The immigration physical is an integral part of becoming a naturalized citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., and while it is an exciting milestone on your journey, it can also be stressful for many people.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, offers comprehensive immigration exams through her practice in Lanham, Maryland. She is happy to share some information to help make the process of preparing for your immigration physical as easy and stress-free as possible.
The United States government requires an immigration physical for all individuals who are seeking to live in the country permanently. The purpose of the exam is to determine that these individuals do not have any form of communicable disease that could pose a threat to others living, working, or studying in the United States.
The exam also strives to screen for conditions that could harm the American public. This includes certain mental health conditions that are associated with dangerous behavior, as well as drug or alcohol addiction.
Taking some time to prepare for your immigration physical can not only help you increase your chances of completing the requirement on your first try, but it can also help you feel more comfortable by learning what to expect from the process. Here are some tips for getting ready for your exam appointment.
During your visit, Dr. Leach will ask you questions about your overall health, as well as your family health history. One of the best ways to prepare for your visit is to create a written overview of the information.
Be sure to include any health conditions you’ve been diagnosed with or treated for. Include the basics on health issues faced by close family members. If you have medical records with a physician or health resource in your home country, try to obtain a copy and have it sent to you so you have it on hand for your appointment.
One of the most critical steps in the immigration process is verifying that your vaccinations are up to date. The best way to meet this requirement is to obtain your vaccination record.
It’s not uncommon for people to receive vaccines from more than one health provider. If you received vaccinations from multiple providers, simply bring in copies from every office where you’ve received one or more vaccines.
If there are “holes” in your vaccination record, you can obtain the necessary vaccines from Dr. Leach.
If you have any form of chronic disease or ongoing health issues, be sure to ask your current physician to provide a letter or other documentation that outlines your treatment plan. Demonstrating that you are actively attending to your health needs is a crucial part of the process.
If you have any existing chest X-rays or other imaging studies, please request copies and bring them with you to share with Dr. Leach during your visit.
You’ll need to pay for the cost of your immigration physical on the day of your visit. Be sure to reach out to Dr. Leach’s office to determine the cost of the visit. If you have insurance, please share this information with the administrative staff when scheduling your appointment.
We verify that we accept your insurance and that you fully understand what to expect in terms of expense. We make every effort to avoid surprises when it comes to billing. You can also check with our administrative staff regarding which payment options we accept.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, enjoys working with patients of all ages and backgrounds. She takes particular pride in playing a small role in helping people achieve their goal of becoming naturalized citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Our nation is built of immigrants and is made better by the diversity they bring. We look forward to meeting you and helping you move forward in your journey. When you’re ready to book your immigration exam at our Lanham, Maryland, office, contact Kadie E. Leach, MD, online or by phone to schedule an appointment.
