Well, as far as I know, an MD can ask you to disrobe as long as its to actually check something. I can't answer for the ladies nor the gentlemen since my wife went to Dra Gonzalez. But I have read here that some people have OK experiences with the doctor, especially if the US Citizen is in the waiting room or close by (your girl can mention this if you are not allowed in... but try going in like me... speaking Spanish only). Leidy can always question the motives, and gauge his reaction... but its a fine line to be walked since they have a small amount of power over the immigration process and they know it.

The price is fixed in the current packet information, so you may want to take that along and make sure they don't try pulling a fast one on you. Just point to the pertinent list of prices in any occurrence of overcharging.

What you'll get in terms of vaccines from the medical exam is a list of shots taken/immune to, and if any series are incomplete then it will say so- this will be the chance for a public health department or your local Civil Surgeon here in the States to "offer" the next series of dose(s). Most likely it will also be required to fill out the I-693A when about to send in the AOS packet.

My 2 cents is to have her do the shots she needs within the week before the Dr's appt at a place of her choosing and taking the results with her to see him.

NOTE TO ALL:

Do not lose your EAD card. Wendy misplaced her EAD card. So I called USCIS to report this problem. USCIS employee tells me that we would have to reapply for EAD. In other words go thru the process all over again. No replacement cards are issued by them. This is pure B.S. I even asked her what would happen if her purse was stolen, same deal "reapply and pay the entire fee again"

Lucky for us we have the EAD approval letter which should be suffice for employers.

I am still confused by something on the vaccines.

Until we can get the attention of the embasy on this matter, it appears that all vaccines must be "fresh" i.e. received no more than a week (is that right?) before the interview.

Now people are saying to get the vaccines the week prior to the medical appointment from someone other than the embassy doctor. But unless the beneficiary goes to a clinic or other doctor and receives all the vaccines whether they need them or not they will still not have proof of fresh vaccines. So isn't the embassy doctor still going to require more vaccines?

So what is the advantage to getting the vaccines from someone other than the embassy doctor? Is the cost lower?

And has anyone discovered a way to avoid receiving duplicate vaccines? I really don't want to vaccinate the baby again. It makes her sick for a couple of days and I think it is a little dangerous for a baby.

Byron, please ask about the vaccines when you make the appointment. I am curious to hear what the doctors are saying this week.

Hey everybody. Just got Paola's interview date......January 16, 2008 @ 7 a.m. Everything goes by really fast once your papers leave NVC!

Bundy

Byron,

Unfortunately Yenifer and I will be at Roa's office on Monday...we called Dra. Gonzalez and they had nothing available for us...not looking forward to seeing him because of Diana's fiasco with him but what can you do?

Yenifer will try today or tomorrow to get her vaccines up to date so we won't have to deal with him about that...

Lucho...WTF there's always something with the USCIS that makes us all say HUHHHHHHHH???...just makes absolutely no sense.
Thanks for the heads up.

Congrats Bundy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey so should we go ahead and start getting the appointments even though we haven't received Packet 4?

Also, do both lab and physical exams have to be done within 1 week before the interview? Or is it just the vaccines? Are the vaccines at the lab or at the physical appointment?

Kind of confused.

I bolded above part of my logic for only vaccinating a human being ONCE when the vaccine is to be given ONCE.
That is where the medical ethics ballgame comes into play.

I can recommend the vaccine the week prior to the appointment since the MDs wanted, according to the BS they were telling some applicants here, the vaccines to be fresh, e.g. within 2 weeks of the interview. What they were in fact trying to do in our opinion, was refer "unvaccinated" (yes, they are also helping you in this case) and vaccinated applicants (that had the CDC-recommended immunity via their own proof of immunity) to vaccine labs in their immediate circle of knowledge... or as could be understood: in their circle of business affiliates or even more directly- in their own offices.

Demanding the vaccine be done in their office only is not only unethical but should be reported to the US Embassy for review.

Choosing your own vaccine provider, then, is an exercise in depriving the opportunity for a doctor that is already getting way overpaid to take a look at an applicant and sign a secretary-filled vaccination document and medical exam sheet to make more money. Granted, if you need the vaccine then you need the vaccine... But the primary reason for the need for clarity in this matter comes from people being unethically obligated to get repeat vaccines when they were not necessary, AND having to pay for this unethical behavior.

That is what irks me and in bold above is concrete evidence of one possible side effect from a vaccine reaction.

Lets hope this question gets addressed and specifically taken care of for benefit of those still in the visa process.

Scott PLEASE let me know how it goes with him!!! try to go in with Yenifer and see what happens!! I sure will be trying!!

