Purpose
of the Health Screening
This
health screening is more complete than the one that the refugees had
overseas. The purpose of the health screening is to find and begin
to treat any health problem. Refugees need to be healthy to be
able to work. The clinic will gather all the information needed to
help refugees start medical care in the U.S.
What
to Expect
Your
health screening includes:
Ā· Medical
history which includes a Review of Overseas medical records
Ā· Physical
exam
Ā· Tuberculosis
screening
Ā· Immunizations
Ā· Screening
laboratory tests
Ā· Mental
health, traumatic events and persecution screening (Refugees 16 years or
older)
When
a refugee goes for an appointment, a healthcare provider will review the medical
and immunization records from the overseas exam. Then a healthcare
provider and other health care workers will conduct an intake (initial
interview) followed by the physical exam. They will ask about past
health problems, and give a brief health education session.
Refugees will also be asked to give blood, urine, and stool samples to
test for diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, anemia and
parasites. In some cases refugees might also get a tuberculin skin
test and any needed immunizations. Young children will be tested
for lead in their blood. If a problem is found during the health screening, they
will be told about it and a referral will be made to get further medical care at
another clinic or specialist. Refugees will be given copies of
health records when the screening is done.
What
They Should Bring to the Appointment
On
the day of the appointment, refugees should bring the bag from the International
Organization for Migration (IOM). This bag contains a record of
the overseas health exam. Refugees should also bring their passport or I-94 card
and their Medi-Cal card (if they have received it). If they are
taking any medicines, be sure to bring them too.
āā