Medical Checks and Privacy

[bearnova64]

Hello, I am going to apply for a partner visa soon and I had 2 medical issues one 10 years ago and the other 25 years ago. Neither have reoccurred and are very unlikely indeed to.They are both very delicate and personal in nature.I am in excellent health for my age with no medical issues and should pass the medical assessment easily.My understanding is the medical check is to reassure the Australian authorities I have no conditions that are likely to be a drain on their health system. Given this, and my desire for privacy do I have to disclose these events of 10 and 25 years ago. I really would rather not, and feel it somewhat of an intrusion to do so.If I have to disclose so be it, but as I say I would rather not on sensitivity grounds.

PS If I use a migration agent and reveal these to them am I then subsequently duty bound to inform the authorities? Advice much appreciated.

PPS I understand after I answer the medical forms I attend a medical and what does this involve on the day?

PPPS I understand they only ask to contact my Dr for my medical records if they have any concerns after my attending the medical and/or something I fill in on the medical forms?

[BendigoBoy]

You must truthfully disclose your medical history and any known medical conditions.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/26.pdf

[Nemesis]

3 hours ago, bearnova64 said:

Hello, I am going to apply for a partner visa soon and I had 2 medical issues one 10 years ago and the other 25 years ago. Neither have reoccurred and are very unlikely indeed to.They are both very delicate and personal in nature.I am in excellent health for my age with no medical issues and should pass the medical assessment easily.My understanding is the medical check is to reassure the Australian authorities I have no conditions that are likely to be a drain on their health system. Given this, and my desire for privacy do I have to disclose these events of 10 and 25 years ago. I really would rather not, and feel it somewhat of an intrusion to do so.If I have to disclose so be it, but as I say I would rather not on sensitivity grounds.

PS If I use a migration agent and reveal these to them am I then subsequently duty bound to inform the authorities? Advice much appreciated.

PPS I understand after I answer the medical forms I attend a medical and what does this involve on the day?

PPPS I understand they only ask to contact my Dr for my medical records if they have any concerns after my attending the medical and/or something I fill in on the medical forms?

Any migration agent will tell you - never lie to Immigration

If you do choose to lie to Immigration and they ever find out, its visa fraud & could have serious consequences

Did you read the replies on your previous thread?

Edited November 14, 2023 by Nemesis

[DrDougster]

Sounds like you know you're asking a forum if it is ok to lie on a visa application if you'll get away with it.

You've already told this forum that you tried to kill yourself 10 years ago. Maybe get the other issue out in the open on a public forum and you'll feel able to put it on the document that legally requires it? 

You know the answer to your question. Russian roulette is relatively low risk but very high consequence.

Edited November 14, 2023 by DrDougster

[BendigoBoy]

Compared to how some forum members would react to finding out someone had lied on an application, some might say that the Department of Home Affairs would seem like a good friend in the event someone was found out and faced their visa being cancelled down the road.

[rammygirl]

Simply answer the questions on the medical form you are given honestly. At the medical the doctor may ask you to elaborate IF they think it is an ongoing issue. They do not request your records from GP IF you need to have further clarification they refer you to a specialist for a report which will state the current medical issue of concern, any current or future treatments and longer term prognosis.  Given your issues were over 10 years ago I can’t see them being relevant if no further complications.

The medical itself covers basic physical condition, eyesight, blood tests, x rays, urine test. Nothing invasive.  And it is confidential. 

[paulhand]

Some of the medical questions are phrased “have you ever…?”, others are “do you have …?” - it’s pretty clear which ones require full disclosure of any previous condition/issues. 

[bluequay]

I had my medical in June and it's quite simple.

I had to have a chest x-ray which takes about 5 mins.

Then with a nurse I had:

A blood test for HIV, there are additional tests for some people who work in the medical profession.

An eye sight test

A urine test, which I think since July has changed to be more blood tests.

Height and weight check.

Then with the Doctor they go through your medical history, check you over, one of the things they are looking for I believe is scars which could be from undisclosed operations\medical issues. Then a basic medical, listen to your heart, lungs, a reflex check and hernia examination.

Takes about 90 mins to 2 hours, but a lot of that is waiting around.

[Nemesis]

20 hours ago, BendigoBoy said:

Compared to how some forum members would react to finding out someone had lied on an application, some might say that the Department of Home Affairs would seem like a good friend in the event someone was found out and faced their visa being cancelled down the road.

No skin off my nose obviously if he chooses to lie, but I think he should know the possible consequences.

 

[Jon the Hat]

22 hours ago, BendigoBoy said:

Compared to how some forum members would react to finding out someone had lied on an application, some might say that the Department of Home Affairs would seem like a good friend in the event someone was found out and faced their visa being cancelled down the road.

