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The #COVID19 pandemic is decimating not just the current, but also the future, health of Americans. My hospital system's exemplary preparedness efforts - planning ahead, shutting down elective surgeries, etc - led to a $23 million deficit last month alone.
https://www.lifespan.org/sites/default/files/lifespan-files/documents/lifespan-main/Press-Release-March-2020-Financials-FINAL.pdf
https://www.lifespan.org/sites/default/files/lifespan-files/documents/lifespan-main/Press-Release-March-2020-Financials-FINAL.pdf
Many hospitals and clinics across the country were already financially strapped.
They are now in danger of closing their doors forever. https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-doctors-practices-sell-close-d59aa9f0-1e01-4a90-82f7-d4ebab26e355.html
They are now in danger of closing their doors forever. https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-doctors-practices-sell-close-d59aa9f0-1e01-4a90-82f7-d4ebab26e355.html
This means:
* Docs will lose employment
* Nurses will lose employment
* Support staff will lose employment
[nb: healthcare is a top employer in most states]
* Docs will lose employment
* Nurses will lose employment
* Support staff will lose employment
[nb: healthcare is a top employer in most states]
---More importantly---- if clinics & hospitals close their doors:
* Patients will not be able access care in a timely or geographically reasonable manner
* People will be sicker
* Existing disparities in care will be worsened
* People will be more likely to die
* Patients will not be able access care in a timely or geographically reasonable manner
* People will be sicker
* Existing disparities in care will be worsened
* People will be more likely to die
The losses will be particularly acute in rural and high-poverty areas, and for small clinics & hospitals.
But make no mistake: we will all be affected.
But make no mistake: we will all be affected.
My hospital's CEO, like many others across the country, will be forgoing his salary. His priority is our system, our employees, and our patients..... but this is a stopgap
https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20200422/lifespan-lost-more-than-75-million-in-march-alone HT @bamaral44
https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20200422/lifespan-lost-more-than-75-million-in-march-alone HT @bamaral44
The federal government is providing some support. But honestly, it's insufficient for the scope of the issues. https://www.axios.com/health-care-bailout-fund-coronavirus-175-billion-361923f7-e5bb-4fb0-9117-1d0a3c759c0d.html
Where are the insurance companies, to help frontline providers & patients?
One idea here (HT @gordondeb): https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/04/22/health-insurers-unpopular-they-should-seize-chance-change-coronavirus-column/5153837002/
One idea here (HT @gordondeb): https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/04/22/health-insurers-unpopular-they-should-seize-chance-change-coronavirus-column/5153837002/
Where are the thinktanks and policymakers, thinking about how to use this crisis to redesign many of the existing inequities in the #healthcare system?
Cf the work that @thehowie and many more of us did, over a month ago, at http://covid19bill.org
Cf the work that @thehowie and many more of us did, over a month ago, at http://covid19bill.org
Where is the systemic plan?
Cf a few of the recommendations of @ASlavitt @USofCare https://unitedstatesofcare.org/covid-19/usofcare-covid-19-response-federal-policy-recommendations/
Cf a few of the recommendations of @ASlavitt @USofCare https://unitedstatesofcare.org/covid-19/usofcare-covid-19-response-federal-policy-recommendations/
Now is the time to increase the pressure & noise for redesign of finances, patient access, and emergency preparedness.
Because if our healthcare system involutes, the impact of #COVID19 will pale compared to the human suffering that will result.
/fin
Because if our healthcare system involutes, the impact of #COVID19 will pale compared to the human suffering that will result.
/fin
