TTG

Hey everyone. Just thought I'd write up my full experience of the Knightsbridge medical from booking to completion as it has been by far the most stressful part of this entire visa journey for me. Hopefully it's helpful and goes some way to ease the minds of anyone going through this process in the future.
 
Notes: My SCR has one note of insomnia from 10 years ago. I was missing just about every vaccination on the list, and my medical history is patchy due to moving a lot as a child/teenager. I stressed about it beforehand but needn't have (details below.)
 
1) 10th January 2019 I received notice of my embassy interview which is scheduled for 1st February.
2) 14th January I booked the medical which was scheduled for 22nd January.
3) That same day I went to my GP and requested the summary care records (SCR) and a copy of my immunisation records (they are part of the SCR but I made them print a separate sheet with just that part on it.) No problems from the GP clinic. Everything was done quickly and efficiently with no questions asked, and for free.
 
4) Appointment day: 

Arrived 15 minutes early.  The place is 5 minutes walk from and just behind Selfridges. Closest tube is Bond St. Walk up the right hand side of Selfridges (James St.) and keep going, then take a right onto Bentinck St. Have all your documents ready: 

Passport
4x passport photos (UK or US they're not fussy)
ACRO certificate
Email/letter confirming embassy interview is scheduled
Medical questionnaire
Summary Care Record
Immunisation record

Make photocopies if you can (I did and it was appreciated by reception). It's not necessary though as they can do it themselves. Just nice to be nice
 
ARRIVAL. When I entered I was asked to hand over all of my documents. The receptionist looked over everything and took the copies, stamped them, glued the photos on, and put them in a folder along with my passport. She returned all originals except for the passport to me
I was given a red ziplock style bag with a receptacle for a urine sample and instructed to return it to reception before the end of the medical. (Anytime is fine so there's no rush.) Reception also gave me a few more forms to fill out. One is a consent form, and the other is a medical form similar to the questionnaire I completed beforehand. Handed these back to reception after I completed them and then waited in the waiting room for 5 minutes before being called for my immunisation check with a nurse.
  NURSE/VACCINES. The nurse was lovely and went over my vaccinations. I've moved around internationally a few times since I was a child and there is no record of my childhood vaccines on the SCR and my tetanus had expired. She instructed that I needed the MMR and tetanus+polio vaccines. Ordinarily she would have administered the flu vaccine but it's low stock right now and she wrote that it was not necessary on my documents so I got a free pass there. I was not given the Hep vaccines or tuberculosis nor was it mentioned during the process. A quick talk about allergies and pregnancy and then 2 jabs (ouchies) and I was sent on my way. (You can't get the MMR if you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant within 3 months so seek advice beforehand.) I was given the option of getting these vaccines at my GP but it's far easier to just get them done there and not delay the process any longer.
  X-RAY. Back I went to the waiting room. Another 5 minutes later I was beckoned into the x-ray room by a lovely gent. At this point you'll be given a gown which you'll have to put on. It's a proper hospital gown but thankfully you can keep your trousers on.  Quick snap later and I was on my way again to the waiting room. You get to keep the fashionable gown for the doctor's check.  
DOCTOR.  Waited 10-15 minutes to see the doctor who is a lovely guy and made me feel at ease right away. Do note there is another doctor here but I never met her so cannot comment. He had all my documents laid out on the desk and we went over everything. I signed another consent form, as well as one of the photographs which had been stuck onto the medical form I filled out previously.

At this point he went over my form and made sure everything was OK. I had checked the box for 'cough' which he chuckled at when I explained it was because my SCR has a Dr's visit for a cough for a couple of years ago. He said as long as it's not a permanent feature it's not necessary to tick the box.

The only two complications throughout the 20 minutes it took was the fact that I had a prescription for an antihistamine for seasonal allergies that have since miraculously cleared up as well as a diagnosis for insomnia from about 10 years ago. He asked me to elaborate and I explained that it was because I was stressed out during uni deadlines and needed a Dr's note for a missed deadline so I wouldn't fail a module. All I ever got was the note and I was never given a prescription and have never suffered from sleep problems since, barring the odd bit of jetlag. The allergy thing did not seem to be a problem. He was satisfied with that and made a note on my documents.

