Part of becoming a U.S. citizen entails undergoing an immigration exam, which we offer at Lawndale Medical Clinic, serving the East End, Houston, & Pasadena, TX, and the nearby regions. Any of our practitioners, which include Dr. Julio Scaglia, Dr. Silvia Boccardo, and Dr. Calixto Ruibal, can conduct it. During the test, we'll need to review your entire medical history, and there are good reasons for this.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations have been proven to protect people against potentially serious illnesses. When you receive a vaccine, it protects not only you but also reduces the possibility of you spreading the infection to others.
In some people, the infection can cause long-term complications, serious acute problems, or even death. That's why, to become a citizen, the U.S. government requires certain ones.
Illness History
During an immigration exam at our practice, serving the East End, Houston, & Pasadena, TX, we'll check to see your illness history. This can help us determine if you have any communicable diseases. Some could become serious if given to enough people, while others can be dangerous for those most at risk.
Examples of those we look at include the following:
- Tuberculosis
- Leprosy
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
As we look at these, we're not looking at if you've had them or been treated in the past. We're particularly checking that the infection has been treated completely as of now, and you're not at risk of spreading it to others.
Chronic Disease History
Besides acute infections, we'll also want to know about any chronic diseases you have and how well they're managed. These could lead to medical emergencies. And if too many immigrants enter the country with chronic conditions that could cause critical medical emergencies, American hospitals could become overrun and wouldn't be able to handle the demand.
We must ensure that the U.S.'s healthcare systems can handle the cost you could place on the health system to manage your condition.
We're also looking to see that you could be self-sufficient and achieve a decent quality of life here. And that might not be possible with a serious, poorly managed chronic condition.
Other
We'll ask you questions, such as if you're a smoker or have a history of substance abuse. Part of the medical history review will also include a mental health check to look for health issues that could make you a danger to current American citizens.
Lawndale Medical Clinic, serving the East End, Houston, & Pasadena, TX, and the neighboring communities, has Dr. Scaglia, Dr. Boccardo, and Dr. Ruibal, who can provide you with a thorough immigration exam so you can obtain legal status in the U.S.
Call (713) 924-4907.