By the way , Leidy called today and the secretary at Roa's office said that they have to do the vaccines in the office and that they dont want them done somewhere else!!! This kind of crap pisses me off...you can get the exact same vaccines somewhere else but they feel the power to be able to say that they musyt be done there!!!!

Ok my last question was just answered by Byron.

Byron, did you guys schedule an appointment already?

We just scheduled it for the 27th of December when I CAN DEFINATELY BE THERE!!

If anyone has any questions regarding the biology of a vaccine PM me. Or check out the CDC website: www.cdc.gov

I strongly believe in vaccination as a proper disease-control method, as long as the vaccination is appropriately handled and dosed.

In some cases I also think that repeating a vaccine is a good thing (sort of like a booster shot), for example, when traveling to a region where a particular disease for which a vaccine is available is incident.

The fact of the matter is that a vaccine dose should never be used as a condition to obtain a "passing score" on a medical exam you already paid for if you already had a lifetime vaccine dose and you have the evidence for it. In fact, if the doctors were really concerned about an applicant's immunity to a vaccine-available disease, then they would include a BLOOD TITER (tells you how much of a vaccine/antibody response is circulating after a vaccine develops immunity) test in the bloodwork the Embassy already requires for consideration for the Visa process.

Scott and Byron, please try to evidence this for us... this goes for anyone else here. They need to prove that their own vaccine is now superior, safe, and not monopolized. This needs to be presented to the Embassy because this is a potential case of medical malpractice and all applicants are potentially looking at an obligation to receive unneeded shots. There is no guarantee that folks with prior immunity will be exempt from this ludicrous demand.

They must not be allowed to get away with this.

Byron...

"THIS IS JUST PURE CRAP AND IT STINKS BADLY!!!!!!!"

If Yenifer can get her vaccines done now or tomorrow...that's the way it's gonna be and I cannot imagine any kind of an arguement...

Congratulations on the newly approved couples!!! Wohoo!

Byron - New Year's Eve interview? Wow!

We can help clean the crap...

Scott thats exactly what I was trying to do!!!!!!!!!! Iwas going to send Leidy about 10 days before the interview to get them done ....but this A$$ holes office sayds that they have to do it .....I dont want any problems ill pay....what irks me is that this guy has the balls to cheat the system and then on top of that if its true with doing things that are unnecessary as far as the Medical Exam goes ( girls disrobing more than they have to, touching ) or any other BS...That $hit will get under my skin!!

I think then that something needs to be done via the Embassy.

If you need a once-in-a-lifetime vaccine then you need it because you never received it. That should be plain enough.

There are also a couple of links at the Embassy that MAY be useful here:

http://bogota.usembassy.gov/fraud-contact2.html

-not really for medical fraud... but since this is an internal matter then maybe if the Embassy doesn't deal with the vaccine situation soon then we can complain AFTER each and every instance of this sad behavior.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1331.html

Nowhere does it state that an MD has the medical authority to demand vaccination at their office and in repetition to prior immunity.

So what is the bottom line here? Do the beneficiaries need to get all the vaccines whether they need them or not?

I am going to write an email to the embassy right now regarding this.

Only the ones that are required by the US State Dept for Entry into the US- the ones in the packets. Since a vaccine is a vaccine is a vaccine, then when the CDC, a US entity, states that no further vaccination is required for certain shots, then no doctor working as a panel physician licensed by the US government under US health guidelines, has the authority (none) to impose a repeat vaccine based on logic contrary to the medical authority that granted the MD the know-how in the first place to recognize certain vaccines as sufficient for life the first time given.

I hope they respond appropriately and don't brush the matter off.

I want to be there and go through it first...BELEIVE me im going to say something over there AFTER the medical is done!!! Thats why it is SOOOOO important that Scott lets us know how it was and to make sure he says these sentiments about how once an individual has a vaccine there is no need for it again....

One question....I dont remember where it was written, but it states that the doctor may ask the patient to be topless but not the bottom where someone stated he had someone do!!

Byron,

Leidy CAN and has every right to get the vaccines somewhere else, which will be a lot cheaper for sure. These doctors just want to pocket in the money. If she gets them days before the medical she should be fine and that won't leave them any room to say that she needs to have them done again. Also, since my husband went to Dr. Roa, I had a chance to talk to a lady who was also getting her medical for the visa and and she told me that she was asked to wear a robe, then lay down to do whatever exam he does, and at the end he lifted up her robe real quick to check stuff, I'm assuming to make sure that she was in fact a female, who knows. But it's no big deal.

