Member-only story
Are We Prepared for Increased Healthcare Needs Post-COVID-19?
By: Chris Windham M.D. & Ashwini Davison M.D.
We need to prepare for increased healthcare needs in the chronically ill once the acute phase of COVID-19 has passed. Much of that care may have been deferred.
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have cast a bright spotlight on essential efforts to control the spread of infection and provide care for those suffering from it. This heightened focus on immediate needs, however, puts us at risk for being unprepared for what is still lurking in the shadows. Preparing to address the care needs of individuals not acutely ill with COVID-19, who are as of now not top of mind, is of utmost importance. We must anticipate and prepare for the increased healthcare demands that will present themselves after the acute COVID-19 time period has passed.
Many routine medical needs are going unaddressed
The majority of people with routine medical needs have understandably been limited in their ability or willingness to access care. This has manifested in decreases in routine visits with providers for addressing chronic conditions, such as
- getting medication refills
- having dose adjustments
- undergoing preventative services.
