Disease conditions most frequently evaluated among the homeless in Dallas

Responding to the medical needs oft he homeless population across the Unite d Stares exacts large costs on the health care system. To provide effective ly for such vulnerable populations, health care systems require creative an d efficient strategies of service organization tailored to the specific nee ds of the homeless. However, such needs often vary by geographic region due to the inherent diversity of the population. Currently, no published medic al evaluation of the urban homeless in Texas exists. Therefore, this study examines 93,074 diagnoses given to 20,331 homeless patients seen in a seven -year period in a primary care mobile and fixed clinic system. The most fre quent disease conditions evaluated in this cohort of patients are reported. These findings may be useful to clinical site managers and health care pla nners contemplating an outreach program for the homeless.