For immigration physicals, the cost is $150 for adults and $75 for children under the age of 15. This must be paid up front, at the time that you come in for your appointment. I do not bill insurances for these physicals, because they are generally not covered. It is best if you bring a copy of the I-693 form with you to your appointment, with your section completed. You will also need to bring a photo ID such as a passport (from any country) or a driver’s license. Since I don’t do labs or vaccines in my office, unfortunately, these will need to be done at a different location. The following are a list of requirements.
For adults 15 and over:
RPR (blood test for syphilis)
TB skin test which is done and then must be read within 48-72 hours; if the TB test is positive a chest x-ray is required and the report must be included in the packet.
Vaccines- Tdap is required; flu vaccine is required during flu season (the end of September- the end of March); proof of an MMR (or an updated vaccine or blood titers done); pneumonia vaccine for individuals 65 and older
For children under 15:
TB skin test which is done and must be read within 48-72 hours; a chest x-ray if the TB test is positive and again the report must be included in the packet.
All vaccines must be up to date for their age and proof of these is required. This includes the flu vaccine during flu season (the end of September- the end of March). If you don’t have a copy of the vaccines, you can either get one from his/her physician’s office or from the school.
The best way to do the physicals is to do the tests and vaccines before your appointment. If you have insurance, you can get these done at your local physician’s office, and they may be covered by your insurance. If you don’t have insurance (or even if you do), you can get these done at your local health department. By doing these ahead of time, you can bring the results to the physical, and then the papers can be completed while you’re in the office. If you choose to wait until your appointment, unfortunately you will need to return to the clinic to pick up the papers after your lab results come back, your vaccines are done, your TB test has been read and your chest x-ray is completed if this is needed. The papers must be kept in a sealed envelope and be sent in that way with your application. I will give you a copy and keep one for myself, just in case there is a problem. Fortunately, I have never had one returned to me, knock on wood!
If you have any questions about this, feel free to call me at any time or you can ask me when you call to schedule your appointment.