Preemployment Medical Issues: Post questions here..

[Dr. G]

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Hi mga bro and sis. I'm currently handling preemployment medical examinations. So far daghan na mga applicants abroad that was given the opportunities but sadly failed during their medical exam and got discouraged. For me, if a door closes naa jud na lain mo.open. However, here are some FAQ's encountered during a PREEMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAM:

1. What is the purpose of the medical examination?
- To identify applicants with inadmissible health-related conditions.
The health-related grounds for inadmissibility include persons who have a communicable disease of public health significance, who have or have had a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior, or who are a drug abuser or an addict.
- To assist the employer in the hiring of healthy applicants whose health will not be a cause of frequent absences and unproductive behavior.

2. What comprises the medical examination?
- BP, height, weight, heart rate, respiratory rate check
- Body mass index check
Your height will be measured and you will be weighed on medical scales. You may be asked to remove your shoes and heavy clothing before stepping onto the scales.
- Medical History
- Physical Exam (some includes dental screening, rectal and genital exam depending on the job, the company or country applied)
- Blood Tests (CBC, Cholesterol, Sugar, HIV, HepB, HepA, VDRL etc. depends on the package required by the company or country)
- Urine Analysis (routine analysis and drug test)
You will be provided a sterile container and asked to provide a urine sample. In most cases, you will be allowed to use a toilet in private. Be aware, however, that some drug screening tests insist you provide the urine sample under supervision of a certified collector.
- Chest Xray
- Stool Exam (especially for food handlers)
- Audiometry
In a basic hearing test, your examiner will drop an object and watch for your reaction (as an indicator you heard the sound). More complex tests will involve listening through headphones and pressing a button whenever you hear a test sound.
- Eye Test (especially for OFW and seafarers)
You will be required to stand a specific distance away from an alphabet-based wall chart, before reading the letters aloud. You will also be required to read through charts of colors with numbers in them.
- ECG
Detects heart abnormalities by measuring electrical activity of the heart. You will be “hooked up” to a measuring machine via a series of electrodes and leads placed on your chest, arms and legs using adhesive. The technician may shave hair from areas where the electrodes are to be placed.
- Psychological screening
Expect either one-on-one interviews, or written examinations designed to evaluate your personality, general reasoning and aptitude.
- Lung Function Test
You will be asked to fill your lungs and blow into a tube as fast as possible until you have exhaled completely.
- Musculoskeletal Assessment (Strength Test)
During a typical strength test, the examiner will ask you to push against resistance. For example, you may be asked to lift your arm while the examiner applies light downward pressure, pushing against your arm. Alternatively, you might be asked to walk against the examiner as he pushes against you.
3. How long does it take to complete all the test?
- if basic 5 only (PE, CBC, CXR, U/A, S/E), usually 30mins-1 hr (depends if one can submit right away for the urine and stool exam).
- if other tests are added (Psycho, Audio, Eye etc), usually if started in the morning it will be done in the afternoon. If started in the afternoon, it will be done the next day.

4. How soon will the results be released?
- If no diseases or abnormalities found and without vaccine, after 24hours. If with vaccine, after 48hours. (not including the weekend)
- If with complications, usually more than 3 days. (depends on the complications noted and the compliance of the applicant)

5. How much does it costs?
- ranging from 350-4000 pesos. (depends on the package and inclusion of vaccine)

...hope this helps..

[Dr. G]

6. How long is the validity of the exam?
- 90 days.

7. How to prepare for the medical exam?
-*On the day of your pre-employment medical, get ready by following these tips:*

Wear modest, supportive underwear.
Bring your current photo-ID, passport.
If a fitness test is required, wear appropriate exercise clothing and running shoes.
If you wear contact lenses or spectacles, bring them with you.
If you’re an asthmatic, bring your Ventolin puffer.
Avoid smoking 24 hours prior to the exam. This will help you perform better during lung function tests if required.
Avoid listening to loud music (especially with headphones) 24 hours prior. This avoids temporary hearing difficulties which may impede your hearing check.
Avoid drinking alcohol and eating fatty foods a week or more prior to the exam. This may cause rise in your liver function tests if required.
Have a good rest and stress free lifestyle days prior to the exam.

