Guide for New Arrivals: Scheduling Refugee Health Screening

The Refugee Health Screening (RHS), also known as the Domestic Medical Screening (DMS) or Refugee Health Assessment (RHA), is a vital first step for newly arrived refugees to access healthcare in the U.S. This screening consists of two appointments and includes a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify health concerns and prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Refugee health includes all the unique barriers and solutions to quality care for refugees. It also means ensuring that those who resettle in the U.S. can access recommended medical care. Before arriving in the U.S., refugees must have an overseas panel physician exam.  

Purpose of the Refugee Health Screening
 ✔ Identify and address acute and chronic health conditions.
 ✔ Prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
 ✔ Facilitate entry into primary care services.
 ✔ Provide referrals to specialists for ongoing medical needs.

Medical History & Physical Exam

Physicians will review:

• Past medical history: Any prior medical treatments, surgeries, or conditions.
• Current medications or use of alternative remedies.
• Exposure risks: Environmental, travel-related, or infectious diseases.
• Mental health history: Trauma, abuse, PTSD, or stress-related conditions.
• General health assessments: Vision, hearing, dental, and overall well-being.

🔹 Important: Refugees should bring their Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant Form (DS-2054) if available.

How to Schedule Your Refugee Health Screening

There are two primary ways to schedule a health screening appointment:

1. Refugee Health Screening (RHS) through Local Health clinic

✔ Find a Local Refugee Health Provider by visiting the State-by-State Resources for Newcomers.
 ✔ If information is not available online, dial 211 for assistance in locating a refugee health clinic.
 ✔ Call the clinic and request an appointment for a Refugee Health Screening.
 ✔ If needed, request an interpreter for your appointment.

2.  Screening Through a Primary Care Provider (PCP)

✔ In some counties where no designated RHS clinic exists, you must visit a Primary Care Provider (PCP) for screening.
 ✔ If your PCP does not perform the full screening, they will refer you to an approved Refugee Health Clinic for further testing and vaccinations.

Connect refugees with a primary care provider (PCP) and specialist doctors for ongoing health care 

Scheduling Your Appointment & Required Documents

📅 Confirm the date, time, and location of your screening.
 📌 Bring the following required documents:

• I-94 or Visa Foil
• Passport
• Vaccination or immunization Records ( DT, DTP, DTaP, TD, Tdap, OPV,IPV, MMR hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus and meningococcal disease, and COVID-19
• Alien Number (A-Number) for all family members
• Current Residency Address
• Medicaid card( if available)
• Form DS 2054 Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant (MEF) 

Both options ensure that you receive the required health screening, which is a critical step in accessing medical care, vaccinations, and other essential health services in the U.S.

Additional Resources

📌 State Refugee Health Contacts: Find your state’s refugee health program through the CDC Refugee Health Directory.

📌 Medicaid  Assistance:

• If you have Medicaid, provide your Medicaid ID at the clinic.
• If Medicaid is pending, ask if the Refugee Health Program (RHP) can cover the screening.

📌 Transportation Assistance:

• Ask if the clinic offers free transportation or check if Medicaid covers Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT).
• Utilize public transit, rideshare services, or family support for transportation.

Refugee health care requires specialized efforts. These efforts help to ensure health equity for those who resettle in the U.S.