Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the economic and social conditions that impact a wide range of health and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. There are five key determinants that influence individual and group differences in health status. They are:
- Economic stability
- Education access and quality
- Healthcare access and quality
- Neighborhood and built environment
- Social and community context
Access to quality healthcare services is an important SDOH that has a significant impact on the current healthcare landscape. However, today's screening model isn't effective in helping people proactively identify conditions and improve their health. It is crucial to reshape the healthcare experience and make engaging in preventive health easy and effective. LetsGetChecked’s at-home testing solutions can help health plans meet their members where they are to improve access to quality care.
Barriers to health care access
Access to quality healthcare services is an important SDOH that is an essential part of improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities. Unfortunately, many people in the United States do not have access to the health care services they need. There are many reasons why people experience lapses in necessary healthcare. Currently, about one in ten Americans do not have health insurance, which also means they are less likely to receive care from a primary healthcare provider. This can cause people to miss recommended health care services such as cancer screenings.
Another factor that can prevent people from receiving the care they need is physical access. People who live in areas without access to physical healthcare facilities or do not have the means to travel due to a lack of personal or public transportation may experience challenges in accessing healthcare. Rural communities may also have a shortage of primary and specialty care providers, preventing people from accessing care. Interventions such as at-home testing can help more people receive the care they need from the comfort of their homes.
Why addressing SDOH is important
Although health plans and providers do not have the power to modify social determinants of health, they can implement programs that reduce healthcare disparities and address unmet healthcare needs. Strategies to help members overcome social determinants of health are crucial to achieving health equity.
While the healthcare delivery system impacts health when a person is injured or ill, social determinants of health impact a person’s health much earlier and more regularly. Clinical care is estimated to account for only 10-20% of the modifiable contributors to health outcomes in a population [1]. Health plans are positioned to help facilitate better access to healthcare services and improve health equity and outcomes.
How at-home testing can help overcome this SDOH
Access to high-quality healthcare helps prevent diseases and improve quality of life. Interventions to increase access to healthcare services, such as the use of at-home testing, can help more people get the care they need. LetsGetChecked’s at-home solutions can help health plan members overcome barriers to screening, enabling them to detect health issues early and minimize long-term medical expenses. Our ability to meet members where they are makes it easier for them to stay up-to-date on recommended screenings and manage existing conditions.
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