title: Immigrant and refugee health: medical evaluation.
abstract: Overseas medical screening by panel physicians for conditions that might jeopardize US public health is required for admission to the United States by immigrant visa or refugee status. According to protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conditions such as active tuberculosis and substance dependence, when detected, prohibit entry to the United States, whereas close medical follow-up after arrival is required for individuals with other conditions. Refugees and asylees should undergo further medical assessment by a US civil surgeon as soon as possible after arrival. Applicants for legal permanent residence in the United States, whether by immigrant visa or adjustment of status, must receive vaccinations comparable to those recommended for citizens. When immigrants and refugees present to a primary care physician, the vaccination process may not be complete, and documentation of the extent to which it is complete might be lacking. Immigrants and refugees may have a variety of unrecognized or untreated musculoskeletal conditions, mental health conditions, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Health System, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive Lobby H SPC 5795, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5795, karlr@med.umich.edu.
authors.forename: Karl T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Rew
authors.affiliation: Self Regional Healthcare Family Medicine Residency Program, 155 Academy Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646, LClarke@selfregional.org.
authors.forename: S Lindsey
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Medical School Department of Family Medicine, 1150 West Medical Center Drive M7300 Medical Science I SPC 5625, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5625, wgossa@med.umich.edu.
authors.forename: Weyinshet
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gossa
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado Hospital Outpatient Clinic, Building 500 West Wing Level 213001 E. 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045, daniel.savin@ucdenver.edu.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Savin
mesh_terms: D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D006077:Government Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012036:Refugees; D014481:United States; D014611:Vaccination