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| South Africa |  Review on August 12, 2014: |
fridgewater
Rating:  | Review Topic: General Review
Medical Exam Review.
I was more nervous for the medical than I think I am for the interview. The previous review on the medical was extremely helpful, but I have a few differences/additional info that I thought I'd mention, seen as I nearly had an aneurism thinking about doing this medical.
The only doctor in Johannesburg since Jan 2014 is Dr Hoosen. You cannot use Dr Cobbs as previously stated.
Yes, you obtain the x-rays and blood work the day before (don't forget to take your passport, two US sized colour passport photos and your original immunization card - if applicable with, when you collect the x-ray and pathology forms from the doctor) your actual medical exam (apparently they get the blood-work results back within a day - they have some sort of arrangement) and definitely go for the x-ray first, as you can get the blood work done while they process the x-ray. They said the x-ray would take 30min to process, but it only took 10min. Don't open the envelope.
I waited almost 3 hours on the day of the medical to see the doctor. You do a urine test (I think for things like glucose, PH level, etc.) and they measure your height and weight before you see the doctor. I'm not sure which doctor I saw, I think Dr Hoosen has a side kick to assist when busy. I was pretty nervous, but it was really a quick 10 min physical (with both my bra and panties left on) - blood pressure, reflex, hearing, sight and a quick check to see if you're a boy/girl!
They sent a copy of my original immunization card to the CDC (centre for disease control in the US), while I waited after my medical, to confirm what immunizations I needed. They took about ten minutes to reply, unfortunately they would not recognise the MMR and polio vaccines I had as a child (my town council immunization card wasn't to their liking). None the less, I had to get jabbed again for both of those. But although it ended up costing me more, as I had the vaccines at the doctor, the list of recommended vaccines are not all necessary. So I'm not sure I'd go to Dischem and load up on the list. I didn't need the hepatitis, influenza or tetanus shot (and personally would rather get as few vaccines as possible).
Ended up costing R3,700 (Incl. X-ray, blood work, physical and vaccines - you pay for this all at the doctor).
All in all I was worried for nothing, as the doctor reminded me that the medical outcome cannot influence the issuing of a visa. (Obviously if you have TB for example, you need treatment before they will issue the visa, but you can't be denied a visa for having had TB, etc.)
I'm only rating this 3, more because I had to wait 3 hours and because the cost of the medical is out of line with the service (and you have no alternative)!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #14989