A panel physician for Canada immigration is a medical doctor accredited and impanelled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The clinics use the eMedical system, which eliminates paper-based submission of immigration medical examination cases. A patient’s IME# is an 8-digit number that identifies their medical examination file. This number can be found on their Upfront eMedical document issued by the Panel Physician.
A panel physician is a healthcare professional designated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to perform immigration medical exams. These physicians are responsible for sending all exam results to IRCC’s eMedical system. They must follow several guidelines to ensure that they provide accurate and complete information. These guidelines include adherence to the Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Tuberculosis Technical Instructions. In addition, they must also ensure that their certificates and narrative reports are completed correctly.
Who is Considered a Panel Physician?
To become a panel physician, a healthcare professional must meet the following criteria:
- He or she must be an active practitioner with a valid license and must have completed an IPPA-sponsored course on implementing the CDC’s Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians. The course is available online and covers a range of topics, including proper documentation and vaccinations. The physician must also be familiar with the procedures for evaluating immigrant applicants in accordance with the Technical Instructions. This includes completing the required paperwork, submitting the results to eMedical, and providing referrals as needed.
- The panel physician must also abide by the ICRC’s Guidelines for Performing Immigration Medical Examinations. This includes examining all relevant health conditions and testing for the presence of tuberculosis and other diseases. The doctor must also examine the client’s limb movement, ear, and eye health, as well as their weight, skin, and blood pressure. In addition, the doctor must not touch the genitals or rectal area.
- Another important requirement is that the panel physician must have a valid passport or national identification card. This is to help the physician ascertain that they are screening the right person. Finally, the panel physician must have access to a computer with an internet connection to ensure that all documents are submitted to eMedical in a timely manner.
How to Find a Panel Physician for IRCC Application?
To find a Panel physician, visit the CIC website and select the country where you plan to take your IME. From there, you will be given a list of available physicians in that area. Once you’ve made a selection, make sure to compare their fees and services. Most Panel physicians will post their service fees on their websites, but if you have any doubts, feel free to call them directly. You can also ask about their Google reviews to get a sense of their customer service.
During the medical exam, you’ll need to present valid identification to your panel physician, such as a passport or national identity card. The doctor will then ask you to fill out a questionnaire and take a few tests. These include a mental status test, chest x-rays, and blood work.
During the IME, your doctor will ask about your medical history and conduct a non-invasive physical examination. They will examine your weight, eyes, ears, skin, and heart and lung function. They will also test for a number of other health conditions, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
Your Panel Physician will then submit the results of your IME to IRCC using a program called eMedical. The report will be used as part of your overall assessment for Canadian immigration. The medical exam results are valid for 12 months from the date of your IME.
Keep in mind that the Panel Physician does not make the final decision about your application. The final decision will be made by IRCC, the government agency that manages the Canadian immigration system. However, if your IME is deemed unacceptable for any reason, you may be required to undergo additional medical tests.