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I Rub Ruchi · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 45 Location: USA

I'm outside of Washington DC and just went to the doctor for my physical as required for my Saudi visa. It was an ordeal to explain to the admin staff at thie clinic why I needed this physical. They tried to give me a cholesterol test as well as check my colon -I had to fight them and explain only stuff on the form was what I needed. It seemed they were going to test me for things which I don't need.

When I did get to see the doctor, he checked off on some the boxes for which he felt the tests were silly, but he did do the blood tests for HIV, Syphyllis, Hep B, C, and D.

The doctor told me that he could not provide the seal of the college of medicine, but could have his signature notarized there and provide a copy of his license to be attached. Of course I will attach the lab results to go along with it all.

I called the embassy and they would not answer my questions regarding this; I was told to visit the embassy site. This site does not mention how to fill out the form.

What problems do you think I might have with this form when I apply for the visa? How picky are they about the form? I figured the blood work I mentioned about would be enough.

Anyway, any information you can give me would help. Did all of you give lab test for bilharziasis? Did you give any stool? Any information will help.

Thanks in advance.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

To the best of my knowledge you need to get it stamped by the county health authority.

As you're in Washington go along to the Cultural Mission (which I believe handle teachers applications) in person and ask.

You also don't mention the X-Ray, which is obligatory.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 2:48 pm Post subject:

I Rub Ruchi · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 45 Location: USA

Thanks posters!

I called the Fairfax County Department of Health and they said that they would stamp it if I bring in a photocopy of the doctor's license.

Anyway, they knew what I needed and were familiar with this form probably only that this is suburban Washington.

I guess the trip here was worth it, as another poster has mentioned.

Jreng · Joined: 13 Feb 2005 Posts: 37 Location: uae

Where did you get TPHA medical test ?

bad cowboy · Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 10 Location: USA

Hi,

the bilharzia...blah, blah, blah is not necessary unless you have been bathing in rivers outside of the first world. Your MD only needs to dictate a letter stating that there is no prevalence in the US. That is enough. Also, there are two VD screens. If you don't have the first one (chronologically) you won't have the second one. Have your MD state that you passed the first (if you even did, you naughty) and that the second test is not required, as you didn't present for the first.

YOUR MD MUST DO ALL OF THE REQUIRED EXAMS...with the exception of the two I mentioned. Also, he or she should only put checks on the medical cover sheet (with exception of blood pressure). He should sign and date the bottom corner of EVERY page. And ALL WRITING SHOULD BE IN ORIGINAL BLUE INK. Have him do three cover sheets in the blue ink, by hand...you can zerox everything else. Just remember to keep the originals in a separate stack. (Put a sticky note on them stating they are the originals, too. The embassy staff will appreciate it.)

***TIP OF THE DAY*** Idea

Instead of getting an "official" stamp (which means zero in the US) for the cover sheet, just ask the receptionist to stamp the field beside the doctor's license number and info with the rubber stamp they use for their return address on bills. It is enough, and it is a stamp. Make sure it has the name of the practice on it, otherwise don't.

***Tip NO.2***Doctors have a lot on their minds (i.e. their next round of golf, their egos, that new roof for the vacation home, alimony, etc.) so make a numerical list of things he or she needs to do. That way they can simply check them off. If not, they will try to do it their way--and it will either be a waste of time and money and/or the embassy will reject the application. Example: 1). DO ALL EXAMS 2). ONLY CHECK MARKS ON COVER SHEET 3). BLUE INK 4). THREE ORIGINAL COVERSHEETS 5). INITIAL AND DATE ALL PAGES, etc. Make it as simple as possible.

Also, get as many labs done and returned as quickly as possible. (i.e. Take your stool samples at the Mcdonald's across the street from the doctor's office. Use the baby change station in the handicapped-designated toilet as your laboratory table.)

As far as the xrays are concerned, make sure that the radiology tech. / radiologist writes the report on radiology letterhead, if possible. You should also ask nicely for the original films. They WILL give them to you, but you basically have to threaten to chain whip them in the parking lot. These, I have heard, you might be asked for when you arrive. (Maybe not.) The funniest part is you'll do everything over again when you arrive!!!! Most of al be patient, but persistent. Your doctor will be confused, so you will have to double-check every word and check mark before you mail it off. PM me if you get in a bind.

-BC

I Rub Ruchi · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 45 Location: USA

The TPHA was done with all the blood tests. They drew three viles of blood and I had to wait a week to get the results.

My new problem is with the authentication of my Degree. When I arrived at the cultural mission with all of my stamps and signatures by many offices, they turned me away with new requirements and a new form to fill out to get my degree authenticated. They told me to use verifydegree.org, but this is confusing as well. I'm really having second thoughts about this job being that I might have to wait weeks and weeks, unless I can convince they to skip some of the new paperwork.

I return in the morning to try to get it done again.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

What a vial practice !

bad cowboy · Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 10 Location: USA

OP,

Three vials is not enough.
I gave eight to be able to run the required tests (plus two more when the doctor ordered a wrong test). Worst of all, the lab tech. used a needle that looked like one of those little straws you use to stir coffee, (apparently for the morbidly obese--which I am not) and every time she turned to get another vial her fat belly would brush up against the syringe and move it around in my arm. Shocked

As far as "degreeverify" is concerned....it takes all of four minutes and you print the result. It costs around $6USD. Not a big deal.

Have you thought of using a visa service? Although they can be similarly ambiguous with their instructions, they do the legwork for you, and you can call them whenever you have a question--without the embassy-style brushoff. They can also provide you with templates for the required letters (very convenient). Hope that helps a little.