Table 1.

Key questions for evaluating the peregrinating emergency department patient.

Question	Clinical information
How long have you been in this city?	Collect history of present illness and consider time course of symptoms.
What brought you to this city?	Understand motivation.
Where are you staying? Where do you eat? What is your income source?	Assess for grave disability and identify basic needs.
How often do you move?	Learn pattern of behavior and usual coping styles.
Who do you know here? Any friends? Family?	Identify sources of support.
How long do you plan to stay here?	Begin planning for follow-up care.