PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Homelessness is a growing problem in the U.S. Many of these people have serious medical conditions, and an increasing number are women and young children.
Some physicians have recognized the problem and are taking care directly to the streets. In fact, there are now training programs in street medicine, where young physicians can learn how to best provide care outside of the hospital and in the streets.
Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services introduced a code that will allow payment for the care of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Hopefully, this financial incentive will encourage more doctors and more hospital systems to expand care.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