Also, be ready to wait and wait and then wait some more because they won't let you in with her even if you are the petitioner. There is a cafeteria next door and you can get a Coke there or something but they'll ask you to leave if you sit there for too long, I'm assuming because they need the tables for new customers. I had to go there at 2:30pm for my husband's medical, wait an hour and then he came down and said "The doctor said I have to come back at 6pm for these shots and I can only get them here". So we waited for 2½ hours for it to be 6PM so he can get the shots he already had. Then I had to wait outside for another 2 hours until he came out and we didn't get back to the apartment until almost 10pm that day. It was pure hell since we were up at 5am that day to go get his lab tests done.

Diana

Thanks Diana....I didnt know that i wont be allowed in .... ......Look he's a doctor, he has todo what he has to do....I just cant stand the thought he uses his title in abussive ways....especially if he is a viejo morboso!!!!

As for the vaccines, I think im just going to pay and let them do it...i have waited this long to let this A$$ have the chance to say ...sorry but i cant process this because of so and so.....I just want this done!!

Im also very curious if Scott is getting the vaccines with him or if Yenifer is getting them beforehand?

Finally our interview date was schedule for the next january 15th we are really happy

Well guys I hope that you get some sort of proof about this unethical medical behavior. This is crucial if we want this practice to stop. Believe it or not we actually (whether we pay to have the vaccines done there, or to repeat them, etc, or not) have a little more power if enough of us present a valid complaint to the Embassy.

There are plenty of doctors in Bogota that trained in the USA that could do the same medical these MDs do and after being instructed to not rip people off I doubt that they'd want to jeopardize the guaranteed income they earn from the medicals alone by thinking they know more than the CDC.

Anyway, enough bitterness about the medicals... guys, congratulations on all these interviews! Way to go!

Going to meet my darling for some X-Mas shopping!

Finally we got our interview date: December 31st !!! After finding out the date I made the medical appointment for the 17, do you think it would be a problem having it so early?

The whole vaccination thing really sucks. Paola was able to get hers from another doctor, but now it seems that aint so. The cost from the Red Cross station in her home town was well over $100 for the shots. I only mention this cuz if threy cost $100 from a doctor that is not a thief, how much from the only two doctors approvred by the embassy to give the med exams?
Also, those two must be in cahoots with each other, it is a rip off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am going to have to go through all this BS soon with Paola's son. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!


Congrats Parkpappa...........things are staring to go your way.

Congrats to all that have received interview dates, we have had a rush of them. WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Byron and Gang,

Yenifer tried today to arrange getting the vaccines at a local red cross but the particular one she called (small town-Rionegro) does not do vaccines...they gave her a number in Bogota for red cross so she will either wait til we get there or she will try a local clinic/hospital in her area to get it done before she leaves on Friday...I will keep you posted either way.

Her medical is on Monday at 5:30 pm...I will also keep you posted ASAP on that!!!!!!!

hi gentlemen,

i've got a quick question the DS156 and 156K. Do they have to be the exact forms sent out in packet 3 or can they be downloaded off the net and sent in. i ask this because i've seen a barcode on the forms from the net. i appreciate your time. i also apologize that i haven't been more active with this forum. i called the department of state today and learned that packet 3 had been sent out. so things are nearing an end. i've been reading all your comments and have never felt that i had something to add, but am grateful for all the info you have posted. thanks again.

torre paterno

Not at all, the medical examination is valid for a year, I talked with the assistant of Dr. Roa (Luz Stella) and she told me that I can get my medical examination even 20 days before the interview at the Embassy, people used to do this step 2 o 3 days before interview because do not live in Bogotá and of course they just spend here the days that they need to the examination and the interview......I live in Bogotá so as soon I get my package 4 I am going to schedule my medical appointment ASAP as well....

Gooood luckkk!!

Yazz

Scott please let me know what happens!!! I called and Roa's office really told me that I must get te vaccines in his office.

Yazz....i didnt get my pckt 4 and today i scheduled my medical...its on the 27th.



Scott im really dying to know what this Roa is all about.

CAN YOU BELEIVE THE MONEY GAME THIS DOCTORS OFFICE IS PLAYING...AS IF THEIR VACCINES ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT ARE VALID IN THE COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I REALLY CAN'T BELEIVE THESE PEOPLE!!!!!

Byron...we are sticking to the origial plan of getting them done before we get there...I'll keep everyone posted

Byron... I was just thinking ...could you call Roa's office again when you have a chance to find out the price of the vaccines?...

I would do it myself pero no hablo mucho Espanol...gracias

Wow, but no big surprise. I suggest having Luz Stella or whomever is giving out false medical information at Dr Roa's office, warned that many people are aware of what they are doing and that they can take the initiative to avoid losing the Embassy's business in the long run.

Scott if I remember correctly , i think she told me they were 135,000 pesos or about 75 dollars.

Byron,

Is 135,000 pesos is for all 3?...

