Theory vs practice: Should primary care practice take on social determinants of health now? No.

Recently, the recognition that medical care may contribute less to overall health than other aspects of people’s lives do has led policy makers, academics, and even some physicians to argue that clinicians should make screening and action on the social determinants of health their responsibility. Although such an expectation is understandable, the additional requirements (that will fall largely on primary care) are likely to have serious unintended consequences and be unlikely to produce the hoped-for benefits.