We have just finished our medical, and here are some tips that would really help you when your time comes for your medical...
* Register online, it will save you a LOT of time,
http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/instead of falling in line to get an application by the guard, you'll just have to show that you already have a printed copy of the application form.
* Be there early, we traveled from Nueva Ecija, we left Cabanatuan at 3am, and arrived at the clinic at 6am, it pays to be early, its a first come first serve policy.
* Be sure to make LOTS of copies of your appointment letter, your online registration form, your passport, 2x2 pictures (be sure that the ears are shown on the pictures)
* Medical for adults 15 years old and older is a 2 day affair, while the minor 14 years old and below is a 3 day affair (This will change or vary if something nasty would be seen on your xray, so it pays to have a clean bill of health, in my case, I don't smoke nor drink, did not encounter any hitch...)
* Medical costs: adults 9387.5 / minor 8155.5 (they do not accept dollar payments, only in Philippine Peso)
* Medical for adults consists of:
1. Laboratory
2. Xray
3. Physical Examination (Be alert and attentive to the attending doctor, he or she would be asking ALL KINDS of questions, so be wary, plenty have encountered problems here esp. anything that involves LYING and DRUGS)
4. Immunization Evaluation
The first 3 would be done by the first day, we started by 7am, and we finished it by 11am...
The Immunization Evaluation is done on the second day, in which it will rely mainly on the result of your chest xray, if you are an adult, it really doesn't matter that much if you have or have no copy of your immunization records, they would just suggest what to do or what would be give to you. Also, it pays to have SCARS of your previous vaccines when you were still a child, and you must also have SCARS to prove that you already have chicken pox (have plenty on my face and shoulders)
Also, if you are a female applicant, it is highly advisable to go there a WEEK after your last period,
and DO NOT forget to remember your FIRST and LAST day, its gonna asked of you in every procedure (my daughter is 15, luckily I kept on reading in some of the forums, picked up a few tips along the way, that is why she already know what to answer..)
* Medical for minors consists of:
1. Physical Evaluation
2. Immunization Evaluation (to have a copy of your child's medical records, esp. the vaccines, would definitely help you alot...)
3. TST: Tuberculin Skin Test: (all minors would undergo this skin test, and almost ALL fail, now, don't be alarmed if your child fails this test, if you would be able to recall if your child was given a BCG vaccine when they were still babies, most often than not, the TST would give off a FALSE POSITIVE result. If that happens, the pediatrician would just recommend that your child would undergo number 4.)
4. Xray (if your child is cleared here, then they're off to the immunization shots...)
5. Immunization
The first 3 would be done on the first day, and the result of the TST would be on the second day, if your child is positive on the TST, he would undergo the Xray on the second day as well, if your child is negative, then you go directly for immunizations, If not, then off to the third day for the result of the xray and then immunizations.
* Things to watch out for on the second day is that when the guard takes your receipt, if the guard would put a stamp on your receipt IMMUNIZATION AREA 2nd floor then REJOICE, you are cleared, if the guard would stamp SPUTUM (I think, did not see the stamp itself) then you'd have to undergo further examinations before you are cleared.
* Listen intently on the loudspeaker, their sound system sucks big time, so you really have to listen intently for your name to be called out.
* Be courteous to everyone, receptionists, doctors, guards. It pays to be nice.
* Bring a jacket, its a bit cold inside the clinic.
* Bring a book, an iPod, iPad or any gadget that would keep you busy, some procedures are a bit time consuming, esp the Physical Examination, also, you would have to be there with your minor, in every procedure, you will be the one signing for him/her.
* Be honest with your health.
* Have fun, its the final stretch of your journey to a different and new life,..!
(ohh and it seems F2A cases need not to leave the passport, the releasing officer would tell you to bring the passport with you, as well as the data sheet in which it shows the vaccines that was administered, and a CD copy of your Xray, she will inform you that you will NEED to present these documents/items as soon as you enter the US, she will also tell you that most of the administered vaccines would again be given as soon as you enter the US,...)
Well, that's about it...
I wish everyone good luck, onwards to our interview...
Cheers everyone,..!