After all the paperwork was checked over, I had to put the gown back on (same again, just take off shirt and bra for ladies.) He checked my eyesight with a standard letter reading exercise, each eye individually. Then checked both ears, throat, and eyes with a light. Listened to my breathing and heart with a stethoscope. No reflex test or anything to do with genitals (phew). Finally he took my blood pressure and drew some blood. That last part hurt a little so take a deep breath if you're nervous around needles.

Nice and easy. Lovely chap to talk to and made me feel very at ease all the way through. 

After getting out of my trendy gown, I was asked to step back into the waiting room and wait while my documents were completed. I took this opportunity to complete the urine sample. 

  PAYMENT. The reception called me 2 minutes later at which point I handed in the urine sample, received my vaccination records and confirmation of medical completion (keep this as the embassy will receive their copy from Visa Medicals and you will need it for medical insurance when you get to the US). Finally I paid a whopping £420 for the privilege was being jabbed and questioned. £330 for the medical and £90 for the vaccinations. By far the most painful part of the medical appointment.That's it. Not at all stressful once I actually got to the appointment. I was worried it would be invasive and demeaning (as medical appointments can often be) but everything went very smoothly. Everyone made the effort to make me feel at ease. I never felt the questions were invasive or that anyone was out to deliberately cause problems for the visa. 

I hope this is helpful for someone out there going through this process. Remember to be organised. Book things as soon as possible ESPECIALLY if you have to travel from outside of London for this appointment. Be specific when you ask your GP for your records. The term they use is 'summary care record'. Don't stress out over vaccines. If you need them, you can get them on the spot when you're there for the medical. 

Good answer might be "I'm a Zoroastrian Eskimo from Eek*, Alaska."
 
*real place

Hey, listen, I know you're being sarcastic and everything. I know you must think I'm some jerk who is offended by someone asking about my background. But I'm not.
 
This is for anyone reading this thread thinking I harbor some hatred for Americans that are interested in foreign people and their cultures. 
 
I never, in any way shape or form, said that I hate people who ask me those questions. I did not say that I found them annoying. My threshold for what I find annoying is far higher than that. There are worse things in the world to worry about.
 
I'm too far removed from my birth country to offer any kind of cultural connection to the people who are curious about it. It's sad, but that's the reality. Wish I could, but I can't. Do I HATE the people who come up to me with their curiosity? NO. Why would I? They're just asking simple questions. They have no hatred towards me. And I don't have any towards them.
 
Why did I create this thread? To find people who have had similar experiences. And by the looks of the replies, there are plenty.

Hey Chestnutt. 

You moved across the world for your partner. It's not unreasonable to ask or even expect him to move 30 minutes away from his family. Tell him to grow up and stop being such a townie. Your happiness is important! 

Sorry Rob. I know how you feel. People are like deer caught in the headlights when they realise you're different. And let's not forget that most Americans never get a passport or visit a foreign country. It really sucks but I guess it's best to just carry on challenging their perceptions of what it means to be American. 
 
On a side note. I'm a British citizen, recently naturalised but here since I was 6 years old. I'm no longer very polite when people repeatedly ask me what nationality I am or where I come from. When I reply "I'm British, I grew up in Shropshire" and they ask "Yeah but where are you really from? Where were you born? Where are your parents from?" I don't think twice about dismantling their idiotic questions with a snarky remark. 
 
We are more than the place where we were born. I don't know what about that concept is so difficult for people to understand in 2019.

It's all finally happening. Just had my interview here in London February 1st. Here's a summary of the experience for reference. Hope it's helpful for anyone anxious about theirs.
 
Getting there and check-in.
 
 Interview for 9:30am. The embassy guide said be there 15 minutes early. I arrived 30 minutes early. Rush hour is unpredictable so better safe than sorry. Nearest tube is Vauxhall, then a 15 minute walk along the river to the embassy. Go to the south entrance (signs are near the building, if in doubt ask a heavily armed policeman for the visa entrance.) There is airport style security (with real TSA personnel.) Had my passport and DS-260 confirmation print out ready to be checked then went through security. 15 minutes or so from start to finish.  Once past security there'll be another queue at a reception in a big lobby. Once again had my DS-260 confirmation checked. Enjoy the giant Rachel Whiteread artwork along the wall to the right  15 minute wait time in this queue. At the reception desk I was allocated a number which was stuck onto the DS-260 print out and then sent on my merry way.

