How can your social support network influence your healthcare outcomes?

Through the pandemic, we've discovered that loneliness is killing people. While this occurred well before the pandemic, the nature of isolation to protect one's health put a light on it. Human connection, that is not purely digital, is imperative to overall health. 80% of your health is dependent upon your social drivers of health. Community is one!

In my experience as a Revenue Cycle Associate, I've seen firsthand how a strong social support network can significantly impact a patient's healthcare journey. Practical help from friends and family not only eases the burden on the patient but also ensures that they adhere to their treatment plan, which is crucial for a positive outcome. This adherence can lead to more accurate revenue capture and increased cash flow for healthcare providers, as patients are less likely to miss appointments or neglect their medication, reducing the need for costly readmissions.

Respite and caregiving support are incredibly important, not just for people who have physical mobility limitations, but for people who are getting older, having multiple chronic conditions, or are in cognitive decline. The problem isn't asking for help, it's affording it. The US healthcare system makes it fairly impossible to afford this type of support on a consistent basis. Most people don't have disposable income to throw at these solutions. Even if your care team tries to help find valid solutions, it doesn't mean your insurance will cover it and you may incur serious out of pocket expenses.

While this statement isn't untrue, it fails to recognize the lived and built situations that contribute to individual success of healthy behaviors. For example, if you have limited income and live in a food dessert (where there are limited fresh/quality food options) or food swamp (where your area is saturated with unhealthy fast food options) you will go with what is close by and what you can afford. You don't have the luxury to be picky. This is the reality of underinvested in communities which tend to be Black and Brown communities. Fundamentally, for a statement like this to hold true, existing systems must be dismantled and rebuilt with equity of access in mind so people are given the option to make healthier choices.

Statements like this have to be processed with caution. Unless your network is that our qualified healthcare professionals, I may not suggest a lot of advice come from there. Why? Social media has made it far too easy for the spread of mis- and disinformation. False information is spread, dangerous remedies are sold. It's also harder for people who are outside of the industry to know what is legit and what is snake oil. Healthcare professionals must improve their health communication skills to help patients understand health, learn to decipher complex info, and help them make better choices.

I agree strongly with this. In my opinion, our mental and spiritual health are foundational to all physical health attributes. Surrounding ourselves with people who understand the infinite value and potential of others, and particularly in us as a member of a healthy inner circle of friends, has health benefits far beyond what is even measurable in a statistic. This social support becomes a source of resilience when ours is low.

As a Revenue Cycle Associate, I understand the critical role that a social support network plays in healthcare outcomes. Picture this: a patient with a strong support system is more likely to have their medical coding accurately documented, as loved ones can help communicate vital information to healthcare providers. This leads to a more accurate chargemaster and ensures compliance, ultimately resulting in increased cash flow for healthcare facilities. It's not just about emotional support; it's about the tangible impact on the revenue cycle and the patient's overall healthcare journey.