A social-needs screening is a way for a doctor or nurse to learn about things in your life that could affect your or your child's health. It's done using a set of questions asked before or during a health care appointment. Social-needs screening is different from other health screenings because the questions aren't about health problems. Instead, they're about things like where you live, if you have enough food, or if you have trouble paying gas or electric bills. There also may be questions about if you are safe in your daily life.
It can be surprising to be asked about social needs when you're not expecting it. Sometimes social needs can feel hard to talk about. You don't have to answer any questions you don't want to. And you don't have to accept help.
Why is this screening done?
It helps a doctor get a fuller picture of their patient's health. When a doctor knows more about you, they can be more helpful.
Treating medical needs works better when other needs are also met. It can be hard for a person to care for a health problem if they're dealing with other stress, like having enough food or stable housing.
Knowing what types of help a person needs can help a doctor choose the right resources to share. For example, a person who needs follow-up visits but doesn't have a way to get to them may benefit most from a program that offers help with rides.
It's the right thing to do. Everyone deserves access to the things that help them live a healthy life.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.