Dr. Seiden and Associates

[to_hope 0]

I went to Dr. Seiden and Associates for me medical this morning. I thought I'd write a review because I appreciated reading others' before I went.

I had to be there by 6am because their X-ray technician had to leave early that day. My dad drove with me and we parked in a public lot about 2 small blocks away. It was a $9 flat fee. We were waiting outside of the office by 5:55am, first in line followed by 6 or 7 others. At 6am the receptionist opened the door and let us in.

At the front desk she took our interview letters and directed us to the main waiting room, which was empty. I sat for maybe 5 minutes and then was called by the receptionist; I followed her into a small office. I had a seat and she took my passport, immunization records, and 3 photos. She typed some stuff up, had me sign a consent for the medical, had me pay ($275 plus $50 courier fee) and gave me my receipts and a packet of papers for the medical exam with my passport and immunization records. Then she directed me to sit down in a row of chairs in the hallway by the X-ray room.

There were already 6 people sitting there! I asked and they said they had gotten to the office at 5:30am. Yikes! We waited about 10 minutes and then the first patients were called into the X-ray room. Another 10 minutes later and it was my turn. Everything was very quick- I went into the X-ray room (which was small and had an archaic X-ray machine!), gave the technician my packet, undressed from the waist up, put the paper gown on, and had my x-ray. The technician goes into a little room (I assume a developing room) and told me to get dressed again. By the time I was dressed, she was out again. She gave me my packet back and directed me to another set of chairs in a different hallway.

I waited here for a good 20 minutes until I was finally called into an exam room. Then more waiting. Finally I was called out of the room for blood work. The "lab" is about twice the size of a half-bathroom and packet full of papers and vials etc. Not exactly a modern looking place! The nurse there was quiet but friendly- she had a hard time finding my vein so it hurt a bit, but it was over soon. Then back to the exam room.

I had my height and weight taken and then my blood pressure and pulse- which were high due to my nerves, but that didn't seem to be a concern. The man who did this then left and I waited some more. Finally the nurse told me to undress and then two female doctors or a doctor and a nurse (?) came in. The older lady asked me questions about my health and the younger lady did the physical exam. She did a breast exam, pressed on my stomach, and looked at some scars I have from previous surgeries. Then she felt my feet and looked at my eyes and I was done! The woman who did my physical assured me that everything looked good. I handed in this little form they gave me to the front desk and off I went!

Overall the staff were very friendly even though they were rushing around everywhere. The office is small and sort of run-down or warn, but it seemed clean and was warm. I went in at 6am and was out at 7:50am- under two hours! I think it helped that I was first in line for the group that came at 6am.

Hope this review helps ease someone else's nerves! I was nervous for my appointment, but I think most people are to some extent. I expect my blood results will be fine and then I just have my interview left! Almost there....

Edited March 2, 2009 by to_hope

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

I had my medical last weds in Toronto.

I advise using the underground parking lot across the street, as parking is scarce....

They were all friendly, it was very busy. Even though we arrived at 7.30am, the waiting room was already filled with 30 people before us. It is very 'assembly line' like, but they are organized and nice.

It was the first time in my life, that I felt like just a 'number' or remotely close to an immigrant... it was weird.

I am waiting on blood results showing I have been vaccinated for MMR, and then faxing it to clinic. I spoke to the lady at the clinic, she said she got our stuff back 'blood' etc... and everything looked good

Now we wait for an apmnt date.... sent in my checklist Friday... hoping for a May date

[JillA 2]

Great review! At least that part is over with. So they upped the price of the medical AND the courier fee!? It only cost me $20 to get the Fedex package. Hmmm seems to me that they're pocketing the rest, Fedex certainly doesn't charge fifty bucks.

[OBX 51]

Thanks for the review - very thorough. The jump in the courier fee is good to know. I wonder how many more times they will increase it before I have to go!

[to_hope 0]

I know the courier fee is so expensive! And that was the "in Ontario" cost... outside of ON it is even more $$.

[Travis & Kim 0]

I booked my medical last week - I still can't believe what they are charging

eveh tho it's $50 I am still going to pay that because I really don't want to go back to get it

sucks they gouge us so much!

$50 next day fee and I LIVE in Toronto!

ha!

what a joke =/

[OBX 51]

I booked my medical last week - I still can't believe what they are charging

eveh tho it's $50 I am still going to pay that because I really don't want to go back to get it

sucks they gouge us so much!

$50 next day fee and I LIVE in Toronto!

ha!

what a joke =/

Good luck and let us know what your experience was. Would you be able to let us know how long it took for you to get your intervierw letter? I'm wondering how far ahead to book the medical once I finally get an interview date?? Did you have any trouble getting through to the office to book your appointment?

Edited March 2, 2009 by OBX

[Travis & Kim 0]

I booked my medical last week - I still can't believe what they are charging

eveh tho it's $50 I am still going to pay that because I really don't want to go back to get it

sucks they gouge us so much!

$50 next day fee and I LIVE in Toronto!

ha!

what a joke =/

Good luck and let us know what your experience was. Would you be able to let us know how long it took for you to get your intervierw letter? I'm wondering how far ahead to book the medical once I finally get an interview date?? Did you have any trouble getting through to the office to book your appointment?

sure I booked it Friday actually - they asked when my interview was and then said ok well i will book you in for April 6th - and told me I need to bring my interview letter and pics...etc

[Frazell Thomas 0]

Glad you had a succesful medical, to_hope.

I too was shocked when you said they charged you $50 for the courier! WOW!!

--Kerri

[♥Stiggy♥ 0]

Its nice to hear about these reviews! Thanks!

So what all do they do at the physical? Just xrays, take blood, check chloresterol and ask questions?

Do children have to have the medical too? And pay the same fee?

[to_hope 0]

Its nice to hear about these reviews! Thanks!

So what all do they do at the physical? Just xrays, take blood, check chloresterol and ask questions?

Do children have to have the medical too? And pay the same fee?

Hi there - check out http://www.panelphysicians.com All the answers to these questions are on that site. Hope that helps!

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

I paid the $275 for me and $150 for my son. they never charged me a courier fee? she's waiting for one of my immunization results from my doc....

Do they courier the results directly to you?

[to_hope 0]

I paid the $275 for me and $150 for my son. they never charged me a courier fee? she's waiting for one of my immunization results from my doc....

Do they courier the results directly to you?

Yes- you fill out a form with the address to which the package should be delivered (I put my home address). If you don't do the courier thing, you just go back to the office a few days later and pick up the results.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I paid the $275 for me and $150 for my son. they never charged me a courier fee? she's waiting for one of my immunization results from my doc....

Do they courier the results directly to you?

If you didn't' specify that you wanted it to be couriered, then you have to go back and pick it up.

And, actually FedEx is not that cheap, it's probably more like $30-$40 depending on where it's going - so while they are still over charging, it's not by AS much.

Glad you had a smooth medical!

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Thanks so much for the review! I have my medical in Toronto on the 16th and I'm pretty nervous! I know i'm a healthy person but I have some strange fear of doctors...

For your immunization records is that yellow pamphlet thing your doctor records in sufficient? It has the address and name of my doctor on it, and every shot i've ever received is recorded inside, but it seems a little informal. What did you bring as proof?