Health-Related Social Needs and Health Care Utilization in the Accountable Health Communities Model

Are individual health-related social needs (HRSNs) associated with inpatient and emergency department (ED) visits?In this cohort study of 166 682 Medicaid and Medicare recipients, 5 of 6 HRSNs were associated with higher ED use at baseline, and 2 HRSNs (housing stability and transportation) were associated with inpatient admissions after adjusting for confounders. Resolution of HRSNs was not associated with health care utilization after adjusting for other HRSNs, demographic characteristics, and comorbidities.This study suggests that addressing specific HRSNs may help reduce the need for acute health care utilization.

Corresponding Author: Abbey C. Sidebottom, MPH, PhD, Care Delivery Research, Allina Health, 2925 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407 (abbey.sidebottom@allina.com).

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