Accounting for Social Risks in Medicare and Medicaid Payments

2023

Authors Phillips, Robert L, Ostrovsky, Andrey, Bazemore, Andrew W, Gilfillan, Richard, Price, Dana
Topics Achieving Health System Goals, Role of Primary Care
Source The Commonwealth Fund

There is increasing pressure on frontline clinicians, particularly those in primary care, to assess patients for social needs — for instance, poverty, housing instability, food insecurity, and unemployment — which can be potent drivers of health outcomes. While identifying these needs is important, without resources to address them directly or the ability to partner with community-based organizations, clinicians are left powerless. Being pushed to assess without resources can be a source of frustration and burnout for clinicians who are motivated to help their patients.