Document check
  The visa services area is on the 1st floor. There are elevators. Admire the declaration of independence and Kennedy quote as you wait for the elevator. Once you get upstairs there will be a giant Men in Black style waiting area with lots and lots of screens displaying numbers. The immigrant visa section is to the left, around the corner, tucked away with its own separate waiting area.  There was only 1 other person waiting when I arrived and I was called to the window right away.  I was asked to provide DS-260 confirmation, email confirmation of interview, passport, 1 US passport sized photo, birth certificate, ACRO police certificate, marriage certificate, and an original deed poll since I changed my name not too long ago. I arrived with photocopies of everything but was never asked for the copies. I was not asked to provide form I-864 (affidavit of support), proof of relationship, proof of my partner's domicile/nationality, proof of payment for IV fee or AOS fee. Although of course I showed up with all of those documents also. After a quick check that all the documents were present, the lady scanned my photograph and returned it to me. She also gave me a CD with the xrays from my medical which she instructed me to carry on my person when I travel to the US. This only took 5 minutes or so. After that I was instructed to wait for my number to be called again.

Interview
  10 minutes later, back I went to the window but this time a case officer was there with a folder full of my documents. I was asked to raise my hand and swear an oath (to tell the truth.) The CO went through all of my documents and asked me a series of questions:  How and when did you and your partner meet? When was the first time you met in person? Why has it taken so long for you to move? Where will you live when you get to the US? What will you do when you get there? Have you resided in any other country since you were 16? Do you hold an existing US visa? Have you ever changed your name? I answered truthfully and except for being asked why it has taken so long, was met with polite but curt acknowledgement. (He wanted a more in depth answer about why it had taken 7 years to apply for this visa.) Finally, after the questions were done he quickly let me know that my visa had been approved. I should expect the visa to arrive via my chosen delivery method (DX courier) within 2 weeks. The visa in my other passport (different country) was cancelled with a stamp, and my documents were returned to me. I don't remember if the lady returned them to me beforehand or if the gentleman returned them to me after the interview but can confirm that everything except the ACRO certificate was returned to me. A few parting words from the CO: "You must travel to the US before the date stated on the visa. This date is 6 months from the date of your medical appointment. Your partner must either be in the country when you travel or travelling with you into the US. When the passport is returned to you it will come with an immigrant visa package, do not open the package and ensure you carry it on your person when arriving in the US for the border officer to review." No problems at all throughout the process. Not at all intimidating and not nearly as complex as I thought it would be. I was out of the building in under 5 minutes and back home an hour later. 

Receiving the visa
  During the registration process before the interview I opted to receive my passport back visa DX courier. My interview was on Friday morning and I received a text on Tuesday that it would be ready to collect from the depot that day. In actuality it was not ready until Wednesday (it arrived Tuesday evening but the depot closes at 5pm.) At any rate, far faster than the 2 weeks predicted by the CO. I received no immigrant visa package with the passport. The visa enclosed reads 'IV docs in CCD' which negates the need for the package.


So that's it. The entire process. The final step for immigration after this is the immigrant fee ($220). This is the fee for the green card and it must be paid before travelling to the US. 

Now onto packing, sorting the house out, quitting the job, and getting outta here!

It's all finally happening. Just had my interview here in London February 1st. Here's a summary of the experience for reference. Hope it's helpful for anyone anxious about theirs.
 
Getting there and check-in.
 
