Social determinants of health are the structural components in which people are born, live, work and age that affect their short term and long term health. They include factors like socioeconomic status, education, transportation, living arrangements, the foods they consume, the physical environment they live and work in, the safety of such environments, employment, their exercise and physical activity, support networks, and of course access to healthcare.
This topic encourages the importance of understanding what a claimant is dealing with beyond the doctor’s office and pharmacy. Do they have the support and resources necessary to help in their treatment or are there opportunities for additional care and services to help with recovery?