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rjbsd · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 53

I am in Houston, and agonizing over the same questions about cholera and malaria. My doctor said she would say "not applicable" on those tests. I have a call in to my visa processor to see what she says to do.

Englishish · Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Posts: 78

rjbsd · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 53

This is just a vent. I have prepared myself for all kinds of irritations when I get to KSA, but I was just not prepared for the headache I am getting from the doctor's office I went to for my medical exam. First, I called all around looking for someone who knew what to do and could run all the tests. I was referred to a place by something called Herman Memorial INTERNATIONAL Services who assured me it would be good. The office personnel also assured me they could do everything I asked for. THEN...I met the doctor. She told me she would just put N/A for the tests like Malaria she did not know how to ask the lab for. She Failed to schedule me for a chest xray. I called repeatedly and left messages. I can't even get those people to return my calls. I finally drove across town and stood at the counter until they gave me an xray order. BUT NOOOOO. The xray machine was broken. The only person who will help me is the sweet lady in the lab, who called her home office and found out how to run all the odd tests I needed. Now I just need the doctor to issue a work order.

After what I said to the nurse who finally returned my call, I should probably just forget it and start over. I bet that doctor will never do what I ask because the nurse said she would be sure to tell her how unhappy I was. I am looking at 5 trips across town (Houston). Irritating.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The only medical where I had to provide a stool sample was for the Airline. That was a rigorous test and I assume the stool sample was to determine whether or not I used drugs.

lazycomputerkids · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 360 Location: Tabuk

Having no insurance when I considered a Saudi job, I took the Embassy health form (I was told the form was the same for everyone) to a doctor and got a quote for every test as my recruiter said every test had to be completed.

I was surprised by the amount and asked my recruiter if such a cost was typical. They confirmed it was and my greatest concern was having a contract in hand with no red flags before paying for tests considered unusual in the US.

After I was satisfied by the contract offered, the medical test included blood, stool, urine and an X-ray.

And after arriving in S.A., again, I had to have medical tests which required blood, urine, stool and an X-ray.

I'm 70 percent sure I won't be expected to pay for the second round of tests, but I've yet to get that first paycheck and when it comes to money, talk is cheap.

rjbsd · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 53

I talked to my doctor's nurse again. Of course, I can not talk to the doctor. And she kept saying, "we only would run those tests if we thought you had the disease. " I pointed out repeatedly the fact that I did not have the disease, but the GOVERNMENT of SAUDI ARABIA wishes the tests to be done before I can get a visa. She said again, "But have you traveled to any country where you might have been exposed." I said again, "I am not sick, but I need the test for a visa application." It was like talking to a brick wall. Anyway, we finally agreed that the doctor would not put N/A, but would check me as well and hope it flies. Of course, the doctor will have no knowledge of this conversation when I get there Monday for my results, which makes my fourth trip across town in one week.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The main purpose of the stool test is to check for parasitic infections.

rjbsd · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 53

I did a stool test, but I honestly don't think she asked for that test with the odd spelling.

omerta777 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 16

I did my medical when I was back in the US because I thought I was coming on an employment visa. I was wrong. My company brought me on a govt visa and now Im in Nejran. Im supposed to get all the medical done out here again.

Anyone who thinks the medical part only costs $500 is not telling the truth. I got a quote about a eyar ago and it was going to cost me around $1500. I did it this time with 100% medical coverage.

rjbsd · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 53

I am hoping my current insurance pays for the tests that the Doctor did run. I am all for billing the insurance company and worrying about my part later. My current company has locations around the world and employees working all over the world including Africa, S America, Mexico, so I am hoping the insurance company will just assume these were tests related to my work and pay for them.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

rjbsd · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 53

I did talk to the nurse today, and I apparently don't have any parasites. Gee that's a relief. hahah

I actually have traveled to Egypt a couple of times and came home last time with a "bug." But antibiotics took care of the problem.

rjbsd · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 53

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

I was just told that all the tests will be done upon arrival in KSA by a guy who works for the University in Riyadh that hired me. WTF???