 Interview for 9:30am. The embassy guide said be there 15 minutes early. I arrived 30 minutes early. Rush hour is unpredictable so better safe than sorry. Nearest tube is Vauxhall, then a 15 minute walk along the river to the embassy. Go to the south entrance (signs are near the building, if in doubt ask a heavily armed policeman for the visa entrance.) There is airport style security (with real TSA personnel.) Had my passport and DS-260 confirmation print out ready to be checked then went through security. 15 minutes or so from start to finish.  Once past security there'll be another queue at a reception in a big lobby. Once again had my DS-260 confirmation checked. Enjoy the giant Rachel Whiteread artwork along the wall to the right  15 minute wait time in this queue. At the reception desk I was allocated a number which was stuck onto the DS-260 print out and then sent on my merry way.

Document check
  The visa services area is on the 1st floor. There are elevators. Admire the declaration of independence and Kennedy quote as you wait for the elevator. Once you get upstairs there will be a giant Men in Black style waiting area with lots and lots of screens displaying numbers. The immigrant visa section is to the left, around the corner, tucked away with its own separate waiting area.  There was only 1 other person waiting when I arrived and I was called to the window right away.  I was asked to provide DS-260 confirmation, email confirmation of interview, passport, 1 US passport sized photo, birth certificate, ACRO police certificate, marriage certificate, and an original deed poll since I changed my name not too long ago. I arrived with photocopies of everything but was never asked for the copies. I was not asked to provide form I-864 (affidavit of support), proof of relationship, proof of my partner's domicile/nationality, proof of payment for IV fee or AOS fee. Although of course I showed up with all of those documents also. After a quick check that all the documents were present, the lady scanned my photograph and returned it to me. She also gave me a CD with the xrays from my medical which she instructed me to carry on my person when I travel to the US. This only took 5 minutes or so. After that I was instructed to wait for my number to be called again.

Interview
  10 minutes later, back I went to the window but this time a case officer was there with a folder full of my documents. I was asked to raise my hand and swear an oath (to tell the truth.) The CO went through all of my documents and asked me a series of questions:  How and when did you and your partner meet? When was the first time you met in person? Why has it taken so long for you to move? Where will you live when you get to the US? What will you do when you get there? Have you resided in any other country since you were 16? Do you hold an existing US visa? Have you ever changed your name? I answered truthfully and except for being asked why it has taken so long, was met with polite but curt acknowledgement. (He wanted a more in depth answer about why it had taken 7 years to apply for this visa.) Finally, after the questions were done he quickly let me know that my visa had been approved. I should expect the visa to arrive via my chosen delivery method (DX courier) within 2 weeks. The visa in my other passport (different country) was cancelled with a stamp, and my documents were returned to me. I don't remember if the lady returned them to me beforehand or if the gentleman returned them to me after the interview but can confirm that everything except the ACRO certificate was returned to me. A few parting words from the CO: "You must travel to the US before the date stated on the visa. This date is 6 months from the date of your medical appointment. Your partner must either be in the country when you travel or travelling with you into the US. When the passport is returned to you it will come with an immigrant visa package, do not open the package and ensure you carry it on your person when arriving in the US for the border officer to review." No problems at all throughout the process. Not at all intimidating and not nearly as complex as I thought it would be. I was out of the building in under 5 minutes and back home an hour later. 

Receiving the visa
  During the registration process before the interview I opted to receive my passport back visa DX courier. My interview was on Friday morning and I received a text on Tuesday that it would be ready to collect from the depot that day. In actuality it was not ready until Wednesday (it arrived Tuesday evening but the depot closes at 5pm.) At any rate, far faster than the 2 weeks predicted by the CO. I received no immigrant visa package with the passport. The visa enclosed reads 'IV docs in CCD' which negates the need for the package.


So that's it. The entire process. The final step for immigration after this is the immigrant fee ($220). This is the fee for the green card and it must be paid before travelling to the US. 

Now onto packing, sorting the house out, quitting the job, and getting outta here!

PNC is another bank that allows you to sign up for an account without an SSN. Don't be daunted if they ask you to sign something called a W-8; it doesn't have anything to do with anything except any interest that may accrue on the account (it's next to nothing in most cases). They want to make sure they can report the interest to the IRS properly.

While having no personal experience in this, you can use the search bar top right of the page to search for UK moving or something, I know there has been several other posts about it and maybe you will find a good answer.

