Civil surgeon recommendations in Memphis, TN?

[Adventine 3,201]

I just got my I-693 deficiency notice in the mail, and I'm wondering if anyone on this site has experiences with the Memphis civil surgeons listed on this page: https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor

 

A quick VJ search brings up civil surgeon reviews for other cities, but not for Memphis.

 

I also understand that I have plenty of time to schedule the medical. Just want to be prepared.

 

Anyone on VJ who used a Memphis civil surgeon?

[Adventine 3,201]

Well, I got no bites on this particular thread, but I'm updating it anyway with my personal experience.

Hopefully, this will help someone in the future who needs an I-693 medical examination in the Memphis area.

 

I called several clinics listed here: https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor and there were two that stood out:

 

1. I do NOT recommend this doctor's office. The receptionist was extremely rude in response to basic questions such as "What is your earliest available appointment date and time?"

Passport Health
Dr. Cassandra Hawkins
4515 Poplar Avenue Suite 131
Memphis TN 38117
901-681-2700

Quoted fee for civil surgeon appointment and laboratory tests: USD 390. Additional fees may be required for vaccines.

They do not take insurance for the immigration medical exam.

 

2. I highly recommend this doctor's office. The receptionist was polite, organized and knowledgeable about the I-693 medical exam. Immediately after our phone call, she sent me detailed information on the appointment confirmation, required documents, and next steps.

This is a nonprofit center focused on serving refugees and asylum seekers, but they confirmed that they do the immigration medical exams for all green card applicants.

Asha's Refuge
Dr. Joseph Weems
200 East Parkway North 3rd Floor
Memphis TN 38112
901-500-9200

Quoted fee: the civil surgeon does not charge a fee because this is a nonprofit. There is, however, a USD 180 admin and paperwork fee. You also have to get the lab tests done at a different provider (The Shot Nurse), with prices quoted below.

 

Edited July 9, 2021 by Adventine

[USC4SPOUSE 506]

@Adventine if you have your immunization records, that will definitely help with the cost, too. They won't have to do blood tests (titers) to test for evidence of immunity. 

[Adventine 3,201]

12 minutes ago, USC4SPOUSE said:

@Adventine if you have your immunization records, that will definitely help with the cost, too. They won't have to do blood tests (titers) to test for evidence of immunity. 

 

Thank God I kept all my immunization records from years and years back! I'm waiting for the civil surgeon's office to evaluate if I need anything else done. Hopefully they will confirm that what I have is fine and the rest are unnecessary (aka "not age-appropriate" on the I-693 form) because I'm already an adult.

[USC4SPOUSE 506]

16 minutes ago, Adventine said:

 

Thank God I kept all my immunization records from years and years back! I'm waiting for the civil surgeon's office to evaluate if I need anything else done. Hopefully they will confirm that what I have is fine and the rest are unnecessary (aka "not age-appropriate" on the I-693 form) because I'm already an adult.

Perfect! I am glad!  

[Adventine 3,201]

Update: the civil surgeon's office told me I needed to have three more vaccinations done.

 

After more calling around, I decided to get them all done at The Shot Nurse (link posted above). The laboratory tests cost $165 but the vaccines were all fully covered by my insurance, as they were considered preventive care. A much better deal than what was being offered by the Tennessee health department or local pharmacies like Walgreens and Kroger.

Edited July 16, 2021 by Adventine

[Adventine 3,201]

Final update with review of my appointment with the Memphis civil surgeon:

 

Dr. Joseph Weems and the staff of Asha's Refuge were all very kind and patient. The process was smooth and easy. Highly recommended for everyone who needs to do an I-693 medical exam in Memphis. The USD 180.00 fee I paid was well worth it to support this nonprofit.

 

Hope this helps someone in the future who needs a civil surgeon in this area

[ludemfr 0]

I've decided to go with Asha's refuge as well. I've contacted them and they sent me a message. Nothing about what vaccines though. Which ones did you get?