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August 18, 2021 Testing

 

What is the I-693 medical examination?

An I-693  immigration medical examinationis a required part of the application process to become a permanent resident of the United States. The exam is also called a green card medical exam or an I-693 medical exam. 

 

These medical exams are completed by a specially authorized doctor, also called a civil surgeon, who is authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

 

These exams consist of a physical and mental evaluation, drug and alcohol screening, a review of an applicant for Adjustment of Status medical history and vaccination requirements, and tests for several communicable diseases. The tests may involve a blood test and a chest x-ray. 

 

The purpose of the exam is to determine if an applicant for Adjustment of Status has any medical conditions or exhibit harmful behaviors that are grounds of inadmissibility for your immigrant visa for entrance to the United States. Please read more details about the I-693 medical exam here.

 

Successfully completing an Adjustment of Status application towards permanent residence can be a confusing process, but here at Great City Medical, we are here to help! We have a certified civil surgeon on staff to perform these exams and help answer your questions.

 

If you’ve already received your I-693 medical exam and have questions about what the next steps are in the application process, read more below!

 

How long is the I-693 medical examination valid for USCIS?

The validity period for the immigration medical exam is two years after the date that you receive a civil surgeon’s signature on your I-693 form. (Remember, please do NOT sign your form yourself until your exam is complete and you are in the presence of your civil surgeon.) If the two-year period lapses before your application is processed, you will be required to complete the medical exam again.

 

After the exam, your Form I-693, including a report of medical examination and vaccination record will be in a sealed envelope to prevent tampering or modification. If you hang on to the form for a while before submitting it, be sure to keep it safe so that it does not become open or damaged and, therefore, invalid. It is USCIS policy to return any damaged, opened, or modified forms and you will have to receive a new one if you are not careful.

 

When should I submit Form I-693 to USCIS?

You have two options for when to submit your Form I-693 to USCIS. 

 

The first option is to submit your Form I-693 at the same time when you submit your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.   Filing Form I-693 and Form I-485 at the same time may eliminate the need for USCIS to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) to obtain your Form I-693. This may also help avoid adjudication delays if USCIS decides that you do not need to be interviewed.

 

The second option is to submit your Form I-693 after you file your Form I-485 (as long as the date of the civil surgeon’s signature is no more than 60 days before the application is filed). You may also submit Form I-693 in person at an interview in a USCIS field office, if an interview is required.

 

If you have further questions about your green card application, green card interview, and the validity period of forms, you may wish to contact an immigration lawyer to help you understand the relevant immigration law and policy guidance and to successfully complete the entire application process. You may also contact USCIS for more help.

 

While our professionals at Great City Medical are more than happy to help answer any questions on health-related grounds, we are not immigration attorneys and can only help with our piece of the process! It is recommended to have an attorney review your entire application before submission.

 

What does I-693 deficiency notice mean?

If you received an I-693 deficiency notice (RFE), do not worry because this is not a big deal! The deficiency notice just means that you need to submit your signed and completed Form I -693. 

 

Contact us about your I-693 medical exam today

At Great City Medical, we are happy to help with your Form I-693. We make it easy to schedule and complete your I-693 medical examination with us, right on-site in NYC. 

Call us today to schedule an appointment with our civil surgeon to complete your I-693 medical examination!

 

 


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March 26, 2021 Testing

An immigration medical examination is a routine part of the application process to become a permanent resident of the United States, also called a green card. The exam is also sometimes called a green card medical exam

 

For a successful green card (Adjustment of Status) petition, these physical exams must be completed by a doctor who is authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (designated civil surgeon). Outside of the U.S., these doctors are called panel physicians. Here at Great City Medical, we have a designated civil surgeon on staff to perform these exams.

 

The requirements for the exam are determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who provide technical instructions to civil surgeons and panel physicians.

What Do they Check in an Immigration Medical Exam?

During an immigration medical exam, the doctor will review your medical history and immunization records, and perform a physical examination. The doctor will also perform blood tests to look for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and leprosy because these diseases pose a public health risk. Children under the age of 15 do not need to be tested for syphilis or gonorrhea. Finally, the doctor will check for any physical or mental disorders or mental illnesses that are associated with violent behavior or harmful behavior, as well as any signs of drug abuse or drug addiction. 

 

If you are between the ages of 18-64, you only require immunization against Tetanus and Diphtheria, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella, and flu during the flu season of October 1- March 31. Pregnant women may be exempt from some vaccination requirements, however.

 

Immigration medical exams are a bit different than standard physical exams. The purpose of the exam is primarily to screen a patient for certain medical conditions that are of concern to the U.S. government and public health and safety. The doctors are not required to examine or treat patients for any medical conditions outside of those deemed relevant by U.S. health officials for the immigration process. 

