AUSTRALIAN MIGRATION MEDICAL- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why do I need a medical?
The Australian Health Authorities require migrants to undergo a medical so that they can plan the budgeting of their health resources.

2. When should I book my appointment
• After submitting your application to the High Commission.
• When the High Commission tells you to arrange it even if you have not submitted all your other paperwork to them.
• If you have a very tight schedule due to taking up a new job or studies.

3. What will happen?
You will see the doctor who will discuss your past medical and surgical history with you. Then an assessment of your height, weight, eyes and urine will be undertaken. A blood test will be performed if required.

4. Am I examined by the doctor? Will I have to undress?
Yes, you will be examined by the doctor to include assessment of your eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, blood pressure if you are over the age of 11, reflexes and abdomen.

You will be asked to strip down to your bra and panties for women and to underpants for men. You will be offered a dressing gown to wear.

5. Are there any intimate examinations performed?
No. A vaginal and rectal examination is never needed.

6. Do my breasts need to be examined?
If ladies do not examine their own breasts, have not been checked with a mammogram (or ultrasound) recently, or have a family history of breast cancer then, with permission, their breasts will be examined.

7. Will I need to have a chest x-ray?
Yes, if you are aged 11 or over.

Pregnant women however need not be x-rayed and special arrangements are in place if you are migrating before you are delivered.

8. The High Commission says I only need a chest x-ray, how do I arrange this?
Please ring Nuffield Hospital x-ray department direct on 01223 370906. Do make them aware that this is a self referral for x-ray only.

9. Do I need to bring a urine sample?
No. If you are aged 5 or over you must come ready to do one, a sample pot will be provided.

10. What if I have had a chest x-ray performed elsewhere?
It must have been performed by an approved examiner. Please make sure the consultant radiologist sends form 160 and the xray picture directly to CMMS at the Nuffield Hospital. It will then be submitted with your medical form.

11. What are the blood tests for?
• The HIV test is to see whether you are carrying the viruses which are associated with the development of AIDS (please read our information sheet). You will be asked to give permission for this blood test to be done prior to the sample being taken.
• Hepatitis B Antigen and Hepatitis C Antibody, are performed on all doctors, dentists and nurses going out to work in Australia and on those migrants who have a tattoo.
• Hepatitis B antigen for all pregnant women going to Australia.

12. What should I bring to the medical?
• Medical forms 160 & 26 completed as far as indicated in our information sheets.
• 2 recent identical colour passport quality photographs.
• 2 photocopies of the passport page containing your photo & personal details.
• Your glasses or your contact lenses.
• Medical records or summary of any serious illnesses or surgery that you may have had.
• Means of payment – cash or credit/debit card. Please confirm with the administrator at time of booking.

13. How much will it cost?
It varies significantly dependent on:
• Your age.
• How long you are going for.
• What your work is e.g. Doctors, dentists, nurses.
• Have you a tattoo?
• Where your papers are to be sent.

Please ask the Administrator when you ring.

14. How long before the papers are ready?
We try and achieve a turnaround in 99% of cases within 10 working days. Occasional circumstances when further investigation or information is needed may cause delay, but we would of course keep you informed about this.

15. Do I get any information from the doctor?
Yes, you get your blood test result and certificate about your HIV status, as well as your chest x-ray report, if undertaken.

16. For how long is the medical and chest x-ray valid?
It is valid for 1 year.

17. Are special tests needed if something abnormal is found?
Yes sometimes, for example
• Blood glucose testing with severe obesity.
• Abnormality on urine test, further urine tests may be indicated.

18. Are these included in the basic price?
No but they are done at cost price.

19. Why are the blood tests expensive?
We use a high quality private laboratory. Our bloods are couriered to London and we have the results in 7 days.

20. Where do the completed forms go?
The chest x-ray film and papers go directly to the relevant Australian High Commission.

21. How quickly are the results processed by the High Commission?
This is beyond our control, ask the High Commission.

22. What if I get a letter asking for further information re a health issue?
Liaise as soon as possible, via our administrator, with the examining doctor. He or she will discuss how to get the further information. Any further tests are not included within the basic cost of the examination.

23. What if I have to cancel with less than 48 hours notice, or do not attend?
There will be a cancellation charge dependent on the reason for your non-attendance

24. What if I am late in getting to the appointment?
Please ring 01223 303336 and ask reception to let CMMS doctor know that there has been a delay