d spent together, and a lot of discussion that seemed to be aimed at establishing whether he knows what he is “getting into”. Also (strangely enough) I was asked why he hadn’t decided to move to England instead. Then I was asked whether I could claim benefits in the US. I was very careful to make it very clear that I had NO intention whatsoever of claiming benefits there.

Next up was the physical examination. First, she weighed and measured me, then asked me whether I thought there was much point in her doing the eye test. I told her I can see a bit with my right eye, so I could have a go if she wanted me to. I managed to read the top line of the board, but nothing beyond that.

Then she took me over to lie down for the examination, had a feel of my neck, took my pulse, listened to my heart, peeked down my trousers and proclaimed “Yup, it’s a girl!” and then said I could get dressed.

Then came the blood test; another much dreaded part of the medical for me as I am typically extremely difficult to get blood out of. We talked “tactics” whilst she tried to find a good place to try (she quickly decided my arm was useless, and had a look at the back of my hand instead) and then she told me to keep my arm by my side and pump my fist whilst she got everything ready. After a short while, she was back with cold swab and sharp needle. It hurt very little, and I sat quiet and still as I could whilst she carefully tried to hit a vein.

It took her less than a few minutes, and only one attempt. We were both somewhat excited by the result, and I rather cheerfully asked her “Can I come back next time I need my bloods?” She did confess that she actually had been really worried, but had enjoyed the challenge! She changed the dressing a couple of times until the bleeding stopped, then told me to leave the dressing on for at least half an hour.

And then we were done. We waited for them to call us through to pay, I was given back my original copies of doctor’s letters, etc, and handed a vaccination form that I’ll need for AoS. The staff wished me good luck, and we were back in the car and on our way home by about 2:50.

I know it certainly sounds like I went through a fair interrogation, but at the time, it did not feel like that at all. It felt like a friendly, informal chat, and it wasn’t until I got home and thought about what was asked that I realized how many questions there actually had been!

In conclusion: the medical was not as scary as I feared it would be.

I wish we'd had change to enjoy looking at the shops and the sort, but we were pretty concerned about the traffic and already had a four hour drive ahead of us to get home, so we didn't stop to enjoy the sights.

[SunDrop 59]

Hey guys, been a long time since i was in this thread, but i thought my experience may help put some of your minds at rest (i hope..lol)

My son (he's now 14) has a diagnosis of Aspergers, A.D.H.D, D.C.D and suffers from anxiety. All i needed for him for the medical was written proof from a doc that he would not be a danger to himself or others and his diagnosis so far. He passed the medical with flying colours and surprisingly hardly any questions asked, so long as you can gather as much paperwork as possible beforehand *fingers crossed* all should go well. We've now been here in the US for almost 7 months, and my son is surprisingly settled and we're looking forward to the winter break.

SunDrop there aren't too many of us with a child on a K2 visa, if you need any info regarding the K1/AOS etc.. drop me a PM, i'd be more than happy to help.

I wish everyone the best of luck with their medical's, interviews etc.

All the best

Selina.

OMG I could kiss you! lol... Thank you SO much for posting because it truly felt like pioneering an already difficult process. Was resigning myself to being, yet again, a circumstantial anomaly that has everything held up, delayed, or scrutinized because it's well... unusual! lol

We always seem to have the unusual presentations of things "hmmm, most babies don't get swollen necks if they have meningitis. Not sure what's causing it, unless it's parental abuse - quote consultant neurologist", or the rarer types of stuff "hmmmm, adult onset eczema is unusual if you never had it even as a baby = quote GP." lol

And they didn't ask about ongoing medical care once in the US or expect you to prove that you would have health insurance or anything?

Thank you again, you really have put a smile on my face today

[SunDrop 59]

Took me a while to post this, but here's my review of my recent medical.

Awesome review and so pleased for you that it wasn't any cause for concern I don't think there is a review thread for Basil St. since most ppl use Knightsbridge. Did you choose Basil St or was it assigned to you?

I ask because it's the medical for interview for the Canadian embassy, and so hopeful we can go there and kill 2 birds with 1 stone where kiddy is concerned...

[obbynox 0]

OMG I could kiss you! lol... Thank you SO much for posting because it truly felt like pioneering an already difficult process. Was resigning myself to being, yet again, a circumstantial anomaly that has everything held up, delayed, or scrutinized because it's well... unusual! lol

We always seem to have the unusual presentations of things "hmmm, most babies don't get swollen necks if they have meningitis. Not sure what's causing it, unless it's parental abuse - quote consultant neurologist", or the rarer types of stuff "hmmmm, adult onset eczema is unusual if you never had it even as a baby = quote GP." lol

And they didn't ask about ongoing medical care once in the US or expect you to prove that you would have health insurance or anything?

Thank you again, you really have put a smile on my face today

I'm just glad i could help

And no, i was never asked about medical insurance/future care. They were more interested in the vaccine record and whether my son would cause 'harm'. Might be an idea to get your fiance to look up a few paediatric docs for you though, just so you can say you're looking into any care your daughter may need once in the US

Edited December 2, 2009 by obbynox

[Amanda and Tony 0]

Took me a while to post this, but here's my review of my recent medical.

I'm so glad that everything went well for you, I know you've been really stressed about it...one more step closer

[FrostyMist 1]

And they didn't ask about ongoing medical care once in the US or expect you to prove that you would have health insurance or anything?

(I know this question wasn't directed at me, but I thought I'd just add my own experience)

They didn't ask me about ongoing care, or anything about health insurance. My fiance and I had even researched into all that (have an insurance policy lined up already) but they never asked about any of that sort of thing. Were more concerned with establishing how much care I need, and also asking about whether I intended to claim benefits.