Interesting point.  I think members of the forum are very invested in the fairness of the system, and someone lying to get a visa could potentially be taking the place of someone else who desperately wants to move.  We see similar responses to the "can I move less than two years after arriving having committed to staying in a state" or "can I ditch my employer who spent thousands of dollars on my visa."

[calNgary]

On 15/11/2023 at 04:03, bearnova64 said:

Hello, I am going to apply for a partner visa soon and I had 2 medical issues one 10 years ago and the other 25 years ago. Neither have reoccurred and are very unlikely indeed to.They are both very delicate and personal in nature.I am in excellent health for my age with no medical issues and should pass the medical assessment easily.My understanding is the medical check is to reassure the Australian authorities I have no conditions that are likely to be a drain on their health system. Given this, and my desire for privacy do I have to disclose these events of 10 and 25 years ago. I really would rather not, and feel it somewhat of an intrusion to do so.If I have to disclose so be it, but as I say I would rather not on sensitivity grounds.

PS If I use a migration agent and reveal these to them am I then subsequently duty bound to inform the authorities? Advice much appreciated.

PPS I understand after I answer the medical forms I attend a medical and what does this involve on the day?

PPPS I understand they only ask to contact my Dr for my medical records if they have any concerns after my attending the medical and/or something I fill in on the medical forms?

If they were relatively minor issues and dont affect you in any way now it is highly unlikely your visa would be refused because of them so its not worth hiding the issues if asked. 

            Cal x

[InnerVoice]

On 15/11/2023 at 04:03, bearnova64 said:

Hello, I am going to apply for a partner visa soon and I had 2 medical issues one 10 years ago and the other 25 years ago. Neither have reoccurred and are very unlikely indeed to.They are both very delicate and personal in nature.I am in excellent health for my age with no medical issues and should pass the medical assessment easily. My understanding is the medical check is to reassure the Australian authorities I have no conditions that are likely to be a drain on their health system. Given this, and my desire for privacy do I have to disclose these events of 10 and 25 years ago. I really would rather not, and feel it somewhat of an intrusion to do so.If I have to disclose so be it, but as I say I would rather not on sensitivity grounds.

PS If I use a migration agent and reveal these to them am I then subsequently duty bound to inform the authorities? Advice much appreciated.

PPS I understand after I answer the medical forms I attend a medical and what does this involve on the day?

PPPS I understand they only ask to contact my Dr for my medical records if they have any concerns after my attending the medical and/or something I fill in on the medical forms?

In your previous post regarding medical checks (https://www.pomsinoz.com/topic/216965-medical-checks/?tab=comments#comment-2677080) you stated that you attempted to take your own life 10 years ago, and you've also been diagnosed with a mild form of prostate cancer. I told you that I didn't think the suicide attempt was a medical issue and you should just ignore it. Other's argued that if it was due to depression then it's a mental health condition, so you need to declare it.

Q18 on the Medical Examination form asks;  Do you suffer, or have you ever suffered, from mental health problems?

It's rather a subjective question given that in this day and age pretty much half the western world suffers from poor mental health, but unless you've been clinically diagnosed and treated for a specific mental health condition then I think you can legitimately answer 'no' to that question.

Q21 on the same form asks;  Do you have, or have you had, cancer in the last 5 years?

There's nothing remotely subjective about that question, is there? You've been diagnosed with prostate cancer so you need to answer 'yes'. However, the form does provide a rather large box in which to provide relevant information, and explain that you have a very mild form that doesn't require treatment etc. The best person to help you with this is a registered migration agent because they will have previous experience of assisting people with similar conditions. They will also be able to tell you whether it might affect your chances of gaining a spouse visa, so you can make a decision at that point about whether to proceed with your application or not.

I suggest you have a read of the Medical examination for an Australian visa form, so you'll know exactly what's involved.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/26.pdf

[DrDougster]

19 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

In your previous post regarding medical checks (https://www.pomsinoz.com/topic/216965-medical-checks/?tab=comments#comment-2677080) you stated that you attempted to take your own life 10 years ago, and you've also been diagnosed with a mild form of prostate cancer. I told you that I didn't think the suicide attempt was a medical issue and you should just ignore it. Other's argued that if it was due to depression then it's a mental health condition, so you need to declare it.

Q18 on the Medical Examination form asks;  Do you suffer, or have you ever suffered, from mental health problems?

It's rather a subjective question given that in this day and age pretty much half the western world suffers from poor mental health, but unless you've been clinically diagnosed and treated for a specific mental health condition then I think you can legitimately answer 'no' to that question.

