It is now widely recognized that the health outcomes of populations often are determined more by social factors than by medical care. Much of the most innovative recent work on social determinants and population health demonstrates the value of partnerships across sectors, with health care systems partnering with community-based organizations ranging from housing authorities to nutrition support programs and beyond. These partnerships have proven themselves to be essential to populations enrolled in alternative payment models such as accountable care organizations (ACOs), and ACO leaders are beginning to recognize the need to integrate services both within and without the health care sector. Thus, health care systems are exploring how to collaborate with social service providers to keep patients away from costly care and improve health outcomes.

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