Our last two blogs considered the nature of USCIS’ civil surgeon program and the process of applying to become a civil surgeon. Today, we will conclude our consideration of the civil surgeon program by discussing the responsibilities of a civil surgeon.

USCIS has charged the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) with the task of providing instructions to civil surgeons that ensure that their examinations detect those individuals who should be denied admission to the U.S (or adjustment of status) based upon specified health-related grounds. The health-related grounds for inadmissibility include “persons who have a communicable disease of public health significance, who fail to present documentation of having received vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases, who have or have had a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior, or who are a drug abuser or an addict.” See CDC FAQ.

Every civil surgeon must perform a comprehensive examination. This examination must include the following:

• A physical examination;
• An evaluation (skin test/chest x-ray examination) for tuberculosis; and
• For those applicants who are fifteen years old or older, blood tests for syphilis and HIV.

For more information regarding the civil surgeon program, please visit our prior blogs and the USCIS website.

Disclaimer: The information contained within the MTBC^® Learning Center is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The author of the Learning Center does not represent the Web site user or the individual submitting a particular question. Please seek the advice of legal counsel to address any specific questions you may have regarding your particular facts or circumstances

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During our most recent blog, we considered the general nature of USCIS’ civil surgeon program. Today, we will discuss the process of applying to become a civil surgeon.

A physician applies for inclusion in the civil surgeon program by sending a letter requesting inclusion to the relevant USCIS District Director. Click here to determine the district in which your office is located.

The letter requesting consideration should also include the following:

The applicant’ CV, which must demonstrate that the applicant has at least four years (exclusive of a residency program) of professional experience; A copy of the applicant’s current medical license; Proof of the applicant’s U.S. citizenship or lawful status; and At least two signature cards displaying the applicant’s typed name and signature.

The length of the application process varies from one district to another. However, the process typically takes three to six months.

In the next blog, we will consider the responsibilities of a civil surgeon and the practice management aspects of operating a civil surgeon practice.

Disclaimer: The information contained within the MTBC^® Learning Center is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The author of the Learning Center does not represent the Web site user or the individual submitting a particular question. Please seek the advice of legal counsel to address any specific questions you may have regarding your particular facts or circumstances

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As governmental and commercial insurance reimbursements continue to decline, physicians are increasingly seeking out new revenue streams. One such source of new revenue for some practices is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (“USCIS”) civil surgeon program.

In response to a recent question from an internal medicine practice, I would like to take some time to provide a brief overview of the civil surgeon program, the process for qualifying to become a civil surgeon and the responsibilities of a civil surgeon. Finally, we will explore some of the practical aspects of managing a civil surgeon program in your office, including marketing and other practice management concerns.

Overview of the Civil Surgeon Program

Most individuals who are applying to USCIS for an “adjustment of status” are required to obtain a medical examination. This medical examination must be performed by a designated civil surgeon.

“Adjustment of status” refers to the process of applying from within the United States (as opposed to applying from abroad through a consulate) to become a lawful United States permanent resident. To obtain an adjustment of status, an applicant must, among other things, obtain a satisfactory medical examination.

The United States government has indicated that ‘clean bills of health’ will not be recognized unless they are issued by a designated civil surgeon. Therefore, the civil surgeon plays an important role in ensuring that the minimum immigration health requirements of USCIS are enforced.

More to Come

Upcoming blogs will address the civil surgeon qualification process, the responsibilities of a civil surgeon and relevant practice management considerations.

Disclaimer: The information contained within the MTBC^® Learning Center is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The author of the Learning Center does not represent the Web site user or the individual submitting a particular question. Please seek the advice of legal counsel to address any specific questions you may have regarding your particular facts or circumstances

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