Has COVID-19 Endangered Primary Care?

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Doctor - BF - MONTCO Today
Primary care practices in Philadelphia are suffering due to COVID-19. Less income, lack of PPE, and difficulty testing have created problems, some insurmountable.

By Wendi Rank

A report by Xavier Lopez at WHYY reveals the grievous effect COVID-19 is having on primary care practices throughout Philadelphia.

Primary care practices have seen fewer patients during the pandemic. Even with telehealth providing an option, pre-existing conditions run the risk of fulminating in this environment. The dynamic has created sicker patients and less cash flow, according to the report.

Lopez goes on to highlight the underserved populations Philadelphia-area practices tend to treat. Those populations are also more likely to contract COVID-19. Practices with reduced staff, hours, and locations provide barriers to treatment.

Testing for COVID-19 is all but impossible for many practices, according to the report. Tests are costly and are limited to those with symptoms.

Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to all office staff presents a new logistical burden – primary care is not as big a player as hospitals, who may have easier access to suppliers, according to the report.

Limited funds, lack of PPE, and the urge to protect staff have resulted in furloughs. Many practices have nest eggs of six weeks or less to see them through payment deserts. The report notes primary practices may not qualify for federal aid.

The recent protests have added another layer of problems for primary care practices. Staff hours have been truncated to ensure safe transit. Patients may be unable to get medications from looted pharmacies. One physician told Lopez he worries about a new surge of COVID-19, transmitted during the protests.

See WHYY’s full report here.

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