Our complex care clinics are meant for some of our most medically or socially complicated refugee patients. Referrals to our refugee clinic are typically internal, although we have a relationship with local refugee resettlement agencies as well.
The clinics are conducted twice a month at the Banner Alvernon Family Medicine clinic and twice a month at the El Rio Abrams Family Medicine Clinic.
Our care team consists of a designated attending who has expertise in the care of refugees; two residents; medical students; a lawyer who is part of our medical-legal partnership TFAP); a dedicated nurse; a refugee health navigator, a pharmacy resident and public health intern.
The day starts at 8 AM with a 10-minute refugee related teaching pearl done by the attending or resident of the day, followed by a team huddle where each patient has their chart reviewed to identify gaps in care and a care plan is developed.
Each patient is scheduled for an hour appointment to allow the patients and physicians the time that is needed to adequately address the patient’s needs.
Common referrals we get are: new HIV positive patients, patients with latent TB who need treatment, patients with severe PTSD, patients with parasitic illnesses or undifferentiated illnesses, patients who need good med reconciliation, patients who need paperwork (especially the N-648 form) filled out, patients who have multiple complicated medical or legal-social issues, and a multitude of other issues.
