Just finished my medical (Philippines) and I just want to share my experience.
Everybody was telling me that I should come early, so we did, my better half and 2 kids, went to the clinic at 3:30am (the clinic start processing at 6:00am) and were already number 4
It pays to be early because initial processing of your papers at the reception area will take much of your time and the rest will just be a waiting game. On the first day this is how it went..
Reception area - your number will be called at the reception area, make sure that you photocopied your appointment letter for each of you dependents plust 1 copy. You'll be asked to accomplish a form (also for each individual) make sure that you have your case number (MNL2004XXX), the address of your employer/agency and their telephone number. If you have a relative in the US you also need to include that. They will ask to give a date on the "intended departure to the US" and port of entry. Then they will ask you to go inside the room for your picture to be taken. Your next step will be the cashier.
Cashier - the dollar to peso exchange rate is incredible! so brace your self, if the the existing exchange rate is 56 to a dollar, they usually add 1 peso, so in our case it was 57 to a dollar! Good grief!
After the cashier, your number does not matter anymore. It can be anywhere now, but in our case this is how it went and my remarks
Vital signs and eye exam - If you have eyeglasses, make sure to bring them they will ask for it.
Chest xray - if you have an old xray plate of more than 3 months they will ask for it. If you dont have any they will ask you to sign a form which indicates the reason why you do not have any. Again, it is a waiting game. Make sure that you check your names because it can cause delay. If you're female, they will ask you when was your last period and you have to go to the laboratory first to have a pregnancy test and HIV testing. Please note that if you have your monthly period, you have to come back after your menses. They will not allow you to have your physical exam if you have.
Laboratory - No hassle, everything went well and the Med Tech is a sharpshooter, no pain at all!
Immunization interview - if your an adult just show the chicken pox marks and the doctor will check everything and will just give you an MMR. For kids, make sure that they have a baby book or a medical certificate indicating all their vaccinations. This was a cause of delay for us so we have to go back to our family doctor and get this.
Physical exam - They will ask you to disrobe, no exemptions even the kids!
and you'll be examined by the coldest doctor!
If you dont need to repeat your xray, just go to the 5th floor USA counter and she will schedule the following day for your immunization and the medical result release.
Was done at 9:00am, not bad, 3:30 am - 9:am
2nd Day
Came in at 7:00am and there so many people already
Went to immunization room, waited for 2 hours. My kids waited for 3 hours. Finally were immunized before 12nn. I got one shots and my poor kids got 4 each.
Remember to follow up your case every now and then, people there tends to forget.
Releasing, now this was the longest part. You have to wait for your name to be called, usually 1-2 hours, you have to sign papers and then wait again for another 1-2 hours. They will only give you your immunization record, explain it and then will ask for 2 2x2 pictures and your passport. They will be the one to forward the results, your picture and passport to the US embassy. And after that you can go home, finally! :hatparty:
Hope this helps
Would you like to comment?
Embassy interview
:Melody: 
