Addressing Social Needs Important for Health, Physicians Say in New Survey

A recent survey among primary care providers and pediatricians showed that 4 in 5 physicians believe taking care of a patient’s social needs – such as access to nutritious food, reliable transportation and adequate housing – is as important as addressing medical conditions.

The survey also found that 3 in 4 physicians wish the health care system would pay for costs associated with patients’ social needs.  It highlighted a promising model that addresses social needs called Health Leads. They enable providers to prescribe basis resources for their low-income patients.

Here’s the link to the survey.

-Jaime Vendiiti, 1/12/12