[aimeemk]

I was curious, how many of you are using an IA doctor? My husband and I are using a hospital that has a group of doctors specializing in Russian adoption. Experiences would be great to hear.

[Dobby]

we used an IA doctor who was experienced in Russian medical terms and technology. Certainly made us feel better to have someone very knowledgeable look over our information. This particular IA doctor was sent photos and info via email from our agency, and then responded back to us within 24 hours. Even when we requested more measurements and sent them to the IA dr. to evaluate again, we didn't receive an extra charge. Just a flat fee, which was nice. The IA dr. had even been in our region, so it was nice to chat about the area and weather.

[kryslm]

We consulted a pediatrician and a pediatric neurologist here in the U.S. when we received our referral medical info. Then, we had an IA doctor in Russia review the medicals for us, as well.
I think your plan to use "a group of doctors specializing in Russian adoption" sounds like a good plan!

Mike

[ATwinkleofHope]

We went on a blind referral and emailed the IA doctor all the translated medicals and sent pictures to her over the internet. We then called her for her opinion. It worked really well of us. The medicals are overwhelming and I was so happy when I got the OK. However, we were taking her home anyway. Once we saw her we decided that if something was wrong we would conquer any obstacles. It was pure love from day one.

-Jo

[sands]

We use an IA doc up at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He is one of the country's foremost authorities in IA. We have had 3 children reviewed by them and I am sending up #4 tomorrow. They are AWESOME and I wouldn't do Russian adoption without and IA doc.

I don't know if you have followed my story but we had a referral that we were so in love with and ready to accept. I didn't want to spend the money to have her evaluated and said "I am sure she is fine. If I can't see something wrong with her, what's the doc going to see?" DH talked me into sending the video & meds. The doc called me and told me that Irina WOULD be mentally retarded and had severe FAS. He was 100% certain of it - there was no shadow of doubt. I was devastated, BUT with time, I am so grateful we did it.

Our cost is $125 per child for review. Some are as expensive as $500. There are well known IA docs. If you need some suggestions, feel free to PM me. Your agency should also have a list of them.

GL!

[dlhall]

We used an IA doctor in New York and I would definitely recommend using one. The medicals are difficult to understand and we felt it was important to have someone who understood Russian thought process and terminology. Ours cost $350.

Liz

[Ktates]

We are - although our agency also has the child examined at the Euromed clinic (western clinic in St. Petersburg) before you go on your first trip.

[lakimnafite]

Currently, I am one of the few who (faithfully, stupidly, ignorantly....???) was not going to use an IA doctor. I have a pediatrician, a naturopath, and a chiropractor review her information. I felt very comfortable, and after meeting her I don't think there is anything that they could tell me that would make me change my mind.

That being said - I am thinking, just today, that perhaps I'll have and IA doctor do a review. If nothing else, it might prepare me for any challenges that we might expect..

[DaniJ]

I don't trust my agency resources anymore, so we are definitely getting a "second opinion" with no alterior motivations! We are using a local pediatrician who has inadvertantly become the town 'expert' on international adoptees. We were referred to him by another local family who is in the process of their second adoption of two kids from Russia. I made an appt. before our trip was cancelled, talked with him, and decided it was a good fit for us. Not necessarily convenient, but what about this process has been! If he's a good doc, he's worth driving across town to see.
Oh, bonus: he ISNT CHARGING US FOR THE SERVICE!!!!!!! Praise God for all the small miracles that will get us through this!