| Refugee Program - Resources for HC Practioners |
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Refugee Program: ResourcesNotification of Refugee Resettlement Refugee Health Screening, Referrals and Follow-up Networking and Coordination of Services Record-keeping Requirements for Local Health Departments Notification of Refugee ResettlementWhen the State Office of Refugee Health receives notification of refugee arrivals from the USPHS quarantine station, a copy of the document is forwarded to the local health department of the community in which the refugee(s) will be resettled. The referral is discussed with the health provider and appropriate instructions, cultural information and fact sheets are forwarded at the time of mailing the notification. Usually the VOLAG/sponsors make appointments for the new refugees within days of arrival. The health departments and VOLAGs, as a team, follow-up new arrivals to assure initial health screenings are performed.
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Refugee Health Screening, Referrals and Follow-up
The health history and physical examination is performed by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or public health nurse certified for Kan-B-Healthy (EPSDT). Referrals for medical care are made to local physicians, clinics and specialty services (i.e., dentist, optometrist, etc.) for definitive diagnosis and treatment. The components of the screening are:
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laboratory and screening including: TB skin test, hemoglobin/hematocrit, urinalysis (dip sticks that includes glucose, blood leukocytes/nitrates), ova/parasites, Hepatitis B. (HbsAg), hearing, and vision.
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immunizations, including history of past immunization, administration of vaccinations, education and outlining of vaccinations schedules as appropriate for age.
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education about the availability of health services, expectations, and appropriate utilization.
An orientation to the health care system and basic health information is provided during the screening. On the first visit, each refugee family is encouraged to go to the local SRS office to apply for Medicaid if not previously done. It usually takes three clinic visits to complete all the testing, immunizations, physical examination, and follow-up care in the health department.
Networking and Coordination of Services
An informal system of case management to ensure Medicaid/RMA enrollment and managed care was developed between the KDHE refugee health coordinator and the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation (SRS) Medicaid offices. A person in SRS has been assigned to coordinate and be a resource for Medicaid Refugee enrollment issues. SRS and KDHE coordinate on system and individual issues affecting refugees, including the administration and reimbursement of immunizations required by the INS for change of immigration status. The refugee health manual reflects current Standards of Practice and Procedures and has been distributed to all the health departments, clinics, and agencies/VOLAGS participating in the Refugee Health Program.
Recordkeeping Requirements for Local Health Departments
A state refugee health record (Click here for the Refugee Health Assessment Form) is completed on each client and a copy of the form is sent to the State Refugee Health Coordinator. The county health departments receive $400 per complete health assessment, which includes the laboratory screening [TB skin test, hemoglobin, urinalysis, ova and parasite test, hepatitis B screen, hearing and vision screens], health history, immunizations, physical examination performed by a physician, ARNP, or certified Kan-B-Healthy (EPSDT) RN with physical examination skills, referral and follow-up. All clients with positive PPDs are referred to the health department TB program for complete clinical evaluation, prophylaxis, and follow up. A quarterly report of the status of TB testing and follow-up are sent also to the TB program. Other health department referrals are made as appropriate, e.g. WIC, family planning, STD, maternity, and child health.
Click here to contact the OLRH staff member responsible for this program.