 

How Long Does the Immigration Medical Exam Take?

The immigration medical exam takes about the same amount of time as a regular doctor’s visit, and might last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. 

 

It takes about one week after the exam to receive your lab test results. If any lab tests results come back positive for a communicable disease, you may need to return for a second visit to be evaluated and treated.

 

Can I eat before the Immigration Medical Exam?

You may eat before your immigration medical exam. The blood tests that will be performed do not require you to complete a fast beforehand.

 

What should I bring to my exam?

Many people feel nervous about their immigration medical exam, but being well-prepared with all the documentation that you need can be a great help in ensuring your exam goes smoothly. Be sure to arrange these documents ahead of time and bring them all with you to your exam. Call us before your scheduled exam if you have any questions about what you need to bring with you.

 

      • Form I-693, also called the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
        • The doctor will use this form to document the results of your exam. After the exam, the doctor will complete this form and place it in a sealed envelope for you to submit to USCIS.
        • You will receive a copy of the Form I-693 for your records
        • To save time on the day of your appointment, you can fill out pages 1-4 of the form in advance. The rest of the form is filled out by Great City Medical.

 

      • Government-issued photo identification
        • This may include your passport, state ID, driver’s license, travel permit, or work permit.

 

      • Your immunization or vaccination records 
        • If you have had immunizations, you must bring your records as proof, as the doctor cannot take your word for it.
        • If you do not have any immunizations, you can receive them during your exam for additional fees, however, at Great City Medical, we can run a blood test that will show if you are immune or not. If the tests show you are immune that that will be sufficient.

 

    • Copy of your medical history
    • Copies of previous chest X-rays, if any
    • If you have any existing health issues, a note from your doctor outlining your treatment plan
    • Payment for the medical exam fee. Great City Medical charges a base fee of $130for the Civil Surgeon Exam, and additional tests and vaccinations will cost additional fees. Please use this link below to find the pricing breakdown. As a note, insurance does not cover the cost of an immigration exam. https://greatcitymedical.com/immigration-doctor/#pricing

 

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August 17, 2020 Testing

Building a comprehensive picture of your health care involves more than just doctor’s visits and birth control. Wellness visits that include standard diagnostic tests and screenings help your healthcare practitioner build a baseline of health and provide the foundations for noticing and diagnosing changes early on.

Women’s health includes several screening tests that check for changes in the reproductive system. The most common of these is a pap smear, also called a pap test. The test results can detect precancerous cells, cervical cancer, and HPV.

Your healthcare provider can go over the process and reasons for pap smears as well as offer advice for how often to receive one and whether to use a combination pap smear with HPV testing for certain individuals.

When should I start pap smear tests?

In most cases, pap smears begin to happen regularly once you turn 21. Whether you’re sexually active or not, your reproductive system has matured, and pap smears help your NYC Gynecologist understand your comprehensive health status and notice any changes that may happen over time.

Tests happen every three years until the age of 30, provided each test comes back normal. Abnormal results or high-risk patients may work with a healthcare practitioner to coordinate tests on a different schedule to ensure an accurate medical history.

How often should I get a pap smear?

Pap smear routines depend on two things — age and risk. General advice may not apply to your situation, or your circumstances may change over time, so it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare practitioner to find your personalized solution based on your health needs.

Age-related factors

Women who turn 21 should begin regular pap screenings every three years, as long as the test results return normal. Once they reach age 30, many practitioners recommend combining pap tests with HPV testing for a five-year rotation until the age of 65.

Women who are 65 and older don’t usually need pap smears any more if they’ve had a history of regular testing with no recent abnormal pap smears. This advice continues throughout the remainder of life.

Risk-related factors

On top of age recommendations, your health practitioner will also look at your risk factors to determine the scheduling. If you’re high risk, you may begin regular pap smears sooner than the age of 21 or receive more frequent pap tests.

If you have abnormal results that result in a diagnosis, you may move to that high-risk category at any point in your life. You may also begin co-testing sooner than expected to monitor cell changes or receive tests more often than the recommended five year period.

Abnormal swabs could mean a variety of different things, so working with your healthcare provider to begin an alternate plan is a part of ensuring you have a complete medical history. The sample of cells could be compromised, but they may point to developing conditions your gynecologist wants to watch.

If you’ve had a total hysterectomy for reasons other than cervical cancer and no longer have a cervix, your risk factors are incredibly low — low enough to negate the need for further pap smears. However, if you have other risk factors, you may still receive regular pap smears.

