A Single Patient Identifier: Winning the Social Determinants of Health Battle
The social determinants of health (SDOH), which include housing, education, transportation, income, and food insecurity, have quickly become the most critical influences in care outcomes. Since social determinants now make up the majority of factors contributing to population health, plans and providers are seeking to build a total picture of patients’ health to offer intervention and support. However, exerting control over social determinants isn’t the end goal of providers, but the hope is to offer interventions outside of clinical care to improve population health. Screening and intervention are logical steps in assessing social determinants, but knowing how to put this data into effective use remains a challenge. Now, emerging technology tools such as a single patient identifier could bring a more comprehensive view of a patient and offer insight into their ability to benefit from specific care plans.