London Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

[QueenOfBlades 224]

You should follow the information and instructions provided on the embassy site -- there's a PDF in the right column: http://london.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/medical-examination.html

That has confusing/conflicting information as well. The top link links to IV18a again where it says I need the stuff I originally thought, then the second Department of State link says to bring vaccination documentation, full medical records, even prior chest x-rays that my GP said I won't be able to get as they get put onto a small disc thing and then destroyed.

I'm confused

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Just some questions after looking at the Visa Medical site for Knightsbridge - http://www.visamedicals.info/us-bring.asp

It says here I need an appointment letter from the Embassy. What letter? I'm assuming this is for if I already have an interview booked, which I won't at that point. Is this correct?

** No, not correct. You are fine. Does not apply to K1.

Vaccination records "with original certification" - I was under the impression that I just needed a print of what vaccines I've had and when. Does this mean they have to be certified/signed by my GP?

**it means your Mom can't write out the list. Many options-- A doctor or nurse might sign it. Maybe the practice name or NHS appears on a computer print out. Maybe it's typed on practice letterhead. Maybe the practice just stamped it. It needs something to look like it came from the doctor's office and not like you wrote it up yourself.

Medical reports of any past or current illnesses, including psychiatric - I have a history with depression from 2006 and a very little bout last year. Does this mean, as well as filling in the form and the cover letter to explain/a letter from my GP stating I'm not a threat, that I now have to get my entire medical history printed out for them to look at?

**Your doctor doctor letter is covering that. If you have cancer or diabetes or had a stroke or any other serious illness, then get a report on that illness too. No to your entire records. Only the big stuff, not coughs, colds, broken arms or toes, rashes, upset stomach, flu, cuts, scapes, vomiting, etc.

And I've never heard of a "children's red book". Again am I right to assume that is for K2 child visas?

**Kids used to have a little red book that Mum took to the doctors when shots were given if they wanted to keep a complete record. The nirse would add the shot and date. This is saying if you happen to have a red book showing some shots, you can bring that as acceptable proof.

No to bringing x-rays to your medical exam. You know exactly what you need already. Stop reading and imagining you aren't well prepared. You are.

[QueenOfBlades 224]

It says here I need an appointment letter from the Embassy. What letter? I'm assuming this is for if I already have an interview booked, which I won't at that point. Is this correct?

** No, not correct. You are fine. Does not apply to K1.

Vaccination records "with original certification" - I was under the impression that I just needed a print of what vaccines I've had and when. Does this mean they have to be certified/signed by my GP?

**it means your Mom can't write out the list. Many options-- A doctor or nurse might sign it. Maybe the practice name or NHS appears on a computer print out. Maybe it's typed on practice letterhead. Maybe the practice just stamped it. It needs something to look like it came from the doctor's office and not like you wrote it up yourself.

Medical reports of any past or current illnesses, including psychiatric - I have a history with depression from 2006 and a very little bout last year. Does this mean, as well as filling in the form and the cover letter to explain/a letter from my GP stating I'm not a threat, that I now have to get my entire medical history printed out for them to look at?

**Your doctor doctor letter is covering that. If you have cancer or diabetes or had a stroke or any other serious illness, then get a report on that illness too. No to your entire records. Only the big stuff, not coughs, colds, broken arms or toes, rashes, upset stomach, flu, cuts, scapes, vomiting, etc.

And I've never heard of a "children's red book". Again am I right to assume that is for K2 child visas?

**Kids used to have a little red book that Mum took to the doctors when shots were given if they wanted to keep a complete record. The nirse would add the shot and date. This is saying if you happen to have a red book showing some shots, you can bring that as acceptable proof.

No to bringing x-rays to your medical exam. You know exactly what you need already. Stop reading and imagining you aren't well prepared. You are.

Thanks Nick That clarifies things. Just to confirm a couple points:

I previously thought my doctor letter should just say I'm not a threat now/in the future to myself or others. Would that cover my medical reports, or looking at this stuff, what things should I ask him to include as well? The prognosis, treatment, duration?