I was also going to suggest this.  Some of the regional and local/area banks can be even more accommodating and flexible than the national banks.  Do shop around.

Thank you so much. 
Ok I’ll just keep my appointment, after all it’s taken over 11mo this to get to this stage!
 
also re passport I’m so glad as I can finally officially use my married name!

Thanks for giving such a comprehensive guide to the day - and congratulations!

It's all finally happening. Just had my interview here in London February 1st. Here's a summary of the experience for reference. Hope it's helpful for anyone anxious about theirs.
 
Getting there and check-in.
 
 Interview for 9:30am. The embassy guide said be there 15 minutes early. I arrived 30 minutes early. Rush hour is unpredictable so better safe than sorry. Nearest tube is Vauxhall, then a 15 minute walk along the river to the embassy. Go to the south entrance (signs are near the building, if in doubt ask a heavily armed policeman for the visa entrance.) There is airport style security (with real TSA personnel.) Had my passport and DS-260 confirmation print out ready to be checked then went through security. 15 minutes or so from start to finish.  Once past security there'll be another queue at a reception in a big lobby. Once again had my DS-260 confirmation checked. Enjoy the giant Rachel Whiteread artwork along the wall to the right  15 minute wait time in this queue. At the reception desk I was allocated a number which was stuck onto the DS-260 print out and then sent on my merry way.

Document check
  The visa services area is on the 1st floor. There are elevators. Admire the declaration of independence and Kennedy quote as you wait for the elevator. Once you get upstairs there will be a giant Men in Black style waiting area with lots and lots of screens displaying numbers. The immigrant visa section is to the left, around the corner, tucked away with its own separate waiting area.  There was only 1 other person waiting when I arrived and I was called to the window right away.  I was asked to provide DS-260 confirmation, email confirmation of interview, passport, 1 US passport sized photo, birth certificate, ACRO police certificate, marriage certificate, and an original deed poll since I changed my name not too long ago. I arrived with photocopies of everything but was never asked for the copies. I was not asked to provide form I-864 (affidavit of support), proof of relationship, proof of my partner's domicile/nationality, proof of payment for IV fee or AOS fee. Although of course I showed up with all of those documents also. After a quick check that all the documents were present, the lady scanned my photograph and returned it to me. She also gave me a CD with the xrays from my medical which she instructed me to carry on my person when I travel to the US. This only took 5 minutes or so. After that I was instructed to wait for my number to be called again.

Interview
  10 minutes later, back I went to the window but this time a case officer was there with a folder full of my documents. I was asked to raise my hand and swear an oath (to tell the truth.) The CO went through all of my documents and asked me a series of questions:  How and when did you and your partner meet? When was the first time you met in person? Why has it taken so long for you to move? Where will you live when you get to the US? What will you do when you get there? Have you resided in any other country since you were 16? Do you hold an existing US visa? Have you ever changed your name? I answered truthfully and except for being asked why it has taken so long, was met with polite but curt acknowledgement. (He wanted a more in depth answer about why it had taken 7 years to apply for this visa.) Finally, after the questions were done he quickly let me know that my visa had been approved. I should expect the visa to arrive via my chosen delivery method (DX courier) within 2 weeks. The visa in my other passport (different country) was cancelled with a stamp, and my documents were returned to me. I don't remember if the lady returned them to me beforehand or if the gentleman returned them to me after the interview but can confirm that everything except the ACRO certificate was returned to me. A few parting words from the CO: "You must travel to the US before the date stated on the visa. This date is 6 months from the date of your medical appointment. Your partner must either be in the country when you travel or travelling with you into the US. When the passport is returned to you it will come with an immigrant visa package, do not open the package and ensure you carry it on your person when arriving in the US for the border officer to review." No problems at all throughout the process. Not at all intimidating and not nearly as complex as I thought it would be. I was out of the building in under 5 minutes and back home an hour later. 

Receiving the visa
  During the registration process before the interview I opted to receive my passport back visa DX courier. My interview was on Friday morning and I received a text on Tuesday that it would be ready to collect from the depot that day. In actuality it was not ready until Wednesday (it arrived Tuesday evening but the depot closes at 5pm.) At any rate, far faster than the 2 weeks predicted by the CO. I received no immigrant visa package with the passport. The visa enclosed reads 'IV docs in CCD' which negates the need for the package.


