The odds are stacked against us when it comes to improving healthcare access and community health. From a staggering 30+ million Americans remaining uninsured to a steadily declining life expectancy compared to citizens in other high-income countries, the future of healthcare delivery in America, if nothing changes, is bleak. And a sharp projected physician shortage threatens to add insult to injury.

A decline in community health affects more than the health of the individual but also the health of the economy, the workforce, and military recruits. It affects all of us. Working diligently to eliminate these disparities in economic and social systems with an intentional focus on resolving structural and institutional racism is critical. And everyone in healthcare plays a pivotal role in driving improvement.

Here are some common examples of social determinants and a few ways healthcare professionals can be the change we wish to see: improved health and health equity for everyone, everywhere.

What Are the Biggest Social Determinants of Health?

Social determinants of health are conditions in the places people live and work that affect a number of health risks and outcomes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlines five key Social Determinants of Health (SDOH):

Healthcare access and quality. Access to primary care and health insurance coverage are the top healthcare disparities in America, with over 30 million people being uninsured.
Education access and quality. There is a direct link between education levels and better health and well-being. One Harvard Health publication asserts that educated people smoke less, do not drink alcohol in excess, and have better weight management.
Social and community context. Social connectedness and close relationships are critical for better health outcomes. In fact, one study found that the single most determinant of a long life was interconnectedness and embracing community. In areas where poverty is rampant, a sense of community and connectedness is often absent.
Economic stability. Financial and housing insecurity and a lack of access to healthy food, air, and water wreak havoc on a person’s health and well-being.
Neighborhood and built environment. This describes the connection between where a person lives (housing, neighborhood, environment) and their health. Quality of housing, transportation access, crime levels, and more all factor into the neighborhood and built environment connection.

3 Ways ChenMed is Improving Community Health and Health Equity for Seniors

ChenMed is reimagining healthcare delivery for seniors who are disproportionately affected by healthcare disparities in America. Providing a transformative primary care experience for those who need it most is at the heart of everything ChenMed does. Here are just a few ways ChenMed is improving community health and health equity.

Transportation. In the most underserved communities, access to transportation continues to hinder access to care and treatment. ChenMed believes in serving patients not only in the exam room but outside the exam room as well. Coordinating transportation, not just for primary care visits but specialist care, is one way we bridge the gap between our most vulnerable patients and the world-class care they deserve.

And for patients who prefer to receive care safely and conveniently from the comfort of their own homes, we offer telehealth services and even make house calls. Our number one priority is serving our patients where they are, in whatever capacity they need.
Access to quality primary care. In the conventional fee-for-service primary care model, patients are often met with rushed visits from overscheduled, burnt-out doctors. They are left with more than just unaddressed questions and concerns, but also the burden of coordinating all of their own next steps in their care, such as coordinating with multiple providers, getting to multiple visits at multiple sites—and don’t forget picking up their medications.

ChenMed’s physicians have more balanced patient rosters to ensure they can spend quality time and build relationships with their patients, not only when they are sick but when they are well, too. This enables ChenMed to provide valuable education around nutrition, exercise, and other proven lifestyle modifications that improve health outcomes and help coordinate turnkey patient care. And when it comes to improving access, we mean it: that’s why we offer our patients same-day visits and 24/7 access to care, even on nights, weekends, or holidays. That’s the ChenMed difference.
Fully coordinated VIP care. We know many of our patients are affected by healthcare disparities that impact their access to and quality of care. That’s why we provide a world-class primary care experience for our patients, personalizing the experience from beginning to end and even coordinating all aspects of their care. This includes but is not limited to coordinating care with specialists, hospitals, pharmacies, and even follow-up visits.

While ChenMed patients do experience fewer hospital visits, in the event that our patients need emergency care, we are actively involved every step of the way to limit the mental and physical burden on our patients and ensure our patients are on the right track to better health.

ChenMed’s physicians have more balanced patient rosters to ensure they can spend quality time and build relationships with their patients, not only when they are sick but when they are well, too. This enables ChenMed to provide valuable education around nutrition, exercise, and other proven lifestyle modifications that improve health outcomes and help coordinate turnkey patient care. And when it comes to improving access, we mean it: that’s why we offer our patients same-day visits and 24/7 access to care, even on nights, weekends, or holidays. That’s the ChenMed difference.

Fully coordinated VIP care. We know many of our patients are affected by healthcare disparities that impact their access to and quality of care. That’s why we provide a world-class primary care experience for our patients, personalizing the experience from beginning to end and even coordinating all aspects of their care. This includes but is not limited to coordinating care with specialists, hospitals, pharmacies, and even follow-up visits.

While ChenMed patients do experience fewer hospital visits, in the event that our patients need emergency care, we are actively involved every step of the way to limit the mental and physical burden on our patients and ensure our patients are on the right track to better health.

Be part of something bigger. Learn more about ChenMed Careers and how you can become part of the family, too.

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