Also the April 2011 IV18a that I'd been working from asks me to provide a separate sheet with an explanation if I answer "yes" to any questions, but the March 2012 IV18a from the Embassy site doesn't mention this. Do you think it's worth doing it? I'd rather not write walls of text volunteering lots of information for them to read if possible, and just answer what I am asked honestly and to the point.

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

Medical tomorrow afternoon Anyone else heading to Knightsbridge?

[Jo Amelia Finlay 20]

I spoke to my GP surgery last night. Whoo mama I anticipate paying a pretty penny for them to help me out with this. £20 for starters just for my immunisation record! I'm sure my last doc said he could just print it off for me, but I've moved practices since then,

[ClivePeagam 1]

i had to get an MMR jab yesterday at my local doctors, (didnt get all 3 done when i was younger so needed to have it to be sure) and the nurse who did it just printed me off a copy of my records for free, if i get my police report back soon i will book my medical and if they ask about the MMR as its not on my records i'll explain that i am in middle of getting it done and just waiting on the booster jab in 4 weeks

[lost_at_sea 995]

I spoke to my GP surgery last night. Whoo mama I anticipate paying a pretty penny for them to help me out with this. £20 for starters just for my immunisation record! I'm sure my last doc said he could just print it off for me, but I've moved practices since then,

Wow. Cost seems to be down to individual GP and I have no idea if that is regulated in any way - they seem to make it up as they go along. Many GPs will do it for free, some charge for bits, others are frankly completely confused by the request all together.

Mine, for example, doesn't have vaccinations on-site, so I got a prescription for them and had to pay for those (£7.65 or whateverthey are these days for 2 MMR jabs). They didn't charge anything actually at the GP for the vaccination record or administering the jabs, however.

How recently did you move GPs? If it was within the last 3 or 4 months, your new GP may very well not even *have* your medical records yet from the old GP (it takes them a while to send them then input them to their own systems). Might be worth asking your old GP if he/she is local and friendly for the record.

Frankly, access to your own records ought to be free and they're required to give them to you under the freedom of information act, but the act does allow those being requested to charge nominal "administration" fees in order to supply you with any information you request.

If it makes you feel any better, if you don't get your GP to do it - the Knightsbridge doctors charge £30 or £40 per jab if you have them do them at that stage, so as long as you're paying less total than that, you've made a saving?

i had to get an MMR jab yesterday at my local doctors, (didnt get all 3 done when i was younger so needed to have it to be sure) and the nurse who did it just printed me off a copy of my records for free, if i get my police report back soon i will book my medical and if they ask about the MMR as its not on my records i'll explain that i am in middle of getting it done and just waiting on the booster jab in 4 weeks

3? You only need 2 MMR jabs.

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

Well today was the day I had been dreading for a long time....Yes the visa medical!!!! And am I glad it's over.....

The whole medical process wasn't too bad, I arrived outside the building in Knightsbridge about an hour and a half before my appointment so decided to wander in to the pub opposite. I was really tempted to order a pint but sense got the better of me so I decided on an orange juice instead.

Anyway, I arrived at the doctors about 1.40pm, half an hour before my appointment time. When I got to reception I had to give over my passport, vaccination records & passport photo. I was then given another medical questionnaire to fill in, very similar to the one I had already filled out. The ladies on reception were very polite and helpful. About fifteen minutes later I was called by this guy, so I followed him to this room, this is where I was going to have the xray done. Stripped down to my waist & was told to put a robe on, then I had the xray, he got the xray up on the computer and he said it looked fine, although he mentioned that they would look at it further!

I went in to another waiting room with said robe on and there was an english chap sitting there, as I walked in I dropped all my clothes Lol.....And the last thing that landed was my bra, how embarassing lol. Sat in that room for about another fifteen minutes then was called in by a chinese/japanese male doctor. Sat down, he went through my responses to the questions I had answered then measured my height, and weight. After that he asked me to stand straight, put one leg out in front of me and close my eyes, then he said "flap your arms up and down like a bird" I said "Eh, you are joking aren't you, this isn't you've been framed or something similar?" Lol...Just seemed like an odd request lol, it was apparently to check my balance..Next thing I had to do was lie down on the bed, and he said, open up the top half of your robe, we need to check your breast for lumps....This is something I didn't expect at all and never thought would happen, and I was more annoyed that he was feeling my breasts without a woman present, but I didn't want to cause a scene...It's just that everytime I've had anything done like that the doctors usually requested a female to be in the room...Not angry about it. just shocked me....After that he checked my breathing, ears, eyes & throat.