So that's it. The entire process. The final step for immigration after this is the immigrant fee ($220). This is the fee for the green card and it must be paid before travelling to the US. 

Now onto packing, sorting the house out, quitting the job, and getting outta here!

Social Security Numbers are not needed to open an account by law.  Banks have their own requirements, look around and find one that you like.  

Go to Bank of America or Wells Fargo, both will allow you to open an account without SSN no issues. Just take passport and foreign bank/debit card and address information. You can be loaded both as non resident or resident. Good luck.

Congratulations and good luck with the rest of your journey. 

Hey everyone. Just thought I'd write up my full experience of the Knightsbridge medical from booking to completion as it has been by far the most stressful part of this entire visa journey for me. Hopefully it's helpful and goes some way to ease the minds of anyone going through this process in the future.
 
Notes: My SCR has one note of insomnia from 10 years ago. I was missing just about every vaccination on the list, and my medical history is patchy due to moving a lot as a child/teenager. I stressed about it beforehand but needn't have (details below.)
 
1) 10th January 2019 I received notice of my embassy interview which is scheduled for 1st February.
2) 14th January I booked the medical which was scheduled for 22nd January.
3) That same day I went to my GP and requested the summary care records (SCR) and a copy of my immunisation records (they are part of the SCR but I made them print a separate sheet with just that part on it.) No problems from the GP clinic. Everything was done quickly and efficiently with no questions asked, and for free.
 
4) Appointment day: 

Arrived 15 minutes early.  The place is 5 minutes walk from and just behind Selfridges. Closest tube is Bond St. Walk up the right hand side of Selfridges (James St.) and keep going, then take a right onto Bentinck St. Have all your documents ready: 

Passport
4x passport photos (UK or US they're not fussy)
ACRO certificate
Email/letter confirming embassy interview is scheduled
Medical questionnaire
Summary Care Record
Immunisation record

Make photocopies if you can (I did and it was appreciated by reception). It's not necessary though as they can do it themselves. Just nice to be nice
 
ARRIVAL. When I entered I was asked to hand over all of my documents. The receptionist looked over everything and took the copies, stamped them, glued the photos on, and put them in a folder along with my passport. She returned all originals except for the passport to me
I was given a red ziplock style bag with a receptacle for a urine sample and instructed to return it to reception before the end of the medical. (Anytime is fine so there's no rush.) Reception also gave me a few more forms to fill out. One is a consent form, and the other is a medical form similar to the questionnaire I completed beforehand. Handed these back to reception after I completed them and then waited in the waiting room for 5 minutes before being called for my immunisation check with a nurse.
  NURSE/VACCINES. The nurse was lovely and went over my vaccinations. I've moved around internationally a few times since I was a child and there is no record of my childhood vaccines on the SCR and my tetanus had expired. She instructed that I needed the MMR and tetanus+polio vaccines. Ordinarily she would have administered the flu vaccine but it's low stock right now and she wrote that it was not necessary on my documents so I got a free pass there. I was not given the Hep vaccines or tuberculosis nor was it mentioned during the process. A quick talk about allergies and pregnancy and then 2 jabs (ouchies) and I was sent on my way. (You can't get the MMR if you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant within 3 months so seek advice beforehand.) I was given the option of getting these vaccines at my GP but it's far easier to just get them done there and not delay the process any longer.
  X-RAY. Back I went to the waiting room. Another 5 minutes later I was beckoned into the x-ray room by a lovely gent. At this point you'll be given a gown which you'll have to put on. It's a proper hospital gown but thankfully you can keep your trousers on.  Quick snap later and I was on my way again to the waiting room. You get to keep the fashionable gown for the doctor's check.  
DOCTOR.  Waited 10-15 minutes to see the doctor who is a lovely guy and made me feel at ease right away. Do note there is another doctor here but I never met her so cannot comment. He had all my documents laid out on the desk and we went over everything. I signed another consent form, as well as one of the photographs which had been stuck onto the medical form I filled out previously.

