[Going2NZ]

Myth:

According to NZIS, any doctor in the US can do the physical and fill out the paperwork for emigration.

Reality:

The operative word is "can" - that doesn't mean they will. I set up an appointment with my primary care doctor, got there and then they tell me they "can't" handle it. They were quite nice about it (refunded my co-pay and all that) and suggested a local clinic (ProMed - don't know if they're national) but it was a waste of time and effort.

So, make sure they understand what you want, what is involved and how critical the timing is. Also, per the doctor's suggestion (she is a US immigrant so at least she knew what I was talking about), I contacted the regional branch of INS for a list of doctors in my city that did immigrant physicals and found several that would do emmigrant physicals. However, I had to be very clear and specific about what I wanted. I guess no one can imagine wanting to leave the US when so many people want to get in!

But, all's well that ends well, my husband convinced his PCP to take care of us. We will barely get in under the wire for the April 4th changes (fingers crossed) but I can live with that.

Just wanted others to know since its seems to be getting harder to get an appointment in a reasonable amount of time. You could really be in a bind if you count on someone who can't/won't take care of the immunizations, forms, xrays, etc..

Susan

[MB]

Our tip -- may work for others, may not -- is to approach your regular primary care physician's office and have the scheduler book you in for an annual physical with extra paperwork. I have put it in italics but it is not necessarily a magic term: it's just that it emphasizes that what you'll be pitching up for on the day is more or less a general all-over medical, with some form-filling to be done as the doctor checks you over. You may have to educate the staff as you go a bit - e.g., on transposing the numbers in dates so that they match the NZ dd/mm/yy format -- but that shouldn't take more than making a preparatory notes for yourself about what to draw their attention to as you proceed.

I think the other big advantage of this approach is that it conveys accurately what you need and steers the doctor's office away from thinking that you need exotic shots or something (that's happened to at least one US person on this forum, I believe).

Bonus: this way you may well get parts of it done for free if it's your only medical in a while... because certain insurance plans 'give' you a free annual physical (probably on the 'early-discovery-or-prevention-is-cheaper-in-long-run' theory).

Just something to try.
:nice1
Cheers,
Matt.

[MB]

Just once in a while (a long while) I post something mildly intelligent, don't I?

I surprise myself.


:mrgreen: :laugh :mrgreen:

Cheers,
Matt.

[clg]

We just had ours done yesterday. We contacted a local hospital with a physician refferal service, explained what we needed and they gave us a name.

It all went quite quickly. The only downside is we had to pay for it, they said our insurance would not cover it but it was only about 150 each.

Our daughters pediatrician did hers with no problem at her scheduled 2 year appointment. She did not charge extra either!

[sarah_ahn]

Hi all, I am new at this forum and also I am in Los Angeles area.
I am doing the medicals right now and I have a question: it seems for me that several tests are needed such as x-ray, blood test, but also urine and stool test as well? according to the medical certificate the says: "include the routine tests.." but I am reading in the forum that people are talking about only the x-ray and blood tests. Are those two enough for the application?.
This is my first time posting a message here so I don't know if I am doing the right way...
Thanks!

[Going2NZ]

Sarah-

I just put together a list today so I would not forget anything. Based on the health application due before the change to a more extensive one as of April 4, this is what you need from your doctor:

Tests -most of these are observational, recording readings kind of tests but some are lab tests. I've marked these in a bold font. This list is in order of the application so it might seem a bit disjointed.

- BMI (body mass index) - I would be prepared to convert from US to metric equivilents for height and weight for your dr., don't leave anything to chance (see formulas below)
- pulse rate & rhythm
- blood pressure
- peripheral pulses
- heart murmur?
- abnormal exercise intolerance?
- cynosis?
- respiratory system abnormalities?
- signs of intravenous drug use?
- scars or tattoos?
- skin or scalp disorders (including melanoma)?
- nervous system abnormalities?
- vision? (all test results needs to be less than 3 months old at time of application so if dr can do basic version, have her do it)
- hearing?
-ear disease?
- G-I system abnormalities? including teeth/gums, mouth/throat, abdomen (hernia, masses, etc)
- genito-urinary system- protein level, sugar level, blood? Need to have full report attached
- endocrine abnormalities? including thyroid swelling and diabetes
- locomotor abnormalities?
- lymphatic abnormalities?
- date of last menstrual period?
- conditions that affect persons ability to take care of themselves?
- RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) or VDRL (Venereal Disease Reference Laboratory) tests for syphilis are required
- any infectious or communicable diseases?
- symptoms of psychiatric or developmental disorder?
- suffering from any condition which is likely to require any treatment, medication or special accomodations?
- xrays with radiologist's report included