He then proceeded to take my bloods, to check for syphilis. Then the last thing he did was check my blood pressure & that all my vaccinations were up to date, which they were...final cost for medical £227....Plus travel etc

All in all it wasn't too bad. Just felt quite uncomfortable him fiddling with my boobs like that, because I wasn't expecting it...

Well I'm hoping I've passed..can't see why not.....

[ClivePeagam 1]

Wow. Cost seems to be down to individual GP and I have no idea if that is regulated in any way - they seem to make it up as they go along. Many GPs will do it for free, some charge for bits, others are frankly completely confused by the request all together.

Mine, for example, doesn't have vaccinations on-site, so I got a prescription for them and had to pay for those (£7.65 or whateverthey are these days for 2 MMR jabs). They didn't charge anything actually at the GP for the vaccination record or administering the jabs, however.

How recently did you move GPs? If it was within the last 3 or 4 months, your new GP may very well not even *have* your medical records yet from the old GP (it takes them a while to send them then input them to their own systems). Might be worth asking your old GP if he/she is local and friendly for the record.

Frankly, access to your own records ought to be free and they're required to give them to you under the freedom of information act, but the act does allow those being requested to charge nominal "administration" fees in order to supply you with any information you request.

If it makes you feel any better, if you don't get your GP to do it - the Knightsbridge doctors charge £30 or £40 per jab if you have them do them at that stage, so as long as you're paying less total than that, you've made a saving?

3? You only need 2 MMR jabs.

i meant 3 as in mumps, measles and rubella, when i was younger they was 3 jabs and not just a single jab

[Anna Grant 169]

Well today was the day I had been dreading for a long time....Yes the visa medical!!!! And am I glad it's over.....

The whole medical process wasn't too bad, I arrived outside the building in Knightsbridge about an hour and a half before my appointment so decided to wander in to the pub opposite. I was really tempted to order a pint but sense got the better of me so I decided on an orange juice instead.

Anyway, I arrived at the doctors about 1.40pm, half an hour before my appointment time. When I got to reception I had to give over my passport, vaccination records & passport photo. I was then given another medical questionnaire to fill in, very similar to the one I had already filled out. The ladies on reception were very polite and helpful. About fifteen minutes later I was called by this guy, so I followed him to this room, this is where I was going to have the xray done. Stripped down to my waist & was told to put a robe on, then I had the xray, he got the xray up on the computer and he said it looked fine, although he mentioned that they would look at it further!

I went in to another waiting room with said robe on and there was an english chap sitting there, as I walked in I dropped all my clothes Lol.....And the last thing that landed was my bra, how embarassing lol. Sat in that room for about another fifteen minutes then was called in by a chinese/japanese male doctor. Sat down, he went through my responses to the questions I had answered then measured my height, and weight. After that he asked me to stand straight, put one leg out in front of me and close my eyes, then he said "flap your arms up and down like a bird" I said "Eh, you are joking aren't you, this isn't you've been framed or something similar?" Lol...Just seemed like an odd request lol, it was apparently to check my balance..Next thing I had to do was lie down on the bed, and he said, open up the top half of your robe, we need to check your breast for lumps....This is something I didn't expect at all and never thought would happen, and I was more annoyed that he was feeling my breasts without a woman present, but I didn't want to cause a scene...It's just that everytime I've had anything done like that the doctors usually requested a female to be in the room...Not angry about it. just shocked me....After that he checked my breathing, ears, eyes & throat.

He then proceeded to take my bloods, to check for syphilis. Then the last thing he did was check my blood pressure & that all my vaccinations were up to date, which they were...final cost for medical £227....Plus travel etc

All in all it wasn't too bad. Just felt quite uncomfortable him fiddling with my boobs like that, because I wasn't expecting it...

Well I'm hoping I've passed..can't see why not.....

