Applying for a green card in the United States involves several crucial steps, and one of the most important is completing an immigration medical examination. This exam must be conducted by a designated civil surgeon, a doctor authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you’re wondering “how to Find A Doctor Near Me” for your immigration medical exam, this guide will provide you with the essential information you need to locate a USCIS civil surgeon and understand what to expect during your examination.
Understanding the Role of a Civil Surgeon
USCIS designates specific doctors, known as civil surgeons, to perform the immigration medical examinations required for most individuals seeking to adjust their status to become lawful permanent residents. These examinations ensure that applicants meet the health standards for entry into the United States. It’s important to note that not all doctors are authorized to perform these exams; you must see a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
For U.S. veterans, active military personnel, and their dependents, military physicians at military treatment facilities within the U.S. are also authorized as blanket designated civil surgeons. Additionally, refugee applicants may find blanket designated civil surgeons at local health departments. While these blanket designated civil surgeons may not appear on the standard USCIS list, they are fully authorized to conduct immigration medical examinations or specific parts of them. For detailed information, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C, which covers civil surgeon designation and revocation.
It’s crucial to differentiate civil surgeons from panel physicians. Panel physicians are appointed by the Department of State and conduct immigration medical examinations outside the United States, typically as part of the visa application process at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Panel physicians cannot perform exams for adjustment of status applicants within the U.S. seeking a green card through USCIS.
Preparing for Your Immigration Medical Exam: What to Bring
To ensure your medical examination goes smoothly, it’s essential to come prepared. When you visit your chosen civil surgeon, make sure to bring the following items:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: Download and complete as much of Form I-693 as you can before your appointment. You can find the form on the USCIS website.
- Government-issued photo identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is required. For applicants 14 years old or younger, bring identification that verifies name, date and place of birth, and parents’ full names, such as a birth certificate with an English translation or an affidavit.
- Vaccination or immunization records: Bring any records you have of vaccinations, including but not limited to: DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Health insurance card (optional): While many health insurance plans may not fully cover immigration medical exams, it’s worth asking if the civil surgeon accepts your insurance for any part of the examination.
- Payment: Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office about their accepted forms of payment. The cost of immigration medical exams can vary significantly, sometimes by hundreds of dollars, so it’s advisable to call a few civil surgeons to compare prices before scheduling your appointment.
What Happens During the Medical Examination?
The immigration medical examination with a civil surgeon involves a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination. The civil surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:
- Medical History Review: The doctor will ask you about your past and present health conditions.
- Physical Examination: A general physical exam to assess your overall health.
- Communicable Disease Testing: Depending on your age and CDC guidelines, you will be tested for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the detailed requirements for these tests in their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons.
After the examination, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693 and provide it to you in a sealed envelope to be submitted to USCIS. Crucially, ensure you receive a copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records before the envelope is sealed. USCIS will reject the form if the envelope is opened or tampered with. For complete details about Form I-693, visit the official USCIS website.
Finding a Civil Surgeon Near You
To “find a doctor near me” who is a designated civil surgeon, the most reliable resource is the USCIS website. USCIS provides a tool to search for civil surgeons in your area. Here’s how you can find a civil surgeon:
- Visit the USCIS website: Go to the official USCIS website (uscis.gov).
- Search for “Find a Civil Surgeon”: Use the search bar and enter “Find a Civil Surgeon.”
- Use the Civil Surgeon Locator: USCIS provides an online tool where you can enter your zip code to locate designated civil surgeons in your vicinity.
This tool is regularly updated and provides the most current list of authorized civil surgeons. Remember to verify the surgeon’s designation and contact their office directly to schedule an appointment and inquire about fees and accepted forms of payment.
Addressing Concerns
If you encounter any issues or have concerns about a civil surgeon’s conduct or actions, you can report them to your state medical board. For concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination or Form I-693, you should contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
Finding a designated civil surgeon is a vital step in your green card application process. By using the USCIS resources and preparing thoroughly for your medical exam, you can navigate this requirement with confidence and ensure your application progresses smoothly.
