Social factors - how people live their lives - are strongly correlated with health outcomes. Examples of social risk factors include unstable housing, social isolation, and financial burdens. These risks can be quantified. The Carrot Health Social Risk Index (SRI) uses 31 unique variables to measure the level of social risk that an individual is exposed to. The map below shows the average Social Risk Index by county in the US (red = high risk, green = low risk):

Carrot Health Social Risk Index 

Carrot Health's data analysis shows that people with a high Social Risk Index have significantly worse health and cost outcomes. For example, the observed diabetes rate in the US correlates fairly well with SRI, as the following map demonstrates:

Observed Diabetes Rate

The riskiest third of the US population, as measured by Social Risk Index, is far less healthy than the country as a whole:

• 80% higher smoking rate
• 65% higher annual occurence of Emergency Department visits
• 45% higher diabetes rate
• 36% higher annual rate of inpatient admissions 

Health plans and providers under risk models are beginning to use this kind of information when managing risk or planning interventions for individuals and populations.

To learn more about how Carrot MarketView™ goes beyond clinical or claims data to improve the health of your population and help your organization succeed, schedule a demo today!