At this point he went over my form and made sure everything was OK. I had checked the box for 'cough' which he chuckled at when I explained it was because my SCR has a Dr's visit for a cough for a couple of years ago. He said as long as it's not a permanent feature it's not necessary to tick the box.

The only two complications throughout the 20 minutes it took was the fact that I had a prescription for an antihistamine for seasonal allergies that have since miraculously cleared up as well as a diagnosis for insomnia from about 10 years ago. He asked me to elaborate and I explained that it was because I was stressed out during uni deadlines and needed a Dr's note for a missed deadline so I wouldn't fail a module. All I ever got was the note and I was never given a prescription and have never suffered from sleep problems since, barring the odd bit of jetlag. The allergy thing did not seem to be a problem. He was satisfied with that and made a note on my documents.

After all the paperwork was checked over, I had to put the gown back on (same again, just take off shirt and bra for ladies.) He checked my eyesight with a standard letter reading exercise, each eye individually. Then checked both ears, throat, and eyes with a light. Listened to my breathing and heart with a stethoscope. No reflex test or anything to do with genitals (phew). Finally he took my blood pressure and drew some blood. That last part hurt a little so take a deep breath if you're nervous around needles.

Nice and easy. Lovely chap to talk to and made me feel very at ease all the way through. 

After getting out of my trendy gown, I was asked to step back into the waiting room and wait while my documents were completed. I took this opportunity to complete the urine sample. 

  PAYMENT. The reception called me 2 minutes later at which point I handed in the urine sample, received my vaccination records and confirmation of medical completion (keep this as the embassy will receive their copy from Visa Medicals and you will need it for medical insurance when you get to the US). Finally I paid a whopping £420 for the privilege was being jabbed and questioned. £330 for the medical and £90 for the vaccinations. By far the most painful part of the medical appointment.That's it. Not at all stressful once I actually got to the appointment. I was worried it would be invasive and demeaning (as medical appointments can often be) but everything went very smoothly. Everyone made the effort to make me feel at ease. I never felt the questions were invasive or that anyone was out to deliberately cause problems for the visa. 

I hope this is helpful for someone out there going through this process. Remember to be organised. Book things as soon as possible ESPECIALLY if you have to travel from outside of London for this appointment. Be specific when you ask your GP for your records. The term they use is 'summary care record'. Don't stress out over vaccines. If you need them, you can get them on the spot when you're there for the medical. 

Hey everyone. Just thought I'd write up my full experience of the Knightsbridge medical from booking to completion as it has been by far the most stressful part of this entire visa journey for me. Hopefully it's helpful and goes some way to ease the minds of anyone going through this process in the future.
 
Notes: My SCR has one note of insomnia from 10 years ago. I was missing just about every vaccination on the list, and my medical history is patchy due to moving a lot as a child/teenager. I stressed about it beforehand but needn't have (details below.)
 
1) 10th January 2019 I received notice of my embassy interview which is scheduled for 1st February.
2) 14th January I booked the medical which was scheduled for 22nd January.
3) That same day I went to my GP and requested the summary care records (SCR) and a copy of my immunisation records (they are part of the SCR but I made them print a separate sheet with just that part on it.) No problems from the GP clinic. Everything was done quickly and efficiently with no questions asked, and for free.
 
4) Appointment day: 

Arrived 15 minutes early.  The place is 5 minutes walk from and just behind Selfridges. Closest tube is Bond St. Walk up the right hand side of Selfridges (James St.) and keep going, then take a right onto Bentinck St. Have all your documents ready: 

Passport
4x passport photos (UK or US they're not fussy)
ACRO certificate
Email/letter confirming embassy interview is scheduled
Medical questionnaire
Summary Care Record
Immunisation record

Make photocopies if you can (I did and it was appreciated by reception). It's not necessary though as they can do it themselves. Just nice to be nice
 
