Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)

New Zealand

1. How do I reschedule my appointment?

If you need to reschedule your appointment, please email the practice on info@knightsbridge-doctors.com with the new date and preferred time you need your appointment moved too. If you are rescheduling more than one person/appointment, please list all those who need to be moved in your email.

2. Do I need to fast before my blood test? 

There is no need to fast, you can eat and drink as normal prior to your appointment. 

3. I am booking for a family; how do I do this? 

Every person who needs a medical must have their own appointment. You must book each person individually. Please choose a day with enough space for all of you and try to book consecutive appointments where possible.

4. How long will my appointment take?

We suggest an individual adult allows 2 hours with us for their entire appointment, though we do our best to see you well within this time frame. The approximate duration for a family of 4 is 2-3 hours.

5. What medical reports do I need to bring with me to my appointment? 

If you have any significant past or ongoing medical conditions, please bring relevant Hospital Clinic letters (or occasionally a GP report) to your appointment. If you are otherwise healthy, you do not need to bring a medical report with you. If you are unsure, please wait and discuss this with the doctor during your appointment who will advise you further. 

6. I have paid online; will I have to pay again on the day of my appointment?

If you have booked correctly for your medical appointment, you will have nothing further to pay on the day of your appointment. If, however, you have booked incorrectly, the difference in payment for the required tests will be taken from you via card during your appointment. Moreover, if any further required tests become apparent during your appointment, these will be charged additionally.

7. What does the medical examination involve?

The medical examination is an assessment with the doctor which will involve a series of questions regarding past medical history. For children, their development including school progress will be addressed. 
The physical examination will consist of a general observation and, specifically, examination of each area of the body in turn. Thus, the lymph glands will be checked in the neck and under the arms. The ears and throat will be looked into. The heart and lungs will be examined in the chest and the abdomen will also be examined. Each applicant will also be weighed, their height measured, and, if appropriate, their visual acuity formally checked. There will be no genital examination.
A breast examination is required for women over 45 years of age. If the applicant prefers, acceptable alternatives include: examination of the breasts by a breast specialist, mammogram, or breast ultrasound or magnetic resonance scan. You may wish to bring previous Breast Imaging or Breast Clinic reports to the appointment, and this can be discussed with the Panel Physician.

Kidney Function blood testing: For most accurate eGFR (kidney function) measurement, it is advised adults refrain from eating any meat in the 12 hours before having blood tests for creatinine and eGFR. If someone is taking creatine supplements (usually bodybuilders/some gym users), this may result in a falsely raised creatinine result and therefore a falsely low eGFR. Thus generally one should avoid creatinine supplements for 1 week prior to blood tests for creatinine and eGFR.

8. Will I need to return to Knightsbridge Doctors after the initial appointment?

Uncommonly to complete the immigration medical examination, an applicant might need to return to the Practice for a follow up closer chest x-ray view or a further blood sample.

9. I need a medical examination as well as a chest x-ray.  Do I need to book these separately?

If you have been asked to have a chest x-ray only, please book the chest x-ray only appointment type. 
If you have been asked to have a Limited Medical examination and chest x-ray, please only book the Limited Medical Appointment type. The chest x-ray is included in this booking, and you do not need to book the chest x-ray additionally. 
If you have been asked to have a General Medical, please book the Adult Full General appointment type, the chest x-ray is included in this booking. You do not need to book the chest x-ray additionally.

10. Do I need to provide a urine sample during my appointment?

All applicants aged 5 years and above must provide a urine sample during their appointment. 

11. I am menstruating during my appointment; will this affect my urine sample?

The urine test for New Zealand does assess for microscopic blood. Thus, a woman’s monthly cycle can affect this test result. Ideally the appointment would occur outside of the monthly period.

12. I am pregnant, do I need to have a chest x-ray?

For female applicants who are pregnant, the chest x-ray examination will be set aside. Evidence of pregnancy must be provided, for example, a certificate from the applicant’s own doctor.