For example, coded SDOH information:

• Is sent with a patient’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) from 1 facility to the next as part of discharge paperwork and planning if the facilities use interoperable EHRs. This lets new providers and health care facilities know their patient’s needs and encourages consistent levels of care across different settings.
• Helps providers when they address other diagnoses for the same patient, whether at the same facility or, if the patient needs ongoing care, at the next facility. This helps foster continuous quality of care.

Coders, billers, and other health information specialists can code SDOH information documented from any provider caring for a patient.