ARRIVAL. When I entered I was asked to hand over all of my documents. The receptionist looked over everything and took the copies, stamped them, glued the photos on, and put them in a folder along with my passport. She returned all originals except for the passport to me
I was given a red ziplock style bag with a receptacle for a urine sample and instructed to return it to reception before the end of the medical. (Anytime is fine so there's no rush.) Reception also gave me a few more forms to fill out. One is a consent form, and the other is a medical form similar to the questionnaire I completed beforehand. Handed these back to reception after I completed them and then waited in the waiting room for 5 minutes before being called for my immunisation check with a nurse.
  NURSE/VACCINES. The nurse was lovely and went over my vaccinations. I've moved around internationally a few times since I was a child and there is no record of my childhood vaccines on the SCR and my tetanus had expired. She instructed that I needed the MMR and tetanus+polio vaccines. Ordinarily she would have administered the flu vaccine but it's low stock right now and she wrote that it was not necessary on my documents so I got a free pass there. I was not given the Hep vaccines or tuberculosis nor was it mentioned during the process. A quick talk about allergies and pregnancy and then 2 jabs (ouchies) and I was sent on my way. (You can't get the MMR if you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant within 3 months so seek advice beforehand.) I was given the option of getting these vaccines at my GP but it's far easier to just get them done there and not delay the process any longer.
  X-RAY. Back I went to the waiting room. Another 5 minutes later I was beckoned into the x-ray room by a lovely gent. At this point you'll be given a gown which you'll have to put on. It's a proper hospital gown but thankfully you can keep your trousers on.  Quick snap later and I was on my way again to the waiting room. You get to keep the fashionable gown for the doctor's check.  
DOCTOR.  Waited 10-15 minutes to see the doctor who is a lovely guy and made me feel at ease right away. Do note there is another doctor here but I never met her so cannot comment. He had all my documents laid out on the desk and we went over everything. I signed another consent form, as well as one of the photographs which had been stuck onto the medical form I filled out previously.

At this point he went over my form and made sure everything was OK. I had checked the box for 'cough' which he chuckled at when I explained it was because my SCR has a Dr's visit for a cough for a couple of years ago. He said as long as it's not a permanent feature it's not necessary to tick the box.

The only two complications throughout the 20 minutes it took was the fact that I had a prescription for an antihistamine for seasonal allergies that have since miraculously cleared up as well as a diagnosis for insomnia from about 10 years ago. He asked me to elaborate and I explained that it was because I was stressed out during uni deadlines and needed a Dr's note for a missed deadline so I wouldn't fail a module. All I ever got was the note and I was never given a prescription and have never suffered from sleep problems since, barring the odd bit of jetlag. The allergy thing did not seem to be a problem. He was satisfied with that and made a note on my documents.

After all the paperwork was checked over, I had to put the gown back on (same again, just take off shirt and bra for ladies.) He checked my eyesight with a standard letter reading exercise, each eye individually. Then checked both ears, throat, and eyes with a light. Listened to my breathing and heart with a stethoscope. No reflex test or anything to do with genitals (phew). Finally he took my blood pressure and drew some blood. That last part hurt a little so take a deep breath if you're nervous around needles.

Nice and easy. Lovely chap to talk to and made me feel very at ease all the way through. 

After getting out of my trendy gown, I was asked to step back into the waiting room and wait while my documents were completed. I took this opportunity to complete the urine sample. 

  PAYMENT. The reception called me 2 minutes later at which point I handed in the urine sample, received my vaccination records and confirmation of medical completion (keep this as the embassy will receive their copy from Visa Medicals and you will need it for medical insurance when you get to the US). Finally I paid a whopping £420 for the privilege was being jabbed and questioned. £330 for the medical and £90 for the vaccinations. By far the most painful part of the medical appointment.That's it. Not at all stressful once I actually got to the appointment. I was worried it would be invasive and demeaning (as medical appointments can often be) but everything went very smoothly. Everyone made the effort to make me feel at ease. I never felt the questions were invasive or that anyone was out to deliberately cause problems for the visa. 

I hope this is helpful for someone out there going through this process. Remember to be organised. Book things as soon as possible ESPECIALLY if you have to travel from outside of London for this appointment. Be specific when you ask your GP for your records. The term they use is 'summary care record'. Don't stress out over vaccines. If you need them, you can get them on the spot when you're there for the medical.