USCIS immigration exams, DOT/CDL/TLC certificates for professional drivers, weight management, and medical marijuana registration are four distinct medical procedures that can be handled in a single office on Staten Island — without having to look for a separate specialist for each of them.
Some medical visits are not about treatment — they are about paperwork. Applying for a green card requires an examination by a Civil Surgeon. Working as a truck driver, taxi driver, or Uber driver requires an up-to-date medical certificate. Legal access to medical marijuana in New York State starts with registration by an authorized physician. Each of these matters has its own formal requirements — and each ends with the same thing: you need to find a doctor with the appropriate qualifications, ideally one who speaks your language.
Dr. George J. Kuczabski’s office on Staten Island offers all four types of examinations under one roof. In this guide, we explain what each of them involves, what documents are good to prepare, and what to keep in mind when scheduling an appointment.
USCIS Immigration Exam (Civil Surgeon)
Applying for a green card (Form I-485) requires attaching the results of a medical exam performed by a doctor authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services as a Civil Surgeon — not every family doctor has these qualifications, even though the exam may seem like a regular check-up at first glance. The exam includes a review of vaccination history, a physical examination, and screening tests required by Form I-693.
The physician running the practice is an authorized USCIS Civil Surgeon, which is required to perform this examination. The official list of requirements and forms related to the immigration exam is published directly by the government agency: USCIS Form I-693 page. It is a good idea to check the current list of required vaccinations and documents there before your visit, as requirements change periodically.
For your visit, it is a good idea to bring an ID, available vaccination records (if any), and information about past illnesses. A lack of complete vaccination records does not disqualify you from the exam — the doctor can recommend catch-up vaccinations on-site, in accordance with the form’s requirements.
DOT, CDL, and TLC Exams for Professional Drivers
Commercial vehicle drivers — truck drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers — must regularly undergo medical examinations confirming their fitness to drive safely. A DOT (Department of Transportation) exam is required for holders of a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) and includes an assessment of vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health affecting driving abilities.
Taxi and livery vehicle drivers in New York City are also subject to TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission) requirements — a separate set of examinations specific to this license. Conducting such examinations requires the status of a certified transport medical examiner on the federal FMCSA National Registry — the official list of eligible examining physicians can be checked on the government website: FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
A DOT medical certificate has a specific expiration date — usually up to two years, although certain medical conditions (e.g., insulin-treated diabetes, hypertension) may shorten this period and require more frequent follow-up exams. It is wise to schedule your visit well in advance of your current certificate’s expiration to avoid any interruption in your ability to work.
Schedule a DOT, CDL, or TLC exam: 518-844-4511.
Weight Management and Medical Marijuana
In addition to formal exams, the office also conducts visits related to weight management — including health assessments, treatment planning, and next steps tailored to the patient’s health status. This is a topic that often intersects with other health issues (hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea), which is why it is best to discuss it with a doctor who knows your complete medical history, rather than in isolation from your overall health.
New York State also runs a medical marijuana program for patients with conditions qualifying them for this form of treatment. Registration in the program requires an evaluation by a physician registered as a provider under the New York State Medical Cannabis Program — this service is available at this office through that program. Official information about the program, including a list of qualifying conditions, is published by the New York State Department of Health: NYS Department of Health medical marijuana program page.
Each of these matters — weight management or medical marijuana — begins with a conversation with a doctor about your individual health condition. None of them are a quick “on-the-spot” formality without a clinical evaluation.
What to Look For When Scheduling a Certification Exam
- Whether the doctor is actually listed in the appropriate registry. For DOT exams, check the FMCSA National Registry; for immigration exams, check the USCIS Civil Surgeon status. A simple “medical exams” sign on the office door is not enough.
- What documents to bring to the visit. An ID is essential, but for a USCIS exam, vaccination records are useful, and for a DOT exam, a list of current medications.
- How long the issued certificate is valid. Terms vary depending on the type of exam and health condition — it is worth asking directly when you need to return for your next exam.
- Whether the office handles the entire process in Polish. Immigration and transportation forms can be detailed — understanding every question matters for the accuracy of the completed document.
- Whether you can take care of more than one matter during the same visit. If you need, for example, a DOT exam and a weight management consultation at the same time, it is worth asking if the office combines such visits.
Dr. George J. Kuczabski’s office on Staten Island meets these criteria — check out the full profile and contact details on PolishPages.
One Place for Four Different Matters
The biggest practical benefit of handling these matters in one office is saving time — you don’t need to look for a separate doctor for an immigration exam, another for a DOT certificate, and yet another for medical marijuana registration. For a professional driver who is simultaneously waiting for a green card, being able to take care of both matters in the same office can make a real organizational difference.
This approach fits into the broader care model at the Clove Road office, where the same doctor also provides primary care and surgery. We write more about this model in our guide on family doctors and surgeons on Staten Island.
If you need a USCIS exam, DOT/CDL/TLC certificate, weight consultation, or medical marijuana registration, schedule an appointment by phone or text: 518-844-4511.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Formal requirements for certification exams may change — consult your specific situation directly with a licensed physician authorized for the given examination.
