Health disparity in the U.S. is both significant and expanding. Smoking, obesity, gun violence, and teen pregnancy are just a few of the health problems that are concentrated among the most vulnerable members of society. Health equity is achieved when all people have the opportunity to attain their full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving that potential based on their social position or other socially determined circumstances. To accomplish health equity in the U.S. means removing barriers to healthcare experienced by those who are poor, less educated, or members of disadvantaged groups such as those with mental illness, substance use disorders, the homeless, incarcerated, and LGBTQ community.
Health equity is essential and demands innovative and constructive problem-solving.
This white paper, Leveraging Coding and Revenue Cycle Management to Help Close the Health Equity Gap, explores:
- Challenges healthcare organizations face using reimbursement models
- Risks and outcomes that are impacted by SDoH
- The role of RCM and coding in health equity
- Closing the health equity gap
- Top three important factors for determining and addressing SDoH needs
- Official IDC-10_CM coding guidelines for SDoH coding
By looking into ways to alleviate disparities and improve care for underserved communities, healthcare professionals can address issues that go beyond catch-and-patch healthcare.
