Deborah Rose, MD, is a research fellow of The Physicians Foundation. Here she explains why physicians must be proactive in helping identify problems that patients have with social drivers of health, both for patient outcomes and for the long-term financial health of the nation’s health care system.

Part 2 – Physicians study medicine to help patients. They also know that many factors affecting patient health are outside the four walls of the examination room.

Those include social drivers of health (SDOH). The Physicians Foundation has launched a multi-year effort to help doctors assist patients with food security, housing stability, transportation, utilities access, and interpersonal safety.

Whether in primary care or other specialties, there are practical ways for physicians and their staff to begin screening patients and suggesting ways to help.

Part 2 of this video series features Physicians Foundation President Gary Price, MD, MBA, and Research Fellow Deborah Rose, MD, discussing why SDOH are important, how to begin the conversation, and how to handle reimbursement for the work.