Review civil surgeons (abroad and in the US)

[K and L 27]

One thing that would be really nice is if there was a way to review the civil surgeons. Reading around, it seems like there are some countries with a prevalence of civil surgeons who are just out to get your money and don't necessarily follow sound practices (such as foreign doctors telling potential immigrants their vaccinations "expired" and have to be completely done again a month later, or American doctors telling K1s who just need their vaccination record re-certified that they have to have the whole round of exams again or require vaccinations that aren't necessary as per the vaccination record and the CDC requirements).

We've got them for the local CIS offices, embassies/consulates, and POEs, let's kick it up and get one for the civil surgeons too - just like the rest of 'em, there's no avoiding them (and unlike the rest, knowing their fees and turn around time and what not is very important - for the rest of it, there's no additional fees and at the least, the fees and knowing how fast their labwork seems to come back is good to know)

[prettyunique 1]

Currently on VJ, there is a civil surgeon (CS) list. It is not totally comprehensive, but it will give some of the information that you need. VJer either went or inquired about these CS and added there names to a list based on what state they are located in. Here is the link: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/Civil_Surgeon_List

As for the panel physicians (the physicians aboard that do the medical exams)there is not much that we can do because they are contracted by the embassies/U.S government to provide these services. As far as I know, you can not go anywhere else except to that physician that they direct you to and complete the medical

Edited March 24, 2010 by prettyunique

[K and L 27]

Right, I know there's a very small wiki that has only a few civil surgeons listed. But what I'm talking about is more like the POE and consular reviews, but let the user enter in the details instead of a drop down list that would suck to keep populated -- have a list of countries, states/provinces/regions, and cities, and you can figure out who's closest to you, and see what others who have used them think.

While you can't necessarily pick your physician abroad (for instance, Manila requires everyone go through St Luke's), some do give you a choice between a few -- Brazil gives about 18-20 options through Brazil, most of whom are in areas with a consular presence. You *definitely* have the choice in the US.

Where you have the choice, you should be as well informed about your options. Not all civil surgeons are aware that K1s usually don't need a new medical, just their vaccination record transcribed and try to require the lab tests. Some even require vaccinations, even if you've already had them! (both in the US and abroad)

It's just like anything else: even if you can't choose your civil surgeon abroad, knowing what you're getting into is super useful.