What happens if my test results are abnormal?

Changes in your cervical cells can mean a variety of things, and not all of those are bad news. If you receive an abnormal pap smear result, your gynecologist will likely order diagnostic test.

You may receive additional cervical cancer screenings looking for abnormal cells or further test such as a colposcopy, in which a gynecologist carefully examines the cervix, vulva, and vagina for signs of disease or infection.

Combined HPV testing after the age of 30 can help look for Human papillomavirus strains directly related to certain cancers. These screening guidelines provide a foundation of health and wellness and give you the chance to make decisions based on changes in health information as early as possible.

Pap Smears and Women’s Health

Working with your gynecologist and healthcare practitioner for regular screening tests helps you make the best decisions for health and wellbeing. These checkup tests offer a unique insight into biological changes that happen as you age. With a history of regular testing, your healthcare expert has a better chance of catching and diagnosing any conditions early.

Early diagnosis at your doctor’s office means a better chance of success in treatments plus a broader range of choices. Your risk factors and your health situation is unique; allow the gynecology experts at Great City Medical help you build a lifelong plan for comprehensive health.

We can examine all your risk factors, age, and medical history to create a plan, and give you the best chance at a long, healthy life. Contact us to schedule your health screenings and put your medical foundation in place.


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June 18, 2020 Testing

Great City Medical is dedicated to normalizing sexual health, helping to destigmatize reproductive and sexual health care through a variety of birth control, family planning, and other health services. One of those areas is testing for sexually transmitted diseases.