8. What are the common concerns encountered during the exam?
-There’s no need to worry about a pre-employment medical exam. The exam benefits you as much as the employer. If you’re feeling anxious, you’re not alone. Below is a list of common concerns, with advice to help you alleviate them:

“I feel embarrassed.” People are often worried about removing their clothing or, more commonly, having to urinate under supervision. To reduce the potential for embarrassment, ensure you are wearing appropriate underwear. Choose underwear that is modest (i.e. no patterns or lace), supportive and provides full coverage. It may also comfort you to know you may request an extra person, such as another nurse or medical officer, be in the room. This makes the environment more relaxed and feels safer than a one-on-one examination.
“I’m too unfit.” If you’re worried you won’t be able to complete your fitness test, start training now. Even a week’s worth of moderate walking can raise your cardio fitness, helping you feel more prepared for the test.
“I’m too overweight.” An employer cannot legally deny you a job simply because you are overweight. Medical examiners are accustomed to seeing people of all shapes and sizes, so don’t be too concerned about the way you look. If you feel you are too overweight to do your job well, see your GP about beginning a weight loss program. Informing the examiner you are on a doctor-approved weight loss program will be seen in a positive light.
“I don’t want to disclose my medical condition or previous injury.” Perhaps you’re concerned a medical condition or injury will cause you to lose the job. Don’t make the mistake of not declaring the problem. You are better to lose the job than to cause an accident or cause further injury to yourself or another worker. There is a solution to every problem. But if your condition is unfit for the company or the country you're applying, better don't continue the application. It will not only save time and money but emotional disappointment as well.

9. What can cause UNFIT remarks on the medical exam results?
- Most common causes are as follows, but then again it depends on the job, company and country one is applying.

Infectious category
HIV/AIDS reactive
Hepatitis B surface antifgen, HCV reactive
Microfilaria positive and malaria blood film positive, known leprosy patients
Tuberculosis – any type, X-ray showing active PTB, past evidence of PTB or healed • Pulmonary scar, including minimum fibrosis, calcification (granuloma) pleural thickening, pleural effusion, tuberculosis lymphadenitis
VDRL/TPHA reactive

Non-infectious category
Kidney failure
Liver impairment
Congestive heart failure
Hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Known case of cancer
Psychiatric disease and neurological disorders
Physical disabilities, i.e. color blindness, deafness
Scoliosis

It’s important not to stress over your pre-employment medical, the results of which are largely out of your control.*For the best outcome, keep a positive outlook and be prepared. Be sure to inquire about the nature of your medical examinations before you arrive. Know what tests you’ll be given and what are the medical requirements of the job, company or country you're applying.

...hope this helps...

[cat_inthehat]

I have a very mild cervical scoliosis. The curvature is very obscure and is only detectable through x-ray. Will it matter? I am a nurse seeking a job in US.

[Dr. G]

I have a very mild cervical scoliosis. The curvature is very obscure and is only detectable through x-ray. Will it matter? I am a nurse seeking a job in US.

A curvature less than 15 degrees as seen in mild scoliosis is not really that significant. Treatment is not necessary, however you will be advised to avoid lifting heavy objects and maintain a good posture. As for your application to the US, if it's the only abnormality you have among your lab and PE results you are considered Fit.

[Istudyante-Ni-Pikoy]

Kun ma fail ta sa first pa medical for abroad.
Wala nata pag-asa ana or kn magpa medical ta lain, dawaton pa bah?

