Guidelines for the U.S. Domestic Medical Examination of Newly Arriving Refugees
Iowa Refugee Health Assessment
Guidelines for performing the Iowa Refugee Health Program’s Health Assessment are consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines for the U.S. Domestic Medical Examination for Newly Arriving Refugees.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Immunizations
Tuberculosis
Class B Tuberculosis Follow-up
Refugees receive a TB class status based on the results of their overseas medical examination prior to departure to the U.S. The CDC recommends that refugees (and immigrants) with Class B TB designations receive a full TB evaluation within 30 days of arrival in the U.S. The purpose is to evaluate the person for active pulmonary TB, extrapulmonary TB, and LTBI, and to treat these conditions if identified. The Iowa Refugee Health Program works closely with local public health agencies, medical clinics, and the Iowa TB Control Program to ensure evaluation and appropriate follow-up care for Class B TB cases.
Hepatitis
Sexually Transmitted Infections & Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Intestinal Parasites
Malaria
Blood Work
Lead
Mental Health
Submission of the Iowa Refugee Health Assessment Information
The preferred method of reporting health assessment screening results to the Refugee Health Program is the Iowa Refugee Health Assessment Screening (IRHAS) module in the Iowa Immunization Registry Information System (IRIS). IRHAS allows clinicians to report screening results directly into IRIS. If your agency is interested in learning more about IRHAS, please contact the IRIS Help Desk: 1-800-374-3958. To access the IRHAS application, complete the IRIS Site Enrollment Form.
Submit paper copies of the Refugee Health Assessment Screening to:
Fax: (515) 281-4570 Mail: Iowa Department of Public Health
Attn: Refugee Health Coordinator
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Please contact the Refugee Health Coordinator by phone or email to discuss questions about the Initial Health Assessment. Email: Jill.Schacherer@idph.iowa.gov or Phone: (515) 322-0037.
IDPH Contact Information