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Return on investment (ROI) calculator for partnerships to address the social determinants of health


Commonwealth Fund

This calculator is designed to help community-based organizations and their health system partners plan sustainable financial arrangements to fund the delivery of social services to high-need, high-cost (HNHC) patients. HNHC patients, who account for a large share of overall health care spending, often have social needs, clinically complex conditions, cognitive or physical limitations, and/or behavioral health problems. Research shows that complex patients are likely to benefit from a holistic model of care that addresses the social determinants of health (SDOH) such as transportation, housing, and nutrition, in addition to medical needs.

Please click here to see 2022 updated evidence guide.

Return on investment (ROI) calculator for partnerships to address the social determinants of health. Commonwealth Fund; 2019. Available online.

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Publication year
Resource type
Tools & Toolkits
Social Determinant of Health
Economic Security
Food/Hunger
Housing Quality
Housing Stability
Social Support/Social Isolation
Transportation