[cryptorchidism]

6. How long is the validity of the exam?
- 90 days.

7. How to prepare for the medical exam?
-*On the day of your pre-employment medical, get ready by following these tips:*

Wear modest, supportive underwear.
Bring your current photo-ID, passport.
If a fitness test is required, wear appropriate exercise clothing and running shoes.
If you wear contact lenses or spectacles, bring them with you.
If you’re an asthmatic, bring your Ventolin puffer.
Avoid smoking 24 hours prior to the exam. This will help you perform better during lung function tests if required.
Avoid listening to loud music (especially with headphones) 24 hours prior. This avoids temporary hearing difficulties which may impede your hearing check.
Avoid drinking alcohol and eating fatty foods a week or more prior to the exam. This may cause rise in your liver function tests if required.
Have a good rest and stress free lifestyle days prior to the exam.

8. What are the common concerns encountered during the exam?
-There’s no need to worry about a pre-employment medical exam. The exam benefits you as much as the employer. If you’re feeling anxious, you’re not alone. Below is a list of common concerns, with advice to help you alleviate them:

“I feel embarrassed.” People are often worried about removing their clothing or, more commonly, having to urinate under supervision. To reduce the potential for embarrassment, ensure you are wearing appropriate underwear. Choose underwear that is modest (i.e. no patterns or lace), supportive and provides full coverage. It may also comfort you to know you may request an extra person, such as another nurse or medical officer, be in the room. This makes the environment more relaxed and feels safer than a one-on-one examination.
“I’m too unfit.” If you’re worried you won’t be able to complete your fitness test, start training now. Even a week’s worth of moderate walking can raise your cardio fitness, helping you feel more prepared for the test.
“I’m too overweight.” An employer cannot legally deny you a job simply because you are overweight. Medical examiners are accustomed to seeing people of all shapes and sizes, so don’t be too concerned about the way you look. If you feel you are too overweight to do your job well, see your GP about beginning a weight loss program. Informing the examiner you are on a doctor-approved weight loss program will be seen in a positive light.
“I don’t want to disclose my medical condition or previous injury.” Perhaps you’re concerned a medical condition or injury will cause you to lose the job. Don’t make the mistake of not declaring the problem. You are better to lose the job than to cause an accident or cause further injury to yourself or another worker. There is a solution to every problem. But if your condition is unfit for the company or the country you're applying, better don't continue the application. It will not only save time and money but emotional disappointment as well.

9. What can cause UNFIT remarks on the medical exam results?
- Most common causes are as follows, but then again it depends on the job, company and country one is applying.

Infectious category
HIV/AIDS reactive
Hepatitis B surface antifgen, HCV reactive
Microfilaria positive and malaria blood film positive, known leprosy patients
Tuberculosis – any type, X-ray showing active PTB, past evidence of PTB or healed • Pulmonary scar, including minimum fibrosis, calcification (granuloma) pleural thickening, pleural effusion, tuberculosis lymphadenitis
VDRL/TPHA reactive

Non-infectious category
Kidney failure
Liver impairment
Congestive heart failure
Hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Known case of cancer
Psychiatric disease and neurological disorders
Physical disabilities, i.e. color blindness, deafness
Scoliosis

It’s important not to stress over your pre-employment medical, the results of which are largely out of your control.*For the best outcome, keep a positive outlook and be prepared. Be sure to inquire about the nature of your medical examinations before you arrive. Know what tests you’ll be given and what are the medical requirements of the job, company or country you're applying.

...hope this helps...

doc may undescended testicle ako.. mabibigyan po ba ako ng fit to work? country: indonesia job: technician

[arcade]

dili diay ko pwede ani kay naa man ko hypertension plano paman unta ko kuhaon sa ako cousin

[cutiejhyll]

I have a breast mass. I already consulted a doctor and endorsed me for a breast ultrasound. The result is "Non Malignant". Would it matter if I'll be working abroad ? thank you

[salbahis]

i notice diabetes is on the lists for UNFIT, does acquired diabetes (type 2 ba ang tawag ana or CDI?) be considered UNFIT? is pre-employment medical exam needed if you are already abroad before getting the job?