Td = Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine
MMR = Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Varicella = Chickenpox

If this is the price, then they may not be trying to gouge us and we can run with it...I seem to remember previous post where the price s range from 120-200 mil pesos for all three...can you confirm the 135 mil por favor?

IF they are 135,000 COP for all 3 then yes its a good deal. Somehow I remember paying more when Maria had hers done elsewhere.

Lets hope thats the price for all 3. Then we could all sing a different tune to this practice. Somehow I doubt it though.

Congratulations !!!!!

Hi All, We wil talk about our experience with the Vaccination.

I took my Vaccionation 15 days prior at my interview which was ok For the Doctor Gonzalez, There are place avalaible by the Guverment for to Do this, Like CRUZ ROJA (international), Here in Cartagena FATIMA, and I think there are more have license to Do it, In Bogota Brian and I Stayed in the Area called GALERIA, closer at the Stadium EL CAMPIN, there is a center shopping with the same name where they have a Vaccination Center, they are open 9-11 am and 2-4p.m where they administer all the vaccinations!

Neophi, Sooner you know the day for The interview you most call one of the Doctor of your preference to make the appointment Doesnt matter if you gett the package 4 or not! as long as you have your interview date.

and The Doctor will check your Body in General, the person will be only in under wear, so the doctor will check almost everything they think have to be checked.

It's not True that The Doctor Roa is the only one that can administer the vaccinations!

I wish you guys can gett everything Done very soon.

God Bless you,

Brian&Yenys

You need to double check this information because my husband had to have 1 of the shots there and it was close to $90 dollars, just for the one they said he needed. The lady I spoke to that day had 2 of her sons with her as well and she ended up paying close to $500 dollars for the 3 of them. Check and triple check these prices with the office.

Diana

BUNDY<

I only submitted 3 years tax transcripts, 3 months of paystubs and the letter from my employer and this is brought with you to the interview with the affadavit of support and was accepted at our interview on 12/04/07 and We were approved. This is my experience and had no problems, Our interview was less than 5 minutes and we were Approved and the vice consul never even talk to me or ask me any questions other than to tell me congratulations, your wife is approved. if you have the tax transcripts for the 3 years, YOU DO NOT NEED THE W-2 OR 1040'S

Brian and Yenys

I THINK ITS BETTER TO HAVE THEM ALL DONE BEFORE YOU GET THERE, THATS WHAT WE DID AND IT WORKED FOR US !!!!



bUT WE USED DOCTOR MARIA GONZALEZ

Now I'm a little confused. I think you may have a point. They charge COP$135,000 for the appointment/medical exam, but I'm assuming the vaccines that my wife is missing will cost extra?

My wife says she has to take her vaccination records, and that they will only apply what is not on there. I'm going to tell her to call Dr. Roa's office again and ask that question, and if she has to take them there. It may be cheaper to do through her EPS (Sanitas) although I'm not sure since maybe vaccines are not covered.

We are still waiting for our NOA2 and consequently our interview is still several months away. However, I don't believe in leaving things for the last minute so we are starting the document gathering for my wife.

As far as I can tell from this thread and the Packet 3 info, we will need the following documents for her. This list does not include the medical exams or vaccinations.


1. Passport
2. Fe de bautismo. (Original o copia autenticada)
3. Registro Civil (Original o copia autenticada)
4. Certificado Judicial del DAS (Original)
5. Carta del DAS (Migratorio), entradas/salidas (Original)
6. Registro Civil de Matrimonio (Original o Copia autenticada)


We are starting with getting her passport as this won't expire for years. However, I understand that the other documents have requirements as to how recently they were issued. What are those limits for the other documents?

Thanks,
CG

Congratulations Brian & Yenys!!!!

Wondering what you guys paid for all 3 vaccinations...and was the name of the shopping center Galeria or Stadium EL CAMPIN??

I am going to try and call the Dr.'s office later to find out the exact price...I'm not really sure now. A little later ill do it, im a little busy.

Thanks for the information. I will not be able to travel to Bogota when my novia has the interview, so I want to make sure she has all her "ducks in a row". I'll just send all of the above just in case.

Bundy

Hi Neophi

The EPS won't cover for vaccination, well, at least SUSALUD doesn't, my husband went for a regular check up 2 weeks ago and he asked.

Can someone give me some names of the places you are staying while in Bogota for the interview? I am not looking for anything off the charts expensive. Just a place that is affordable, safe, CLEAN......you know the drill. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Bundy

Hey Bundy,
The guy who runs this place is name Bob, he is very familiar with this process and rents to many couples on visa journey - Including Scott who is headed there tomorrow. Here is the link.
(http://www.bogotacolombialodging.com). I will be staying there in January as well. Good luck!