A report from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), was released linking social determinants of health to differences in health across communities. From this report payers can see how demographic, behavioral, and structural factors impact health conditions of their members in different ways and gain greater insight into these differences to better understand population’s overall health.

The report, “Understanding Health Conditions Across the U.S.,” shows social determinants of health drive larger differences in the impacts for common chronic conditions. In addition, the analysis shows these determinants drive smaller differences in the impact of other conditions including cancer, substance use disorder, and mental health.

The analysis also shows that relative to broader social determinants, differences in local health care system characteristics have a more modest association with the health impact of disease on a community’s commercially insured population.

The BCBS Health Index, powered by de-identified data from more than 40 million commercially insured members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies, finds that five conditions nationally are responsible for 30% of the adverse health of this population. Those conditions are:

• Depression
• Anxiety and other mood disorders
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Substance use disorders

As a comprehensive measurement of actual health care experiences, the BCBS Health Index was designed to support national and local discussions about how to improve American health policy and practice. It quantifies how more than 200 common diseases and condition categories affect overall health and wellness by assigning each county a health impact measure between 0 and 1, designating the proportion of optimal health reached by the county’s population. Each county’s BCBS Health Index impact measure and top five impacting conditions can be found  HERE.

By acquiring research on social determinants and how they support a connection to member health, payers discover opportunities for improving the efficiency of the entire healthcare system. BHM Healthcare Solutions understands the importance of using data for continuous improvement. CLICK HERE and let us discuss how BHM’s clients benefit from our in-depth data-based reporting, analysis, and consultations.