London Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

[GDHB 3]

London Medical – Knightsbridge Doctors – Bentinck Mansions

I had my medical at Bentinck Mansions on 2nd March 2011.

I am writing this to highlight points that I haven’t seen written about on visajourney already. Nich-Nick’s Tips for K1’s was particularly helpful. The other reports had given me an excellent appreciation of what was going to happen at the medical. I read many of them. Thanks to all who contributed. It helped to make me feel confident and to be un-phased by all that was asked of me on the day. Let’s face it scrubbing around in partial undress can be distracting.

The letter requesting the medical was only received a week after my medical. It was only with insight from VisaJourney.com and the dogged persistence of my fiancé to phone the DOS to illicit the information that I had an LND number, then that the Embassy had received the petition and then the Embassy ($16 call) that we could make the medical appointment with the Doctors. The delay of the letter would have extended my visa journey by 2 weeks if he hadn’t been so pro-active.

At the same time he paid for the interview (in advance). They e-mailed confirmation of the intention to interview but not the date. This may have raised my profile within the organization because a further DOS call by my fiancé started with the words “Fiona has….” They knew my name.

In advance of the medical I had been to the GP to get some of the vaccinations and had requested my medical notes. The GP nurse and administrative staff were sent into a spin by my requests and I had to nudge them gently into compliance. Printing off the Embassy page Interview Preparation to talk through with them helped with that dialogue and sheer smiling persistence won through. I recommend approaching the GP months ahead of the medical time scale. Some of the vaccinations come in 2 parts given across 2 to 3 months some even longer. I had an MMR injection. Part 1 and part 2 had to be a month apart. It’s worth checking sooner rather than later.

My appointment was at 8.50 a.m. I was there well in advance (just in case the London Transport System was struggling that morning) I was travelling from Hertford. I went for a coffee after I’d located where the Mansions were. I arrived at the Doctors 10 minutes before the appointment. This gave time for me to fill in another questionnaire and use the bathroom! The waiting room had 5 other people already waiting. I anticipated a long morning. Not so. I was one of the first to be seen. They have a system where your appointment time is on a lollypop stick tucked into your file. They seemed to be following a booking plan. Take something to read or do.

I was first taken to a room to be x-rayed by a quiet professional nurse. She seemed mindful of privacy and dignity when getting changed and being x-rayed. She also gave clear advice about what to do next.

Then, I saw the nurse who wanted to talk about my vaccinations. Varicella came up. I’ve had chicken pox so that dispensed the need for the varicella, she said. I needed one other injection. She offered that I get it done with my local GP and fax the proof back to her. That would have delayed the notes going to the Embassy. I opted to get it done at the medical. She was skilled and quick and it was over in a very short time.

On my form she ticked a box that said that my immunization was incomplete (No varicella) then wrote, in medical code, in a table that I had had chicken pox. The nurse was at pains to tell me that this would not affect my interview and visa. We are currently wondering how the “Incomplete” nature of my records will affect me when it comes to applying for my change of status.

Then I saw the Doctor. The one that many had experienced brusqueness from that one doesn’t want to experience whilst in a house coat on a medical table. She was clear with me about what she was doing and why. Equally clear about what I might do to improve my general health. She was pleased I had a limited amount of caffeine. She explained the ills of alcohol on the body.

The advice of someone who said, ‘she’s not going to be a friend, she’s doing a job’ helped me. Towards the end of the interview she then chatted and became quite personable.

I sensed that her job must be very repetitive and possibly, at times, be undemanding of her capabilities. She became interested and more thoughtful when I became more interesting to her.

Then it was over. I was out by 10. 00a.m.: Lighter of wallet by 225 pounds and lighter of spirit.

I was told by the receptionist that my medical records would be at the Embassy in 4 working days and that they’d then call me for interview. I now have an interview on the 24th March. 22 days after my medical.

I wish all the best, to those of you awaiting your medical. I hope what I have written gives another useful insight into the process.

A thought came to me during the medical that the experience at the medical will be something that I very quickly forget when the visa arrives and my life can start again with the person I love.

[ameribrit 37]

I was at the Doctors about the same time as you! lol

I got there about quarter to three I think, but I didn't get out till after half four! I only thing different to your experience is that I received the MMR jab.

Hi Richard,

So funny to read that it was you sat next to me on the creaky leather couch.

I hope the rest of your visa journey goes well and you are reunited with your wife again as soon as possible.

Good luck

[ameribrit 37]

On my form she ticked a box that said that my immunization was incomplete (No varicella) then wrote, in medical code, in a table that I had had chicken pox. The nurse was at pains to tell me that this would not affect my interview and visa. We are currently wondering how the "Incomplete" nature of my records will affect me when it comes to applying for my change of status.

