What Is the Difference Between a Medical Physical Exam and an Immigration Medical Exam?

  Although a medical physical exam and an immigration medical exam may seem similar, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you prepare correctly and avoid delays in your immigration process.

Purpose of Each Exam

  A medical physical exam is part of routine healthcare. Its main goal is to evaluate your overall health, prevent illness, and manage ongoing medical conditions. This exam is usually done by your primary care provider and focuses on your personal health needs.

  On the other hand,  immigration medical exam, is required by USCIS for individuals applying for a green card or adjustment of status. Its purpose is not to diagnose or treat health problems but to determine whether an applicant meets U.S. immigration health requirements.

Who Performs the Exam

  A medical physical exam can be performed by most licensed healthcare providers, such as a primary care doctor or nurse practitioner.

  An immigration medical exam must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Exams completed by providers who are not USCIS-approved will not be accepted, even if they are thorough.

What Is Included in Each Exam

  A routine physical exam often includes a full review of your medical history, discussion of symptoms, preventive screenings, lab work based on age and risk factors, and personalized medical advice.

 An immigration medical exam focuses on specific USCIS requirements, including:

• Review of vaccination records

• Screening for certain communicable diseases

• Completion of Form I-693

• Proper documentation and sealing of the form for USCIS

 It does not replace a regular checkup and does not provide ongoing medical care.

Paperwork and Documentation

 A physical exam is documented in your medical chart and may be shared with insurance or other providers as needed.

 An immigration medical exam requires strict USCIS documentation. The civil surgeon must complete Form I-693, sign it, and place it in a sealed envelope. This envelope must remain unopened until it is submitted to USCIS.

Insurance Coverage

 Most routine physical exams are covered by health insurance, depending on your plan.

 Immigration medical exams are generally not covered by insurance because they are considered an immigration requirement, not medically necessary care.

Can One Exam Replace the Other?

  No. A routine physical exam cannot replace an immigration medical exam, and an immigration medical exam does not replace a physical exam. Each serves a different purpose, and both may be important for your overall health and immigration process.

Conclusion

  Understanding the difference between a routine medical physical exam and an immigration medical exam is essential to avoid delays in your immigration process. Each exam serves a different purpose, and scheduling the correct one with the right provider can save you time, stress, and unnecessary expenses.

  If you are applying for a green card or adjustment of status, your immigration medical exam must be completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. Lumberton Internal Medicine Group is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon clinic serving Lumberton, NC and the surrounding areas, and we are experienced in completing Form I-693 correctly and according to USCIS requirements.

  Choosing an approved provider ensures your exam is done properly the first time, helping your application move forward smoothly and with confidence.