Part One: Food Swamps Predict Obesity Rates Better Than Food Deserts in the United States 

What is a Food Swamp? Food Swamps are areas with a high density of establishments selling high-calorie fast food and junk food, relative to healthier food options.  How to calculate a traditional Food Swamp: Traditional Retail Food Environment Index:  Fast Food/Limited Service Establishment + Convenience Stores Grocery Stores/Supermarkets Food Swamps > Food Deserts: According to… Continue reading Part One: Food Swamps Predict Obesity Rates Better Than Food Deserts in the United States 

Part Four: How Digital Technology Can Enable Health Equity 

Now is the time for healthcare organizations and others to seize the moment and work to eliminate health disparities methodically. Health disparities across the US are primarily driven by social determinants of health, such as access to quality education, affordable health care, food security, and safe living conditions. Systemic bias and stereotyping are known to… Continue reading Part Four: How Digital Technology Can Enable Health Equity 

Health Equity: The Power of Local Data in Action 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines health equity as the state where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. To achieve health equity, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) must identify and address social determinants of health and health barriers facing their patient populations. With the Equity Equalizer Platform,… Continue reading Health Equity: The Power of Local Data in Action 

Medical Economics: Area Deprivation Index Informs Policy but Misses Mark at Provider Level

From New York’s Upper West Side to Los Angeles’ Compton, the reputation of some neighborhoods and the patients who live there precedes them. Family income, level of education, employment status and opportunities, and housing quality (or lack thereof) can all impact the socioeconomic ecosystem of neighborhoods. However, quantifying and even classifying the risk level of… Continue reading Medical Economics: Area Deprivation Index Informs Policy but Misses Mark at Provider Level

Health Equity Advantages of Dynamic Platforms 

With the push for health equity solutions that work, risk-bearing organizations may be left wondering what will function best for them, especially with new regulations this year. Considering social determinants of health (SDoH) as a key component to successfully address health equity is becoming more accepted – even expected – since SDoH contribute significantly to… Continue reading Health Equity Advantages of Dynamic Platforms 

Part 2: Using Data to Advance Health Equity in Your Community 

Health equity is the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Data, compiled and analyzed with health equity at the top of the agenda, are important for identifying problems, allocating resources, and targeting interventions for those who most need them.  But data also have pitfalls and… Continue reading Part 2: Using Data to Advance Health Equity in Your Community 

The Top 3 Healthcare Trends for 2023 and the Innovators Driving Them 

By: Kristin Peixotto on RH Strategic https://rhstrategic.com/blog/top-3-healthcare-trends-2023-innovators-driving-them/ New approaches, technologies and collaborations are redefining how the healthcare industry provides care. The players to watch are focused on mental health, artificial intelligence, and health equity. As they concentrate on their individual strategies, they share aspirational goals to improve healthcare outcomes, cost and access. Here’s who to… Continue reading The Top 3 Healthcare Trends for 2023 and the Innovators Driving Them 

Health Equity Deadline Quickly Approaching 

With deadlines now pushed to April 28, 2023, risk-bearing organizations have a couple weeks to make sure they are not only set up to comply, but to thrive under the new guidelines for value based care and health equity. However, without direct, specific guidance on how to implement adjustments successfully, some companies may be left… Continue reading Health Equity Deadline Quickly Approaching 

Part 1: What is Health Equity

Health equity is the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.  Achieving health equity requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health… Continue reading Part 1: What is Health Equity

ACOs and the Challenge of Addressing Social Determinants of Health

As CMS moves towards making health equity a key aspect of value-based care, accountable care organizations (ACOs) are being called upon to play a crucial role in addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) and ensuring equitable care for all patients. However, this is easier said than done, and many organizations need help to effectively… Continue reading ACOs and the Challenge of Addressing Social Determinants of Health