Why Are People Getting Less Medical Care?

It's possible that people may need slightly less medical attention than they did in past years. With more people working from home and fewer people going out socially during COVID-19, the number of traffic accidents has decreased, according to a study in California. Additionally, some people may be eating out less and cooking healthier meals at home, leading to fewer problems with heart attacks or heart disease.

Even when people need medical help, they may not be able to get it due to factors beyond their control. COVID-19 led many healthcare providers to cancel procedures, shut down medical offices, and see fewer patients. Some patients may have wanted to see a doctor but couldn't visit their usual providers.

Additionally, many people lost their jobs, were laid off, or took pay cuts during the pandemic. These factors have caused some Americans to lose their health insurance or to have a hard time continuing to pay for medical care. For example, in a recent survey, 87% of cancer patients and survivors said that COVID-19 had impacted their ability to access healthcare. Many put off getting tests or receiving treatment, and nearly half said that the pandemic had affected their ability to pay for treatment.

However, research is showing that people are also actively avoiding getting medical attention when they need it. By now, we all know that social distancing and isolating from other people are important public health measures that can reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Many people may be especially worried about coming into contact with other potentially contagious people in a doctor's office or in a hospital.

The Serious Health Consequences of Avoiding the Doctor

When people avoid getting medical care, there may be long-term consequences. Between March and July, nearly a quarter million more people died than expected in the United States. Two-thirds of these deaths were due to COVID-19, but the other one-third was due to causes like heart attack. This means that many more people were dying from other health conditions than normal.

Experts worry that once COVID-19 hit, people experiencing symptoms of serious health problems didn't call for help because they were worried about infection. Within the first ten weeks of the pandemic:

Not receiving help during a medical emergency can be dangerous. People who have a heart attack are more likely to survive and have less heart damage if they get medical attention right away. The same can be said for a stroke. Strokes cause brain damage, and the faster a person gets help, the more this damage can be halted. While most people might realize this, a prevailing feeling of fear toward the coronavirus has reduced the number of patients seeking care when they need it most.

Getting regular checkups is also important for preventing more serious disease. One study recently reported that fewer people were getting screened for cancer since the start of the pandemic. For example, breast cancer screenings decreased by 90%. These screenings are important because they help reduce negative long-term health impacts. Treatments work better and people are likely to live longer when cancer is caught early. If people delay screenings during COVID-19, they may not realize they have cancer until the disease has already progressed and spread throughout the body.

Many doctors are very concerned about these trends. Organizations such as the American Heart Association have even created advertising campaigns encouraging people to continue getting care, especially for more urgent health concerns. Medical experts agree that it's still important for people to see their doctor during this pandemic.

Delaying Treatment

Some routine or preventative healthcare visits may be able to be delayed. If you aren't currently experiencing any symptoms and don't have any major health concerns, ask your doctor if your visit can be put off for a few months, until COVID-19 case numbers decrease in your area. Certain procedures, such as routine blood work, X-rays, or MRIs, might be able to wait for people who are concerned about being exposed to COVID-19. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of delaying healthcare visits based on your particular needs.

Check-ups for chronic health conditions may not be able to be delayed, especially for children. In-person visits are also very important for newborns and infants up to the age of two, and keeping up to date on vaccines is essential. Talk to your pediatrician before changing or delaying care plans for children.

Telemedicine

Thankfully, you don't always need to see someone in-person to receive healthcare. People who continue to need medical care during this time can take advantage of telemedicine options, as these work great for many medical conditions.

Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, refers to a wide array of healthcare services that can be accessed virtually. Telehealth makes use of tools like phone calls, online video calls, smartphone apps, or text messages. Virtual visits can be used for a wide variety of health services, such as:

Since COVID-19 began, many more providers have been offering telehealth services. Technology in this area has been rapidly improving, making it easier for providers and patients to connect. Additionally, increasing numbers of health insurance companies are expanding their coverage for virtual or remote care.

Prescriptions can often be handled entirely over the phone. Physicians may be able to prescribe new medicines virtually and follow up with patients to see how new drugs or dosages are working out. Additionally, using an online pharmacy can help you avoid having to pick up medications in person.

How Risky is In-Person Care?

In general, your risk of getting COVID-19 increases when the people around you aren't following basic precautions. However, the vast majority of doctor's offices and hospitals have adopted new procedures to help keep patients safe. For example, many healthcare offices screen patients before they enter the building by taking their temperature or by asking them questions about whether they have recently experienced COVID-19 symptoms. Your doctor may also have a separate waiting room for people who are visiting due to possible viral infections or may see possible COVID cases at specific times throughout the day.

Your risk of getting COVID-19 from a healthcare setting is likely much less than it is in most other public spaces.

In my practice, I even see sick people curbside, or by telemedicine to triage what testing or evaluation might be needed before they come to my office. This lessens risk to them, to me and my staff, and to others who might be using our building.

Prepare Ahead of Time

In a non-emergency situation, you can take precautions ahead of time to help ensure your doctor's visit is safe and goes smoothly. You may want to read up on any possible new or updated procedures that your healthcare provider has recently put into effect. For example, some doctors' offices may have previously allowed other people to accompany you during visits, but now limit the number of other visitors.

If you're concerned about being exposed to COVID-19, you can contact your healthcare provider in advance to learn more about how they can help keep you safe during your appointment. Questions you may consider asking include:

Staying Safe During Your Visit

There are many precautions you can take while at the doctor's office or hospital to minimize your risk. One important way to protect both yourself and the people around you is to wear a mask. Put it on before you enter the building, and make sure it covers both your mouth and your nose. If you don't have a mask, ask whether your healthcare provider can give you one.

Social distancing is usually possible in doctor's offices. Many facilities have signs or stickers on the floor to help you visualize how far apart to stand when checking in. Additionally, while in waiting rooms, you can sit a few chairs away from others.

You can also stay safe by reducing how often you touch other surfaces. For example, you may be able to hit elevator buttons with your elbow, or cover your hand with a tissue or glove before touching other common surfaces. When checking out after your appointment, ask if touchless or online payments are an option. Additionally, avoid touching your face or mask while you're in the building. Once your visit is over, wash your hands before taking your mask off.

Getting Help In An Emergency

In case of a serious health issue, don't delay getting care. Every minute can count when it comes to problems such as heart attack, stroke, or diabetic emergency. These conditions have a higher chance of leading to serious complications or death compared to COVID-19, so the hospital shouldn't be avoided.

Call 911 or go to the hospital if you experience things like:

If you're not sure whether something constitutes an emergency, try to call your healthcare provider, a nurse hotline, or 911, and ask for additional advice.