I had a deadline to submit my I-693 and Great City medical came through just right for me. Timely and speedy process and the best customer service nurses I’ve experienced.
Ralph M.
Ralph M.
14:06 24 Mar 23
I had a good experience here. Everyone was courteous and friendly. I liked the lady at the front desk who attended to me, although I didn’t catch her name. She actually remembered my name the second time I went in. They have good attention to details.The doctor was also kind and friendly..just as any doctor should be.
uzoezi G.
uzoezi G.
20:37 23 Mar 23
I received such courteous and expedited services from Great City Medical, Staff was so friendly and helpful, The best for immigration medical forms!!
gayle W.
gayle W.
15:15 22 Mar 23
Great service. Fast turnover. Reasonable prices. Highly recommend for immigration services.
Ania P.
Ania P.
16:20 15 Mar 23
Una atención muy buena, gracias por su ayuda, en especial a Antony , me aclaro todas las dudas. Muy buena atención
Martha Echeverri I.
Martha Echeverri I.
18:12 10 Mar 23
La doctora y todos los que me atendieron muy amables y educados
virginia F.
virginia F.
22:51 21 Feb 23
Siempre están para uno ! El personal es muy amable y servicial y mi Doctora siempre dispuesta ayudarme , gracias Marly grana por siempre estar ahí para mi 🙏
I J
I J
21:53 20 Feb 23
I’ve been using Great City Medical for more than 5 years now. I use their services because their staff is professional, and Drs Grana and Axelrud are caring, compassionate, thorough and take their time. The facility is spotless and clean. They follow up and make referrals when necessary. There are always patients but never overcrowed or long wait times. What more do you need? They’ve got it all!! I highly recommend them.
GREGORY S.
GREGORY S.
21:13 14 Feb 23
I really appreciate you guys
deboria G.
deboria G.
20:21 13 Feb 23
Todos bien.,Me la atención de mi doctora y las muchas son muy amables.
Mildred E.
Mildred E.
22:12 09 Feb 23
Been going to Dr. Yelena Tsyba for my Reproductive health for years, I see her and/or other medical staff/NPs who are just as wonderful and attentive as her I feel comfortable with them all. Im grateful to have found Great City Medical and wont change them for the world. They take great care of me, their clinic is clean and cozy, and their bedside manner and staff is exceptional!
Shay L.
Shay L.
15:20 08 Feb 23
Excelente atención
GABY
GABY
18:02 24 Jan 23
I think Dr. Akselrud’s bedside manner is exceptional. It mimics the hospitality depicted in movie, s yet rarely experienced in actual life. As such, I appreciate his expertise and welcome his opinion regarding my health and well-being.I consider him to be a Grade A physician without question!
latia H.
latia H.
20:23 19 Jan 23
Me gusta mucho ir a esta consulta todos son muy profesionales y amable.
Aurys H.
Aurys H.
17:21 13 Jan 23
It was a good experience.
Randy G.
Randy G.
21:29 12 Jan 23
They are so polite and pay very close attention. They know how to make you feel comfortable.
aggie U.
aggie U.
19:35 06 Jan 23
The place is very clean and nice and staff is very professional the doctors are Great I have been going there for few years now all is good
Ldot
Ldot
04:37 06 Jan 23
Escelente
Gilberto P.
Gilberto P.
20:55 04 Jan 23
Excelente servicio
Ginna Paola Garzon A.
Ginna Paola Garzon A.
18:03 20 Dec 22
friendly staff 🙂 and its a quick transaction. thank you
Mark Anthony L.
Mark Anthony L.
21:39 14 Dec 22
My experience is always top notch here! Thank you…
ALL W.
ALL W.
18:58 07 Dec 22
These team of professionals are the best, so happy they are taking care of me.
Elsa N.
Elsa N.
21:46 06 Dec 22
They are very professional and treat with care.
Uptothe T.
Uptothe T.
19:31 05 Dec 22
I saw Dr. Yelena Tysba and she was very professional and courteous. She took her time with me and listened to my concerns. In addition, she was very gentle during my procedure and was very knowledgeable on various gynecological conditions. The ultrasound tech, Pat, was also very professional. During my ultrasound she was very kind, patient, and gentle. The two receptionist at the front desk and the nurse were also very professional while making my follow up appointment. I have been to this doctor’s office before and her diagnosis was accurate. I would recommend the GYN office to my family and friends.
Mary S.
Mary S.
22:09 01 Dec 22
Excellent service it’s a lot better than what it used to be and I am grateful for that.. doctor is wonderful.. and the PCA’s that work there are the best all of the women are caring and patient.. they make you feel welcomed..🙇‍♂️
Thomas R.
Thomas R.
22:30 28 Nov 22
Awesome service & very professional staff. I highly recommended this place.Specially Patrisha she is so helpful.Thank you so much!!
K K
K K
21:43 28 Nov 22
Everyone at the office is always very pleasant. The office is always clean, which is always top on my list. The doctor is always very thorough when explaining herself and also takes her time with you. I would highly recommend great city medical.
Luisa M
Luisa M
16:36 23 Nov 22
It was a great visit.
Willie E. A.
Willie E. A.
18:57 17 Nov 22
This is the best clinic I’ve been! The nurses and doctors treat you with kindness. They are all super friendly. Will definitely keep doing my check ups here!
Yikaury H.
Yikaury H.
23:56 15 Nov 22
I’ve been coming here for years and my doctor shows true concern about all my health issues staff here are also great
Trina M.
Trina M.
23:35 10 Nov 22
My visit was very quick for the first time I didn’t have to wait,
Monìque
Monìque
23:21 09 Nov 22
Great service.
Diego V.
Diego V.
21:16 07 Nov 22
Todos el personal es muy amable gracias
Tony D.
Tony D.
23:52 02 Nov 22
Great hospital
Fatoumata K.
Fatoumata K.
20:02 02 Nov 22
Professional, clean, not wait depend on time schedule appointment. I love evening hours appointment that do rush morning when traffic lot cars out there. I get keep my same doctor when Montefiore Oscar because not in New York so happy that my doctor professional his work, losing 200 pounds so happy after 410 for longest time. My diabetic 2 improve so much went from 8.9 too 5.7 that very jump. So his staff for very professional, and polite with me.
