Modern Healthcare March 21, 2019
Over the past few decades, healthcare economists have offered four distinct ways to reduce system costs: eliminate unnecessary use; lower prices; reduce administrative overhead; and foster a healthier society.
The latter approach—addressing the root causes of ill health or what healthcare wonks call the social determinants of health—draws the least attention for a simple reason. It’s hard to do.
It requires being honest about the extent and location of the poverty, inequality and despair in our society. It requires being honest about how hectic work lives, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets and deteriorating social institutions are undermining the health of the middle class.
It also requires humility on the part...
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