Tracking Enabling Services Provided to Respond to Social Determinant Needs - NCA FEATURED

Enabling services, defined as non-clinical services that aim to increase access to health care and improve health outcomes, are a hallmark of community health centers, connecting vulnerable patients to supports that enhance their ability to become active partners in their own health care. Patients with chronic conditions may require enabling services such as care coordination, language assistance services, transportation, and/or other supports to help them fully adhere to their clinical treatment plans. Community health centers effectively address patients’ social determinants of health (SDH) barriers and can benefit from a standardized protocol to systematically document those interventions. The ability to track and evaluate these services is essential in order for health centers to demonstrate their value in meeting and addressing patient social risks. The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) offers an enabling services data collection (ESDC) tool and best practices for community health centers.