Community health center provider ability to identify, treat and account for the social determinants of health: a card study

The social determinants of health (SDH) are conditions that shape the overall health of an individual on a continuous basis. As momentum for addressing social factors in primary care settings grows, provider ability to identify, treat and assess these factors remains unknown. Community health centers care for over 20- million of America´s highest risk populations. This study at three centers evaluates provider ability to identify, treat and code for the SDH.

The results suggest simple methods of identification may be sufficient. The addition of searchable codes and reimbursements may improve the way social factors are addressed for individuals and populations. 

Patient–Provider Video Telemedicine Integrated With Clinical Care: Patient Experiences

Real-time patient–provider video visits have the potential to engage patients by allowing them to access a clinical encounter without arranging transportation, taking time off from work, or spending time in a waiting room. Although millions of U.S. patients have used direct-to-consumer telemedicine services without in-person facilities, these services may lack integration with electronic health records and with clinicians from whom patients receive ongoing care. Evidence is limited from large-scale implementation of “house call” video visits integrated with ongoing health care delivery and providers in community primary care.