AHRQ has developed a new tool to help primary care practices screen and refer patients for social needs such as food or housing, so-called social determinants of health (SDOH) which, when identified, can help tailor care to patients’ circumstances.

It is one of the Tools for Change developed as part of AHRQ’s EvidenceNOW: Advancing Heart Health Initiative, and will be an additional resource on AHRQ’s Social Determinants of Health site.

The tool helps primary care practices:

• Find resources and information to get started on patient screening and referral
• Consider what approaches work best for their practice
• Understand how to use collected information to address patients’ social needs, tailor care to their circumstances, and maximize reimbursement.

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