“Suitcase Clinics”: A Possible Economic Answer to Healthcare for the Homeless

This presentation will describe a new healthcare delivery model that addresses the unconventional and complex health concerns of homeless children and adults in the city. “Suitcase Clinics” provide health care at the point of contact in 5 local shelters and human service agencies.  Specifically, it provides onsite primary care services by an experienced Nurse Practitioner to homeless clients enrolled in local shelters while providing onsite case management services when more comprehensive services were needed.  Follow up care referrals articulate with the Community Health Center (HCHC).  Uniquely, rather than the program functioning within a permanent clinic setting, the supplies are transported in a suitcase on wheels and the clinics functions in private space within the shelters.   This new model of healthcare delivery to homeless populations offers an effective and economic model of service that aims to break the cycle of homelessness by providing comprehensive preventative care with positive long term results. Outcomes and lessons learned will be highlighted, including results from a patient satisfaction survey and preliminary cost-benefit analysis of reduction in Emergency Department visits.