The pandemic appears to again be altering the healthcare landscape as patients defer doctor visits to avoid contracting the virus. A report this month from consultants Kaufman Hall showed hospital margins declined more than 18% in September from August as patient volumes fell in key categories such as emergency room visits, operating room minutes and outpatient revenues.
Previously, almost six in 10 respondents to a TransUnion survey last September said they deferred non-COVID-related medical care in the prior six months, while nearly half said the economy had at least some impact on how they approached medical care.