I also have the tick in the box to say that my vaccine history is incomplete. I was told that it is because Tdap gets renewed every 10 years(if you want to). And the receptionist also reassured me that it would not affect any part of the adjustment process.

[Geordie 9]

Hi Richard,

So funny to read that it was you sat next to me on the creaky leather couch.

I hope the rest of your visa journey goes well and you are reunited with your wife again as soon as possible.

Good luck

Thank you!

And best wishes to you and your other half too.

[W Mark and Carol 0]

Excellent post - thank you so much :-)

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

On my form she ticked a box that said that my immunization was incomplete (No varicella) then wrote, in medical code, in a table that I had had chicken pox. The nurse was at pains to tell me that this would not affect my interview and visa. We are currently wondering how the “Incomplete” nature of my records will affect me when it comes to applying for my change of status.

I also have the tick in the box to say that my vaccine history is incomplete. I was told that it is because Tdap gets renewed every 10 years(if you want to). And the receptionist also reassured me that it would not affect any part of the adjustment process.

You should also have the box ticked about "may be eligible for a blanket waiver." Incomplete means you didn't take every shot on that long list because most are not age appropriate for adults. But you are eligible for a blanket waiver (automatically excused) because they weren't required for an adult.

For details see Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians and go to the section listed called Procedure for Completing the Vaccination Documentation Worksheet (Form DS-3025)

The key point is:

•Completing "Part 2. Results."

After reviewing entries in "Part 1. Immunization Record" for all the vaccines, the appropriate box under "Part 2. Results" must be checked.

◦Vaccination history incomplete: Applicant may be eligible for blanket waiver(s).

Completion of a vaccine series is not required to conclude the medical examination, because such a requirement would require multiple visits to a panel physician and could lead to unnecessary delay in the immigration process. If any of the boxes under the "Not Medically Appropriate" heading was checked, the "Applicant may be eligible for blanket waiver(s) because vaccination(s) not medically appropriate (as indicated above)" box must also be checked.

This box will probably always be checked

because some vaccines may not be age appropriate for the applicant.

If you have MMR, one of the versions of Tdap/Td/DTP, and VH written by varicella on your DS-3025 then you are complete for USCIS and adjusting status. The only hitch is flu jab for the 2010-2011 season change. http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/panel/updates/action-recommendations-flu-vaccine.html

Between Oct 1 and March 31, everyone over 6 months is supposed to get a flu jab. However the handbook for AOS states that if by the time they look at your application, a shot would no longer be required (like you aged out of child shots or it's not flu season) then you don't have to get it. If your AOS interview is before next flu season, then that excuses the flu jab. And it also states if your visa medical is not during flu season (April 1 to Sept 30) but it is flu season when your AOS case is judged, they excuse the flu jab because they go by what was required on the date of your medical. So that's good to know that even if they come up with another exotic shot before your AOS, you are covered by being complete on the date of your visa medical.

If your DS-3025 is complete with everything for your age (not longer than 10 years ago), you do not have to get a civil surgeon in the US to copy your record onto an I-693. If you go get shots after the medical, then you will have to pay a civil surgeon to put them on an I-693. And he will also probably require additional shots if it's a series thing; or anything new that came along by that date. Get complete by the date of your Knightsbridge medical (with just one of a series) and recorded on the DS-3025 and your done.

[ameribrit 37]

You should also have the box ticked about "may be eligible for a blanket waiver."

Yes, I have that box ticked also.

[Andy H 1]

Hi Guys

Its great to read all the experiences people have had when going for their medical but I have a question I hope someone can answer. When they check your eyesight what are they checking for? My eyes are pretty bad from years of diabetic neglect when I was younger, can this have an effect on whether I can get a visa or not? I thought they were just checking for communicable diseases.

Thanks

Andy

[David And Katie 5]

Has anyone had any luck with rescheduling an appointment with them?

I have one for 9:30am on the 6th, and I am struggling to find a way of travelling there without staying over night (not something I can afford this month).

[scotchland5206 5]

Has anyone had any luck with rescheduling an appointment with them?

I have one for 9:30am on the 6th, and I am struggling to find a way of travelling there without staying over night (not something I can afford this month).

It's fine to change it, as long as you give them at least 3 days notice, otherwise they charge you £95...eek!!

[David And Katie 5]

It's fine to change it, as long as you give them at least 3 days notice, otherwise they charge you £95...eek!!

Thanks, I will call them up tomorrow first thing. I realise now this will push back the date of my medical and thus my interview, but still waiting on Katie's mum to get her proof of income... Cheers again.

