Survey shows over two thirds of Americans challenged by SDOH

A Waystar survey reveals 68% of Americans face challenges in at least one social determinant of health (SDOH) risk category. Of all patients in the "high risk" segment, 60% have never discussed their issues with a health provider or their insurance company. The most commonly reported SDOH issues were financial insecurity and social isolation. Efforts to engage patients on SDOH issues were found to be frequently misapplied, with the majority of conversations about challenges occurring with the patients least likely to be affected by them. As a result, 46% of patients who are offered programs and services to help address SDOH challenges decline to accept.