Across the industry, healthcare organizations are working to harness data more effectively, leveraging the EHR to drive better outcomes and greater efficiency. In a recent discussion I joined with Unite Us and Citizens Memorial Hospital, we explored how collaboration is helping healthcare organizations address community health challenges and extend their impact beyond the walls of the hospital.
Why this work matters
Clinical care is only part of the story. We know that social determinants of health (SDOH) —housing, food, transportation, financial stability — are often the deciding factors in whether patients can follow through on treatment plans. Yet too often, clinicians are left asking the right questions but without the ability to act on the answers.
That’s where MEDITECH’s integration with Unite Us is making a difference. By embedding social needs screening and referral capabilities directly into EHR workflows, we’re helping remove friction between clinical services and community care. Clinicians can now make referrals instantly, track whether services were accessed, and use that feedback to adjust care plans.
The role of standards and interoperability
This isn’t just about convenience — it’s about building a sustainable, scalable model. Leveraging standards like FHIR and USCDI, we can ensure that data moves seamlessly between systems without duplication or guesswork. That advanced interoperability empowers clinicians with a clearer view of each patient’s needs and enables health systems to analyze community-level trends to inform strategy and resource allocation.
Lessons from our customers
Hearing from Citizens Memorial Hospital illustrated the power of this approach. They’ve seen referral volumes grow as workflows became more streamlined, and they now have insight into whether patients actually connect with services. That “closed loop” is a game-changer since it ensures referrals result in measurable interventions.
Of course, change isn’t always easy. Introducing new workflows requires thoughtful planning and collaboration. But what we’ve learned is that with the right technology and the right partners, adoption can be both achievable and impactful.
Looking ahead
As the industry embraces value-based care, the ability to address social needs in a structured, measurable way is essential. Our role at MEDITECH is to ensure that organizations have the tools to not only capture those needs but to act on them — closing gaps, strengthening community partnerships, and ultimately advancing whole-person care.
This collaboration with Unite Us is just one example of what’s possible when we align technology, people, and purpose. It’s a model I believe will continue to grow — and one that’s already showing real results for patients and communities alike.
Be sure to listen to the full podcast to learn more about our work with Citizens Memorial Hospital and Unite Us to advance community care.
Check out the MEDITECH Podcast to hear more inspiring and insightful stories from our customers.
.jpg)
