Lowering Healthcare Costs by Addressing Social Barriers to Health

Addressing Social Barriers to Health: Lowering the Total Cost of Care

In a groundbreaking study, AbsoluteCare has unveiled the potential benefits of focusing on the social determinants of health (SDoH). Their latest white paper, "Beyond Medicine™: The Cost-saving Power of Addressing Social Drivers of Health," presents a compelling argument that for every dollar spent addressing these social factors, a staggering $13 in healthcare costs can be saved.

The Importance of Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health refer to the non-medical factors influencing health outcomes, such as socioeconomic conditions, education, and community resources. AbsoluteCare believes that these aspects are vital in understanding why certain populations experience worse health outcomes than others. By targeting these social barriers, healthcare leaders are adopting a more holistic approach, aiming not just at treating illness but also at fostering overall well-being.

Faith Tarver, Vice President of Behavioral Health at AbsoluteCare, underscores the importance of addressing SDoH in patient care. She explains that their four-step pathway to holistic health—screening for social drivers, identifying and accessing necessary resources, and empowering members to create their own care plans—forms the backbone of their integrated approach to healthcare.

Results That Speak Volumes

Through data compiled between 2022 and 2024, AbsoluteCare has demonstrated the financial benefits of investing in social determinants of health. By creating partnerships with local non-profits and implementing targeted interventions, they have made significant strides in addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity and unstable housing. Approximately 2,753 instances of assistance were provided to 762 members through their innovative Member Fund, which was created to help individuals when community resources are not readily available.

Members were given support for various needs, from acquiring durable medical equipment to securing transportation for critical medical appointments. Often, seemingly small necessities, such as a ride through Uber or cell phone minutes to stay in touch with healthcare teams, made a significant difference in maintaining their health.

The results are compelling: a reduction of 16% in the total monthly cost of care was observed,with substantial decreases in emergency room visits and hospital admissions being reported. Mike Radu, CEO of AbsoluteCare, emphasizes that reducing reliance on emergency care by addressing patients' immediate needs is both a moral responsibility and a financially astute move.

Advocating for Health Equity

AbsoluteCare’s mission extends beyond just healthcare delivery; it is deeply rooted in the quest for health equity. The organization is steadfast in ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or geographic location, has the opportunity to access the care they need to live a healthy life. Their steadfast commitment is evident in their full white paper, available on their website, diving deeper into the strategies they employ for addressing SDoH and enhancing overall health.

An integrated approach towards health that takes into account the social determinants of health not only reshapes the future of healthcare but also enables a more sustainable and cost-effective system. The path is clear; as AbsoluteCare continues to innovate in their approach, they provide a hopeful example for healthcare providers facing similar challenges. By investing in the overarching context of individual health, they are setting a new standard for what comprehensive healthcare should look like today.

Conclusion

As the healthcare industry grapples with rising costs and varying health outcomes across different populations, AbsoluteCare's findings present a roadmap for change. Investing in social determinants of health is not only a wise financial decision but a moral imperative that healthcare providers must embrace. By addressing the underlying social barriers, we can indeed lower the total cost of care while fostering healthier communities across the board. Learn more about AbsoluteCare and their ongoing efforts to promote health equity at AbsoluteCare’s Website.