Answered3 years ago
Can I get a medical letter for my visa done in Bangkok instead of the US?
I am working on paperwork for my visa. Can the medical letter be done in Bangkok as is very expensive here in the states for Xrays and labs?
Answer summary
The user is inquiring about the possibility of obtaining a medical letter for their visa in Bangkok, citing high costs for X-rays and lab tests in the United States. Comments suggest alternatives such as contacting a doctor in Bangkok for a consultation via video call or having a GP sign the required form without extensive testing. Experiences shared indicate that some find this documentation process costly in the US, while others have managed it at no cost or for a low fee through their local GPs. Some also recommend considering different visa types.
34 repliesnewest first
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Brook ********
Don’t get the OA visa. Get the O visa instead.
Brian *********
Doctor will see it, they will laugh, say ummm can’t test for that…and so on.
Most expensive part for me was a vaccine that insurance did not cover for $357. That was the worst of it.
Most expensive part for me was a vaccine that insurance did not cover for $357. That was the worst of it.
Steve ********
I've heard in the US this simple form costs heaps. Can't your own GP do it? In Australia it costs nothing as your GP already knows your medical history without having to do tests
Colin *********
@Steve *******
it might cost nothing in Australia, but then, it could cost about $AU40. As the Medical System in Australia has become fairly overloaded in the past year, GP's apparently underpaid & a big shortage of them, they may consider it a 'non-standard' consultation, not bulk-billable and a way to earn a few extra dollars. The 'system' would determine that though. I'm not saying that's right, but a possibility in my mind.Steve ********
@Colin ********
That depends on your doctor surely? My GP has done it twice for me at no cost. I guess it depends on doctor-patient relationship. The point is I understand some US doctors charge hundreds of dollars to carry out meaningless testsSteve ********
@Colin ********
Correct. And one of those is a simple medical consultation. In my case I'd say it was bulk-billed because I didn't pay a single cent for it. So I guess that sums it upColin *********
@Steve *******
correct, but will all GP's bulk bill for something like this, which perhaps isn't a standard consultation for a current illness or injury? Just a thought, I'm not looking for a debate or argument...as I said in my first response to you, just a possibility and not saying I'm right. I'm just basing my thoughts on knowing that Medicare has a table of charges that doctors (GP's at least) have to either abide by or use as guidelines.Steve ********
@Colin ********
Yes I'm aware of that, and doctors have the discretion to just bulk-bill for a consultationColin *********
@Steve *******
I understand the point about the USA, a very different system to Australia. Billing in Australia may depend on the doctor and your relationship with them (if you see the same doctor, or go to the same Medical Centre all the time). The Medicare System does have rules, or maybe in some instances, guidelines as to what they can or should charge for the various services.
Martin *********
You don’t have a local doctor ? .. he knows your record and sign off no problem.. I did mine in the uk 10 years ago , £40 .
Zabrina ******
OP@Martin ********
I recently moved so no
David *******
My GP in Aust just laughed & signed it...14 yrs ago.
Manfred **********
No need for lab work.
Have your GP sign it, that's all
Have your GP sign it, that's all
Steve *******
Thai Embassy in Ottawa Canada....but you are in the...."States"? why would you be on the Canadian site if your sitting in Ohio?
Zabrina ******
OP@Steve ******
I think was the only page I could find that had the link
Vanessa **********
@Zabrina *****
There is a Thai Embassy Consulate in Los Angeles. Go to the website and you will find online appropriate forms that are printable.Zabrina ******
OP@Steve ******
I am actually in Georgia l, I have no idea why that came up
Brandon ************
Either find a doctor that will read this list, look at you and laugh at how ridiculous it is, then sign it.
Or contact Dr Donna at Medconsult in Bangkok and she'll do a video call with you and send you the signed form.
Or contact Dr Donna at Medconsult in Bangkok and she'll do a video call with you and send you the signed form.
Colin *********
@Brandon ***********
I didn't realise that you were a comedian...that first paragraph gave me a laugh.Is Doctor Donna related to Doctor Phil? 🤪
Zabrina ******
OP@Brandon ***********
found her! Thank youDavid ****
@Zabrina *****
attempted that last year but the embassy in DC rejected it. Emailed me that the medication cert must be done at a dr here in the usa. Maybe you’ll have better luck.Zabrina ******
OP@David ***
I'm going to try her firstDavid ****
@Zabrina *****
yes that’s true. If time permits you can try Dr Donna and maybe your embassy will accept it. I paid about $5Zabrina ******
OP@David ***
that's almost a months rent in thailandZabrina ******
OP@David ***
oh I am in Atlanta they want 350 to do the workDavid ****
@Zabrina *****
I did goto Dr Donna when I was in Bkk for a full bloodwork and urinalysis. The cost is a small fraction of what clinics charge here.Zabrina ******
OP@David ***
you're brilliant thank youDavid ****
@Zabrina *****
A comprehensive bloodwork and physical isn’t required. Only those 5 particular illnesses. Can get a syphilis test at a free clinic and the others are simple for an infectious disease specialist to rule out. I’d look up an infectious disease practice with several doctors working there and come in with the form.
David ****
@Zabrina *****
I don’t have medical insurance so my options were limited since doctors here are so afraid of malpractice . Ended up going to an ID (infectious disease) specialist. I walked in the office with the form l, explained it to the receptionist who checked with the doctors to see if one was willing to examine me and fill it out. Cost $75 for the brief appt.Zabrina ******
OP@David ***
drats!!!!! So what did you end up doingZabrina ******
OP@Brandon ***********
you're Brilliant! Do you have contact information for her?
Stuart *********
@Zabrina *****
*******************************
Zabrina ******
OP@Stuart ********
thank you!!!Activity
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