Social Determinants of Health

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the economic, social, and environmental factors that impact a person’s health and well-being. These factors include, but are not limited to, education, income, housing, transportation, and access to healthy food.

SDOH have a significant impact on health outcomes, as they influence a person’s exposure to health risks, access to healthcare services, and ability to maintain good health. For example, it is documented that people who live in areas with high levels of poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and poor living conditions are more likely to experience health problems and have shorter life expectancies than those who live in areas with better resources and opportunities.

It is becoming increasingly recognized that addressing SDOH is a critical component of improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Healthcare providers and organizations are starting to incorporate SDOH screening and interventions into their care delivery models, and many are partnering with community-based organizations to address the root causes of health disparities.

Overall, the recognition of the impact of SDOH on health and well-being has led to a growing focus on addressing these factors as a way to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in communities.

Medicare has created a list of SDOH ICD-codes known as Z Codes and many healthcare organizations are incorporating utilization of these codes into their documentation workflows. As Z Codes become more common, Vim can work with healthcare organizations to help clinicians and care teams document and address SDOH data.