Bevelynn T.
Bevelynn T.
20:38 28 Oct 22
Very professional and friendly. Offices and waiting rooms are always clean, the employees work fast and effectively. They make sure your comfortable and understand what’s going on.
NADYA O.
NADYA O.
18:26 28 Oct 22
Very nice always very professional
Madeline C.
Madeline C.
23:52 25 Oct 22
Great. Wait was surprising ok. Everyone was very nice 👍 Always a pleasant experience 😊
Lex G.
Lex G.
18:52 10 Oct 22
Great experience each time I go . Professional clean and very respectful office. Staff always pleasant. Doctors very caring.
Juanita R.
Juanita R.
17:40 05 Oct 22
Amazing staff. Little to no wait time. Worth the experience was in and out within a heart beat and all my questions and concerns were answered. MA and Doctor made me feel really comfortable. 10/10
Fatoumata K.
Fatoumata K.
22:17 04 Oct 22
Muy buena atención y el personal muy amable.
Linet Leyva B.
Linet Leyva B.
18:28 03 Oct 22
Great attentions !!!!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Jonathan S.
Jonathan S.
17:15 12 Sep 22
I have a great experience this was my first time and I recommend the staff are all welcoming
Oneisha R.
Oneisha R.
19:55 09 Sep 22
I’m very happy that I choose this clinic for my medical exam for green card. I was afraid about my not perfect english and that I can’t understand everything correctly but all nurses and doctor were very patient and attentive. All procedures were made very professional and quick.
iren H.
iren H.
19:28 08 Sep 22
Very Professional Thanks
Saury G.
Saury G.
21:02 07 Sep 22
I love they how the staff was really friendly to me. Making me feel more comfortable with my visit, just love how pretty the place was and clean💕.
Andala M.
Andala M.
21:30 06 Sep 22
Always good service and kind people over there. I had 3 year’s going to there and I had good service with good doctors. Thank you for all the staff.
Yaneth P.
Yaneth P.
15:40 02 Sep 22
Great service. The intake with the nurse was pleasant and fun. The time with the doctor was very comfortable, she listened very attentivet all my concerns, she was very gentle and professional.They have late afternoon appointments wich is a plus.The final step was the scheduling of the next appointment wich was fast!My mom was right to recommend her and I recommend them as well.
Juana G.
Juana G.
22:07 30 Aug 22
Nice, quick, and ON TIME attention.Very clean; excellent and very kind staff.Special thanks to Patricia and to theDr. Grena.Highly recommended.
H. O. L.
H. O. L.
19:59 22 Aug 22
Muy bueno
jose T.
jose T.
07:18 20 Aug 22
Best plce
Mimi O.
Mimi O.
19:33 18 Aug 22
Starting from front desk very professional ladies Excellent thenTiffany very sweet I had so much anxiety & after I spoke w her I took a few deep breaths & I felt very comfortable she actually made me feel so comfortable thanks TiffanyThen Doctor Tsyba wow I couldn’t believe I didn’t feel a thing I was relaxed & she was great & then Patty sonogram very professional they all answered all my questions they’re great then I went to do blood work & the lady (I didn’t get her name) very professional.. when I encounter a place w such professionalism it makes me wanna Bragg to all females in my life Want great care, professionalism & feel comfy go to GREAT CITY MEDICAL these ladies do their job w a smile can’t wait to go back THANK YOU LADIES FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT WORK🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹MARY DIAZ
Ivy Deborah D.
Ivy Deborah D.
00:59 18 Aug 22
Great Place for immigration exams
Kyle S.
Kyle S.
18:07 08 Aug 22
Excelente atención desde secretarias enfermeras y doctora, el tiempo de espera fue largo ,pero el trabajo excelente, estoy muy satisfecha
Jose R.
Jose R.
23:58 28 Jul 22
Buen trato y buen servicio
Clsa 0.
Clsa 0.
08:43 28 Jul 22
Dr Grana is an amazing doctor! Facility is clean and some of the staff members are super friendly.
Shaula Neekasky (.
Shaula Neekasky (.
18:02 18 Jul 22
👍👍👍
Jann D
Jann D
19:22 15 Jul 22
Always ❤️ Love the care I get at Great City Medical the staff and my doctor are caring and attentive to my medical issues or concerns. We work as a team to make sure I understand my results and are happy with the outcome.
M I
M I
17:53 14 Jul 22
I’ve been going to this office for primary and gyn care for 3 or 4 years now and have had an outstanding experience every time. The staff and practioners are always super welcoming, helpful, and efficient. Thank you all for everything you do! 🖤
Sarah K.
Sarah K.
22:50 13 Jul 22
Super specialists, very kind personnel.
Kacper P.
Kacper P.
20:44 13 Jul 22
Professional staff, nice atmosphere. Recommend
Yelena C.
Yelena C.
21:49 08 Jul 22
Muyyyyyy buena soy una de las primera paciente hace más de 5 años y no voy de hay hasta que dios quiera excelente servicio amabilidad y profecionalismo sigan así
Escarlet C.
Escarlet C.
16:01 06 Jul 22
Dr Yelena was amazing, she really made my visit easy and comfortable. Loved her, highly recommend!
Valentina M.
Valentina M.
18:12 24 Jun 22
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Doctor in New York City

Looking for a primary care provider in New York City that you can depend on? Make your appointment with the physicians at Great City Medical by calling (212) 281-8600

Manhattan

68e 131st Street Suite 100, New York, NY 10037

Phone: (212) 281-8600

Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednessday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-5pm


Brooklyn

1513 Voorhies Ave 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Phone: (212) 281-8610

Monday:9:00AM-5:00PM
Tuesday:3:00PM-7:30PM
Wednessday: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Thursday: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Friday:10:00AM-2:30PM


Address

68 East 131st Street, Suite 100
New York, NY 10037


Call us anytime

Phone: (212) 281-8600
Fax: (212) 281-8601


Patient Portal




Copyright © 2020 Great City Medical. All Rights Reserved.



Copyright © 2020 Great City Medical. All Rights Reserved.



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