[MWrinkles 0]

Hi Guys

Its great to read all the experiences people have had when going for their medical but I have a question I hope someone can answer. When they check your eyesight what are they checking for? My eyes are pretty bad from years of diabetic neglect when I was younger, can this have an effect on whether I can get a visa or not? I thought they were just checking for communicable diseases.

Thanks

Andy

They're just checking to see if you can read the board. However the doctor shines a flashlight or whatever you call it, towards your eye while you look straight ahead. Not sure what they're looking for.

[ameribrit 37]

They're just checking to see if you can read the board. However the doctor shines a flashlight or whatever you call it, towards your eye while you look straight ahead. Not sure what they're looking for.

The doc never shone a light in my eyes. Maybe because I wear spectacles. I guess different doctors will do different tests, as they see fit.

[David And Katie 5]

Well I had my medical today. First things first, I passed it (well awaiting the blood tests, but hey, I'm confident I don't have syphillis).

I will quickly write it up as I am exhausted (that word doesn't even begin to explain how tired I am right now).

Arrived in London around 9am - glad I had a later appointment, and walked through London, past Buck Palace and had a chat with the folks rigging cameras for the wedding. Then getting lost for the second time I finally managed to get to Bentinck Street. I walked around it twice before I realised I was looking for Bentinck Mansions, which is a big double fronted building on the corner. I buzzed Flat 4 (labelled as Knightsbridge Drs') and I was in.

Went in, and was met by the brusque girl on reception asking me if I had my paper work out and ready (I didn't - a lesson to anyone else, GET IT READY IN THE LOBBY BEFORE YOU GO IN). Handed everything over, was given the second questionaire to fill out - this is the one that goes to the Embassy, so listen to what she says.

Eventually called in to the nice Swedish(?) vaccinations nurse (or was she a Dr). She explained all my options (I hadn't got any of my VC's done prior) and I decided to get them done at my GP and have the GP fax/email over the results.

Then I got called straight into the chest x-ray. This constists of standing against the X-ray plate, back facing the machine. You have to hold your arms and shoulders in a position which is slightly uncomfortable, but not too difficult. Hold the lead apron against your bum and you're done.

Back to the waiting room to be called into the medical itself. I was examined by a blonde, female European doctor (she sounded Scandinavian or possibly German...?). She was really friendly and we had a good chat about things before she got down to the business in hand. Started off with me being weighed and measured (height) then she did my eye test (better than 20:20), blood pressure, which was high on my right arm, and borderline on my left - she said it was OK, but to get it checked. I did explain I was stressed and had just walked across London... ho hum. Then she took blood - no problem for me, I like watching the needle going in and the blood filling the syringe. Barely any pain.

Then she looked into my eyes with the light-thingy and the same with my mouth, all clear there. Then she asked me to strip down to my boxers and examined me from literally head to toe - checked my lymph glands, legs, feet, listened to my heart and then my lungs, then did my reflexes then the 'DC' - just a quick lift of the boxers and a feel (!) and she said I was done. Got dressed, had another little chat about the state of health in America, and how well I'd done losing all that weight (24 stone down to 17.5, and that I'd put more on since I'd spent time in the US).

Went back out to the waiting room and was called back in by the now slightly less brusque receptionist - we talked about my vaccinations and that I need to get them done and get them faxed or emailed over, but to call Knightsbridge to let them know otherwise the file will just sit there gathering dust. Then she asked for money I tried to crack a joke at this point but it fell flat - the vaccination nurse laughed and said: no it wasn't a bad joke, she just has no sense of humour I said it was because I was a 'northern monkey' (in my best London accent) she said 'nahh, my mam's from Middlesboro' init, that's near Manchester, right?'.

I think humour is wasted on these girls, not because they don't have a sense of humour, they just deal with so many people day in day out, we're all the same. I did tell her the wedding was in August and I'd better not loose any of these forms and she said: "yeah your fiancé won't be happy". She then wished me a sincere good luck with it all and that was it...

Phew.

On leaving I took a load of pictures of the route from Bond Street Tube station to the Doctors office - if anyone wants, I will write them up into a little article so anyone arriving at Bond Street can navigate their way. I came in to Victoria Coach station which is a little out of the way, but walking up Buckingham Palace Road and just keep heading north until you hit Oxford Street, then follow James Street all the way up until you hit Bentinck Street - it's pretty easy. Again, I shall put the pictures online somewhere with some text - it may help.

[rallybug 17]

Did people wait for packet 3, or did you make the appointment as soon as you had the LND case number?