Communicating about Social Determinants of Health

Effective communication is key in all aspects of life, and one of the most important aspects in life is our health! Upon review of a wide variety of practices over the past months, it is clear the area for collection of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) is lacking in at least 50 percent of records reviewed. 

Documenting SDOH is important because it: 

• aids with developing personalized treatment plans  

• adds to communication and coordination 

• elevates preventive care and early intervention 

Recently, HealthTeam Advantage has been reviewing chart notes for SDOH coding and documentation, and in more than half, only one or two responses were reviewed. The main conditions that appeared to be addressed were smoking and alcohol, and they were found primarily within the “Social History” portion of the chart note. Of the records reviewed, more than 50 percent those conditions were captured several years earlier instead of indicating if those conditions were still affecting the patient currently. 

Obtaining and documenting SDOH conditions and diagnosis is not meant to be a burden to a practice, but to be helpful to the practice and insurance companies. Specifically, at HealthTeam Advantage, if we learn through your billing that the member is having financial difficulties with paying for their prescriptions, our plan can reach out to the member to see how we can help.  Additionally, these codes could be a trigger to another team member in your office that works with patients when they are having difficulties.   

As we all know, life can change in a minute, and documenting answers to those SDOH questions can be extremely important to the member’s treatment and plan of care.  

On a side note, the state of North Carolina offers resources for residents, such food and clothing, legal aid, financial and employment assistance, and housing help. You can also direct members to our Member Services number on the back of their HealthTeam Advantage ID card. 

SDOH Diagnosis Codes
Once a SDOH condition is documented, please use one or more of the diagnosis codes from the Z55-Z65 code range. 

This year, we will be encouraging members to openly discuss their “SDOH” conditions with their providers.