There are a few tests that are mandatory under certain circumstances:

1. "Obtain Glucose Tolerance Test if BMI >35"

2. "Results of two stool tests are required for: (For 15 year olds or over only).
– a person with a history of enteric fever or of recent salmonella infection; and
– a person resident in tropical areas - for intestinal parasites."

3. "If pulse >100 or irregular, attach ECG"


Immunizations - either have done or need documentation that they were (including day,month,year)

Diptheria
hepatitis b
polio
tetanus
whooping cough
measles
___________________

Your BMI is an objective scientific measure, that uses your height and weight. You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. In other words the algebraic expression for BMI is:

BMI = Kg / (m)2

One variable BMI fails to consider is lean body mass. It is possible for a healthy, muscular individual with very low body fat to be classified obese using the BMI formula. If you are a trained athlete, your weight based on your measured percent body fat would be a better indicator of what you should weigh.

1 inch = 2.54 cm 1 meter = 100 cm 1 lb = 0.45359237 Kg

For example:
5 feet 8 inches = 5 ft (12 in / ft) + 8 in = 68 inches
68 in (2.54 cm / in) = 172.72 cm
172.72 cm (1 meter / 100 cm) = 1.7272 meters

and
139 lbs (0.45359237 Kg / 1 lb) = 63.0493853 Kg


Hope that helps!

Susan

[MB]

Here's a quick piece of good info. for anyone with infants and toddlers. It's valid at least until 3rd April 2005 - I don't know about the new regulations:

if your child(ren) is under 5 years old, the doctor will only have to fill in the medical form for him/her. No blood or urine tests or x-rays!

Nothing earth-shattering about that. It's all in the literature. Just thought you'd like it wrapped up as one piece of good news amongst everything else there is to organize. :nice1

Cheers,
Matt.

[sarah_ahn]

Hi Susan,
It does help a lot, thanks! I'll make sure to ask for the urine test for the adults and it's good news that stool is not always needed.

I'm glad that I found this forum and I asked this question here, it's much better learning from those who have been through this experience . I didn't even bother trying to ask this question to the London branch, I had a bad experience with another issue before.

I am curious whether I am the only one or there are other people with some difficult time dealing with the London branch as well..

Thanks!

[Going2NZ]

Hi Sarah-

You're welcome for the info. I've learned so much from others on this forum, its getting to be second nature to share what I'm learning. I've been particularly interested in the other Americans' experiences because there don't seem to be too many of us headed to NZ so there is less info out there.

(Note to fellow soon-to-be-NZ-immigrants from the UK and other places: please don't feel slighted, its just helpful to compare apples to apples; I have picked up a lot of info here from many folks as well and appreciate all perspectives)

Our ITA came from the London branch - we haven't returned it yet but expect to by the first week of April. So I can't say that we've had any problems. I haven't heard from a case worker yet but didn't really expect to until we sent the ITA in. What kind of snags have you hit?

Susan

[sarah_ahn]

Hi Susan and thanks again,
I agree, it seems that there are not many americans ( not only in this forum but immigrants in general ) so it's nice to meet people from similar background and situation..
Anyway, it wasn't a big deal but it just annoyed us. Don't get me wrong, I guess the NZIS's staff is under pressure lately but I think most of the them, including the London branch, are doing their best or trying to.
The problem was with qualifications, specifically the college degree. The officer first requested the pre-assesment result from NZQA which we complied under protest and later she requested the full assesment as well. I complained and tried to reason with the officer etc..unsuccessfully. Finally and almost about to give up, I emailed a service leader who reviewed our claim and admitted the error, no need for the NZQA report. ( The service leader was attentive and nice but at the same time she didn't admit anything except an error..)
I see that you are still working in your application as we are...hopefully we'll get it but mid-April.
Regards and best wishes