A homeless person often has unmet health needs with little or no preventive care.
Infectious diseases:
(1) tuberculosis
(2) HIV
(3) hepatitis B and/or C
(4) rickettsialpox
(5) sexually transmitted diseases (if sells sex for drugs or money)
(6) enteric illness
(7) pneumonia
Psychiatric issues:
(1) psychotic diseases, often with paranoia
(2) substance abuse, with risk of withdrawal syndromes
Other health problems:
(1) vitamin deficiency and malnutrition
(2) liver disease
(3) renal disease
(4) heart diseases
(5) traumatic injury
(6) cold or weather exposure
(7) dental problems
(8) cancer, often found late in its course
(9) smoking
(10) poor hygiene
(11) untreated diabetes and/or pancreatitis
(12) problems with vision or eyes
Usual health care providers:
(1) free clinics
(2) emergency department
Problems for therapy:
(1) advanced disease at presentation
(2) may leave a hospital against medical advice
Problems with drug treatments:
(1) unable to afford medicines
(2) poor compliance, and may require observed therapy
(3) may not understand or follow instructions
(4) may sell or trade medicines
Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Psychiatry