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Lots of anecdotes on how the pandemic has led to drops in visit volume and the dire financial situation at outpatient practices. In a new @commonwealthfnd piece published with @DavidLinetsky @chernew @HRHatch @cutler_econ we have some numbers. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/2020/apr/impact-covid-19-outpatient-visits 1/
Across more than 50K clinicians, the number of visits (in-person and telemedicine) per week is down almost 60% relative to the first week in March (before COVID disruptions. 2/
All areas of the country are impacted though we see the greatest decline in visits in the New England & Mid-Atlantic states. 3/
The impact has been uneven across different specialties. Not surprisingly the surgical/procedural specialties have been seen the greatest decline. 4/
To increase access Medicare and private payers quickly expanded telemedicine reimbursement. Providers have responded. A dramatic increase in telemedicine visits which now account for ~30% of all visits. 5/
If the use of telemedicine has not increased, the drop in visit volume would have been almost 70%. 6/
So what does it all mean?
We are concerned about the clinical impact of this decline in visits. Patient’s are likely forgoing some necessary care. We must monitor outcomes and reach out to our highest-risk patients 7/
We are concerned about the clinical impact of this decline in visits. Patient’s are likely forgoing some necessary care. We must monitor outcomes and reach out to our highest-risk patients 7/
We are worried about financial impact on providers. Will some practices close? Practices that care for disadvantaged may be most impacted. We need these practices to be open to provide care post-pandemic.
Goal is to update # numbers in coming weeks.
8/8
Goal is to update # numbers in coming weeks.
8/8