Did you choose Basil St or was it assigned to you?

It was simply assigned to me.

I did ask them once whether I was able to select which place I wanted to go to, but they kinda implied that that wasn't possible. I'd been under the impression that maybe they alternated between the two places; perhaps having visa medicals at one location one month, and then the other the next. But judging by how many people here had their medicals around the same time as I had mine, (and seemed to have them at the other location) I don't think that that can be the case.

I think if you wanted a specific location, you could start by saying that as soon as you phone to make the appointment. I found them really helpful when I called the receptionist, so they might be able to help schedule in at the place you want to go to.

I'm so glad that everything went well for you, I know you've been really stressed about it...one more step closer

Thanks. Yes, I did get myself into quite a state about it. Though granted, I did most of my venting here at visajourney-so thanks everyone here for putting up with me, and for helping spare my family (and fiance!) from the majority of stress.

Now I'm just awaiting my visa interview.

To be honest, the whole medical experience feels a bit surreal now, looking back on it. It's only Wednesday, yet it's incredible to think that this time last week I was about climbing the walls with worrying about it so much.

[treehugger 23]

Took me a while to post this, but here's my review of my recent medical.

Awesome review and so pleased for you that it wasn't any cause for concern I don't think there is a review thread for Basil St. since most ppl use Knightsbridge. Did you choose Basil St or was it assigned to you?

I ask because it's the medical for interview for the Canadian embassy, and so hopeful we can go there and kill 2 birds with 1 stone where kiddy is concerned...

Basil Street is IN Knightsbridge, hence the name, and they then opened another office at Bentinck Mansions

[treehugger 23]

Had my medical today, even though I'm nowehere near the interview stage, but it made sense to get it out of the way. I would have preferred Basil Street as it's more convenient, but Bentinck Mansions it was.

I waited some time, but the man doing the x-rays was friendly and chatty, and I only waited a few minutes before seeing the doctor. She's obviously fed up of her job, but she was very nice to me, not only chatting a little but also giving me some advice in relation to one of my answers, even though it wasn't necessary for the medical itself. Was made to sign across my photo and the consent form, gave blood, she literally pulled up my jeans and peeked, confirming what we've all known all along, chatted to the nurse who said I needed the tetanus and MMR jabs done at the GP's, paid the 190 pounds they asked for and that was it.

On the way home I popped into the surgery and arranged to have my jabs, and although tetanus is free they're going to charge me 20 quid for MMR, did anyone else have to pay?

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and I agree with others in that there is a certain amount of simply going through the motions. There didn't seem to be any problems, so hopefully that's another step taken care of

[inhopeofglory 0]

I didn't pay for my MMR, which I had in August.

[treehugger 23]

I didn't pay for my MMR, which I had in August.

Thanks, I didn't think it sounded quite right either. I just went and checked, it costs the NHS approximately 6.50 to buy a single dose vial, yet the GP is charging 20...it's not just Knightsbridge Medical that are rip-off then!

[beatlesrebel 0]

Thanks, I didn't think it sounded quite right either. I just went and checked, it costs the NHS approximately 6.50 to buy a single dose vial, yet the GP is charging 20...it's not just Knightsbridge Medical that are rip-off then!

Yeah, my fiance had his done at his local GP for free. That's crazy they're charging you that much!

[SunDrop 59]

I didn't pay for my MMR, which I had in August.

Thanks, I didn't think it sounded quite right either. I just went and checked, it costs the NHS approximately 6.50 to buy a single dose vial, yet the GP is charging 20...it's not just Knightsbridge Medical that are rip-off then!

Plus the cost of overheads and the nurse's salary to both prepare the jab, administer it and document it for you.... nothing is ever 'just' the cost of the product. As you don't require it for standard health reasons, then why should the NHS cover the cost? It is up to the GP, but they don't have any incentive to give it to you free.

Edited December 2, 2009 by SunDrop

[treehugger 23]

I didn't pay for my MMR, which I had in August.

Thanks, I didn't think it sounded quite right either. I just went and checked, it costs the NHS approximately 6.50 to buy a single dose vial, yet the GP is charging 20...it's not just Knightsbridge Medical that are rip-off then!

Plus the cost of overheads and the nurse's salary to both prepare the jab, administer it and document it for you.... nothing is ever 'just' the cost of the product. As you don't require it for standard health reasons, then why should the NHS cover the cost? It is up to the GP, but they don't have any incentive to give it to you free.

Actually, as someone who until very recently worked in this field and who continues to study it...

The nurse is paid anyway, whether they administer that MMR jab to treehugger or not, and the overheads are already paid...plus they're giving me the tetanus for free, and a few weeks ago the flu and pneumo, so if it were the case, and it's not, then they should have charged for the others as well. Incidentally, the pneumo jab is dearer than the MMR.

Additionally, it is actually a requirement for children to be vaccinated against mumps (public health intiative), and yet I fall into the age group that weren't, and although I've been vaccinated against measles and rubella already, as mumps is no longer available as a single vaccine I (and everyone else who fall into that group, or who missed rubella) have to have all three.

Thanks, I didn't think it sounded quite right either. I just went and checked, it costs the NHS approximately 6.50 to buy a single dose vial, yet the GP is charging 20...it's not just Knightsbridge Medical that are rip-off then!

Yeah, my fiance had his done at his local GP for free. That's crazy they're charging you that much!

I think I saw your fiance earlier today...there was hardly anyone else there!