Q21 on the same form asks;  Do you have, or have you had, cancer in the last 5 years?

There's nothing remotely subjective about that question, is there? You've been diagnosed with prostate cancer so you need to answer 'yes'. However, the form does provide a rather large box in which to provide relevant information, and explain that you have a very mild form that doesn't require treatment etc. The best person to help you with this is a registered migration agent because they will have previous experience of assisting people with similar conditions. They will also be able to tell you whether it might affect your chances of gaining a spouse visa, so you can make a decision at that point about whether to proceed with your application or not.

I suggest you have a read of the Medical examination for an Australian visa form, so you'll know exactly what's involved.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/26.pdf

As it's a forum of opinions: I don't read it like that. I would say Q18 is a pretty clear, objective but open question. Q21 needs clarity rather than an essay.

Q18 Answer: Yes. I suffered from severe depression for a brief period ten years ago since which time I have remained well, been managed as mild depression with a single antidepressant medication: fluoxetine. (This is a suggestion, not based factual info)

Q21Answer: Yes, low grade prostate, Gleason 6:no associated excess morbidity or mortality, no treatment required. 

 

Edited November 17, 2023 by DrDougster

[InnerVoice]

38 minutes ago, DrDougster said:

As it's a forum of opinions: I don't read it like that. I would say Q18 is a pretty clear, objective but open question. Q21 needs clarity rather than an essay.

Q18 Answer: Yes. I suffered from severe depression for a brief period ten years ago since which time I have remained well, been managed as mild depression with a single antidepressant medication: fluoxetine. (This is a suggestion, not based factual info)

Q21Answer: Yes, low grade prostate, Gleason 6:no associated excess morbidity or mortality, no treatment required. 

I was looking at damage limitation, without blatantly lying. Medical conditions which may prevent a visa from being granted include, and I quote, 'HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, cancer, major heart issues and mental illnesses', so the OP would be ticking two of those boxes. Add to that he's already 59 (guessing from his username), and these health issues might well tip the balance when it comes to the visa decision.

I'm not sure how the process works, but I'd assume that if an applicant answers 'yes' to any of these questions then immigration will likely want to investigate further.

[BendigoBoy]

6 minutes ago, InnerVoice said:

I'm not sure how the process works, but I'd assume that if an applicant answers 'yes' to any of these questions then immigration will likely want to investigate further.

Well, that's what we fund them for!

[DrDougster]

2 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

I was looking at damage limitation, without blatantly lying. Medical conditions which may prevent a visa from being granted include, and I quote, 'HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, cancer, major heart issues and mental illnesses', so the OP would be ticking two of those boxes. Add to that he's already 59 (guessing from his username), and these health issues might well tip the balance when it comes to the visa decision.

I'm not sure how the process works, but I'd assume that if an applicant answers 'yes' to any of these questions then immigration will likely want to investigate further.

If someone who had a suffered a suicide attempt answered "no" to Do you suffer, or have you ever suffered, from mental health problems? I would say that's clearly not being truthful. I wouldn't advise it.

I'm sure you'd invariably get away with it but being honest isn't going to be an issue. It doesn't sound like the op has ongoing severe mental health issues or is at high risk of relapse. If they did relapse and need care being able to be open and honest about their history is pretty important.

What they are doing is weighing up not being truthful on a visa application. In this instance I don't think being open and honest would change a medical assessment. 

[Nemesis]

I do seem to recall that with a Spouse Visa there always used to be a Health Waiver available, so even if the applicant suffered from some conditions that would bar any other visa candidate, they might be accepted on a Spouse Visa, on the grounds that a refusal could be detrimental to an Australian citizen (the sponsor)

Maybe @Paulhand could clarify whether such a waiver still exists?

[paulhand]

8 hours ago, Nemesis said:

Maybe @Paulhand could clarify whether such a waiver still exists?

Yes … but it’s not a blanket waiver, it just lowers the bar. 

[InnerVoice]

18 hours ago, DrDougster said:

If someone who had a suffered a suicide attempt answered "no" to Do you suffer, or have you ever suffered, from mental health problems? I would say that's clearly not being truthful. I wouldn't advise it.

I'm sure you'd invariably get away with it but being honest isn't going to be an issue. It doesn't sound like the op has ongoing severe mental health issues or is at high risk of relapse. If they did relapse and need care being able to be open and honest about their history is pretty important.

What they are doing is weighing up not being truthful on a visa application. In this instance I don't think being open and honest would change a medical assessment. 

I'll bow to professional judgement on this one, not to mention that it seems like the right thing to do. I've no idea whether those medical conditions might affect someone's chances to be honest, but if it was me I'd definitely be consulting an RMA rather than trying to wing it.