Stories Doctors 'Homeless', approached and caring for homeless

Far from the doctor's clinic or hospital sterile, Brett Feldman looking for homeless people in places where they are common - in the jungle camp, under the bridge, along the river bank, and a communal kitchen. Later, he treated them ranging from diabetes, trench foot, mental illness, to illicit substance use disorders.

Brett Feldman, 34, a physician's assistant who became one of the practitioners of Street Medicine, the health care program marginalized communities who would later become part of the health system in the United States and the world.

The program also serves to cut costs, and also reducing visits the homeless in the emergency room.

Street Medicine began 30 years ago and initiated by individual doctors and nurses who possess altruistic - altruistic. This activity spread across the world, and those who choose to become a doctor streets leaving the office to take care of the homeless.

Until now, some of the 60 Street Medicine which operates nationally, has affiliated with a hospital or health. It is quoted from Mashable.com

Street Medicine Profitable Hospital.

Homeless been to the emergency room more often than others. They also usually live longer and maintain and requires a higher action.

This caused the hospital's financial swell. "Open wounds and bleeding to the hospital," said Dr. Jim Withers, medical pioneer who launched the streets of Pittsburgh Mercy's Operation Safety Net in 1992.

Hospitals may be the one who can be helped in terms of cost since their program's Street Medicine. "I think it was inevitable, but it has not happened yet. Maybe in a long time will be more cost effective," said Withers, one of the founders of Street Medicine Institute in 2009.

Street Medicine Program funded by grant money, including $ 200,000 from the Department of Health Pennsylvania, has reduced registration rates Bethlehem Hospital from 51 percent to 13 percent.

Additionally, Feldmen and his team have been able to raise the number of homeless people who are insured from 24 percent to 73 percent, which means hospitals are paid more often for the provision of care.

"... They do not need to come to the hospital, where (when they come) we will need more funding," said President and Chief Executive Health Networks, Dr. Brian Nester.

Other health system that works with the program Street Medicine also reported the same advantages. Samantha Irons spokesman said, "The program at Mount Carmel

Health System in Columbus, Ohio, to divert hundreds of costly emergency visits each month."

"Street Medicine Program at JPS Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, in combination with other initiatives, can reduce activity in the ER," said physician's assistant Joel Hunt.

"We have something to offer that can be done in real time, real, and they can learn something about themselves in the place ...," he added.

Street Medicine program

Brett Feldman 'in love' with Street Medicine program when he was a student volunteer and worked at a clinic in Chicago. A homeless patient said to him, "You know, I do not always want to be like this. I could be someone else. And I have meat to eat every night. '

The conversation stirred the heart Feldman. "I do not think that anyone should feel like that," he said

He said that the Street Medicine represents the idea that 'everyone matters'.

In doing so, he was carrying a backpack full of medical supplies and had braved the cold air around Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

Feldmen provide primary and preventive care to approximately 100 patients per month homeless and care no matter where they are located.

"My job is to bring comfort to them, and heal when I can," said Feldman.

Brett Feldman and Bob Rapp searching for the path to where the homeless under a bridge Brett Feldman and his colleagues walked to a homeless camp in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The other events are also experienced by Feldmen. Behind closed Allentown night club, he met with Todd Hottle, 53, a farm laborer doing odd that requires a hernia operation. Hottle said he would leave the hospital, shortly after he underwent medical measures.

However, Feldman asked him to stay a few days for the healing process.

"I do not know. I really do not like that place," said Hottle that elicits laughter from Feldman and his team.

"I do not like locked up," he added,

Although she complained, but Hottle said she appreciated Feldman. "He came and checked everyone, ensuring that everyone is okay."

After meeting with Hottle, Feldman visited several other homeless. Under the bridge, he found blankets and sleeping bags, empty cans of liquor, hospital bracelets and unopened bottles of medicine - all evidence of a 'perkemahan'yang still occupied, but there are people.

Feldman collect some used syringes and put it into a container for medical waste, to be discharged into the shelter. At that time he saw Bridgete Hammerstone, 40, who is recovering from drug use disorders and has been homeless for a long time.

"Someone like Brett was a blessing for me," the woman said. "Because it opens the door where the incoming light for the first time in life, and it was very special."