I'm pleased to read a recent report as my medical is next week. Surprised about the breast exam but happy to hear the blood pressure is taken towards the end. I have white coat hyper-tension i.e. it's normal under normal circumstances but elevates when I'm in a doctors surgery. Having it taken later in the appointment might bring it down a bit - and knowing now that I will have a breast exam will mean that it won't jump up when that happens!

[lost_at_sea 995]

After that he asked me to stand straight, put one leg out in front of me and close my eyes, then he said "flap your arms up and down like a bird" I said "Eh, you are joking aren't you, this isn't you've been framed or something similar?" Lol...Just seemed like an odd request lol, it was apparently to check my balance..

I genuinely stood in the bathroom yesterday seeing if I could do this.

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

I'm pleased to read a recent report as my medical is next week. Surprised about the breast exam but happy to hear the blood pressure is taken towards the end. I have white coat hyper-tension i.e. it's normal under normal circumstances but elevates when I'm in a doctors surgery. Having it taken later in the appointment might bring it down a bit - and knowing now that I will have a breast exam will mean that it won't jump up when that happens!

Yes my BP was taken at the end, but I'm not sure if this normal with everyone that attends the medical. I always find that if I breathe deeply and relax it helps with the reading. Because when I haven't it's been quite high. Also nattering away whilst it's being done can also affect the reading in a bad way and this is what I tend to do when nervous and anxious.

I would like to know how many other woman have had their breasts checked at the medical? I really think they should forewarn woman on the documentation that this could happen on the day so they are well prepared.

Good luck with your medical, and please try to relax, it's really not bad at all...

I genuinely stood in the bathroom yesterday seeing if I could do this.

Practice makes perfect eh lol.....Just felt really stupid doing it......

[speedwell 224]

Folks, I am concerned about something. My husband is healthy as a horse (his blood pressure is rock stable and we can't get his blood sugar to move more than five points from 90 either way, and he's never been seriously ill). But I noticed that they do an eye check. My husband had a detached retina due to an eye injury years ago, and was treated with outpatient surgery. But his vision did not completely recover, and his corrected eyesight, even with glasses, is good enough for him to see and read, but not good enough to get a driving license. Is this going to raise a red flag on his medical and cause delay to his visa?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Folks, I am concerned about something. My husband is healthy as a horse (his blood pressure is rock stable and we can't get his blood sugar to move more than five points from 90 either way, and he's never been seriously ill). But I noticed that they do an eye check. My husband had a detached retina due to an eye injury years ago, and was treated with outpatient surgery. But his vision did not completely recover, and his corrected eyesight, even with glasses, is good enough for him to see and read, but not good enough to get a driving license. Is this going to raise a red flag on his medical and cause delay to his visa?

Generally you can avoid delays by taking something from the doctor stating the date, the type of surgery done, results/prognosis. If Knightsbridge would want any more info about it, they would ask for him to provide something from his doctor. So by having it in hand at the appointment saves doing it later and the results getting to the embassy later. But they may just hear your husband's report of it and say, "oh okay". They don't always ask for more detail. Impaired vision will not exclude him from immigrating.

With a K1 there is always the "rush" to get the medical results to the embassy because an interview won't be scheduled before the report is received. With your spouse visa, NVC will schedule his interview and he will have probably at least a month to sort the medical. So doing the medical early as possible will leave him time to sort anything needed and still get it to the embassy before his interview.

Edited May 24, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[ZC117 0]

Just had my medical. I was very nervous with the doctor. Everything went okay until she took my blood pressure. It was high the first and second time she tried and then she left it a while, did some writing then checked it again, still high. So I was given a note to give to my GP who will test my blood pressure and see if it is still high and if it is he/she will have to inform Knightsbridge of what will be done to help. Perhaps the stress of writing a dissertation whilst undergoing this process is having it's effect!

I know it's not the end of the world because I'm somewhat ahead of schedule regarding my Visa (Planning/Hoping for an early July interview). I was ridden with anxiety the whole trip home. She asked me about my questionnaire, I marked that I was drunk and had damaged property (which was the incident when I was 16) she looked very serious about this and said what I tell her will be forwarded to the Embassy (blood pressure went through the roof at this point). I was honest about everything, said what happened etc "I was young and dumb." It was and is the only incident that has ever been on my Police record (No longer is but it will be on my Access Request).