A Physician’s Guide to Social Determinants of Health

Empowering the Practice of Whole-Person Care

The SDOH Center of Excellence is the premier resource for treating the non-medical factors that impact your patients’ health.

Operationalizing and implementing an SDOH screening process is challenging in a busy and often overwhelming practice environment, but the Arizona Medical Association established the SDOH Center of Excellence to break down the challenges physicians face in SDOH screening. Setting up the process may seem daunting, but you do not have to go it alone.

By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create an effective routine that not only addresses your patients’ needs but also simplifies your process in caring for them.

  1. Step One: Understanding SDOH Basics
  2. Step Two: Implementing SDOH Screening & Interventions
  3. Step Three: Coding & Reimbursement for SDOH
  4. Step Four: Resources

Delivering the SDOH Resources Your Community Needs

Arizona physicians face unique challenges in their practice of medicine. A worsening healthcare personnel shortage, extreme temperatures, and geographic barriers are just a few of the distinct factors you and your patients face daily.

ArMA recognizes the distinct needs of Arizona’s communities, from Yuma to Flagstaff, and understands that implementing SDOH screening is not a one-size-fits-all process.

That’s why the SDOH Center of Excellence empowers physicians to tailor their approach to best meet the diverse needs of their patient populations.

Whether you’re practicing in a rural area with limited access to community resources or in an urban setting with different socioeconomic factors, ArMA is here to help you navigate these complexities and provide the best possible care for your patients.

Bridging the Gap Between Medicine & Community Health

ArMA is dedicated to bridging the gap between clinical care and the social factors that make the process of caring for your patients so difficult.

We understand the pressures of a busy practice and the challenges of incorporating SDOH into your workflow. Our goal is to make this process as seamless as possible by offering practical tools, guides, and educational resources that fit into your existing practice structure.

SDOH Screening: Trending Toward the Future of Medical Care

Implementing screening and other best practices to address the social determinants of health is not just about improving patient care — it’s about fulfilling your role as a healthcare leader in Arizona.

When you address SDOH, you are taking an active, frontline role in reducing health disparities in our state and achieving optimal health outcomes.

ArMA is committed to working hand-in-hand with you in this role. We’re your resource for everything you need to succeed. Together, we’re creating a healthier, more equitable Arizona.

Where Do I Begin?

ArMA’s SDOH Center of Excellence was designed to guide you through the process of implementing SDOH screening step-by-step. Start here by expanding your working knowledge of the non-medical factors impacting patient health.