FAQ
After ten years and thousands of exams, we have a thorough awareness of the various questions our patients have regarding the immigration medical exam (I-693). To facilitate getting you answers quickly, we have created a FAQ’s list that will answer most any question you have.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a summary of the most frequently asked questions we receive. It is by no means comprehensive and we recommend you read the instructions yourself at the following link for additional information. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-693instr.pdf
No, the exam must be completed by a USCIS-certified Civil Surgeon
No. We have never seen an insurance plan cover these exams. However, if your insurance covers preventive vaccines, you may be able to save money on these. Please call your insurance company prior to your appointment to find out if preventive vaccines are covered outside of your deductible. Please do not attempt to get your vaccines before your appointment so that Dr. Wingo can advise you of which ones you will need. Everyone will not be required to receive all vaccines.
We provide the vaccines at an affordable rate for your convenience. However, if you prefer, you may go to your family doctor, a local pharmacy or health department to get your vaccines as well. Again, please do not attempt to get your vaccines before your appointment with Dr. Wingo.
The base price is $390. This includes your exam, completion of all paperwork, lab testing and interpretation of results, review of medical and vaccination records, evaluation of any conditions and/or diagnoses, and the sealed envelope containing your original exam. The typical range of the final exam cost is $390-$650, but occasionally can exceed this. Please know that we make every effort to keep your cost as low as possible.
- A government issued photo ID such as a Passport
- Vaccination records IF you have them (NOTE: please do NOT delay your exam waiting on childhood vaccination records as they frequently do not change what you need currently to complete your exam)
- A list of your medications
- Your Alien Number (A#) IF you have one. This is the same number as the USCIS # on an Employment Authorization Card/ Document (EAD) IF you have one of these. It can also be found on your latest correspondence from USCIS on the top, right side of the first page.
The vaccination requirements are set by USCIS, under the guidance of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), not Dr. Wingo. All required vaccines must be as up to date as possible, with the exception of the Covid-19 vaccine. A completed series of a Covid-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization is required unless you have a well-documented reason you cannot take the vaccine signed by a physician. Dr. Wingo is NOT able to help you get out of this requirement. Please follow the link below for additional information:
https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/civil-surgeons/covid-19-technical-instructions.html
If you would like to minimize the number of vaccines you need to take, and do not have vaccination records with you documenting a vaccine you believe you have received, for some vaccines we can order blood tests to determine if you have adequate immunity to certain infections, and potentially prevent you from needing those specific vaccines.
Otherwise, you can request a waiver based on religious and/or moral grounds. The waiver request must be initiated by you and/or your attorney. Dr. Wingo has NO role in this process.
Please follow the links for additional information. Please discuss your unique situation with your attorney.
https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/civil-surgeons/vaccinations.html
https://www.uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons/vaccination-requirements
Some vaccines are considered safe during pregnancy while others are not. Dr. Wingo knows which vaccines are considered safe during pregnancy, but understands that expectant mothers, and fathers, have legitimate concerns. Thus, Dr. Wingo encourages you to ask your OB/GYN, prior to your appointment, which vaccines he/she is comfortable with you receiving at the time of your exam. If your OB/GYN is not comfortable with you receiving vaccines that are considered safe in pregnancy, please have him/her provide you that in writing to be included in your sealed envelope with your I-693 exam.
Yes. You do NOT need to be fasting.
The exam usually takes about 30-45 minutes depending on your individual circumstances.
Yes, in the large majority of cases.
Major credit or debit cards, check (must be pre-printed with your name, address and phone number, and able to be deposited immediately) and cash.
1) If your tuberculosis test is positive, we will order a chest x-ray to ensure your lungs are clear and schedule a follow up visit with Dr. Wingo to discuss. The majority of the time the chest x-ray shows no evidence of active tuberculosis and Dr. Wingo can sign off your exam. This means you have latent, or inactive, tuberculosis. Per USCIS, we must send a referral to the health department so they can determine if you should take preventive medication that will hopefully keep you from ever developing active tuberculosis.
If your chest xray has significant findings, the health department will still do your initial evaluation. If it turns out that your chest x-ray findings are not active tuberculosis, you will then be considered to have a Class B condition. Dr. Wingo will complete your exam and refer you to a specialist outside the health department for further evaluation and treatment if necessary. If you have private health insurance, and/or know the specialist you would like to see, Dr. Wingo is happy to send your referral to that specialist and coordinate your care with him/her.
2) If your syphilis test is positive, we will schedule you a follow up visit with Dr. Wingo to discuss your options based on your specific results. He may have to refer you to the health department for treatment. Once your treatment is complete, Dr. Wingo will receive your records and complete your exam.
The cost for imaging studies, consults, referrals and coordination of care for all positive lab results is $120.
No, not unless you have a positive tuberculosis blood test result which is much less frequent than with the old skin test.
The majority of the time, you will receive your completed exam within one week. In the rare instance one of your lab tests is positive, it will take longer depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Please see the above question and answer for a more detailed explanation.
Please note, to offer the most convenience and quickest turnaround time for our clients, we provide all of our laboratory services and vaccinations in one convenient location. In addition, we are in the office 4-5 days per week, including the civil surgeon. This means we are available for questions or concerns that may arise during your immigration medical examination process. Our clients appreciate the freedom, flexibility and cost-effective approach we take.
Once your exam is complete and sealed, you will receive a notification that it is ready to be picked up. Please do not walk-in without receiving a notification as your exam will not be ready and we will not be able to complete your exam at that time. With your permission, you will receive the copy of your exam via email.
If you have a scheduled interview with USCIS, you will usually take the envelope with you to the interview. If not, and you are working with an attorney, you can deliver it to your attorney. If neither of these situations apply, you should submit the sealed envelope to USCIS as directed in their latest correspondence to you.
IMPORTANT: Do not break the seal or open this envelope. USCIS will not accept Form I-693 if it is not in a sealed envelope or if the envelope is altered in any way.