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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (May 19, 2020)
B4 THE ASTORIAN • TuESdAy, MAy 19, 2020 Hospitals, health care reel from coronavirus Losing profitable surgeries to coronavirus patients By TOM MURPHY Associated Press The global coronavirus pandemic has created a huge need for health care in the U.S., but it also is delivering a devastating financial blow to that sector. COVID-19 worries have kept patients away from doctors’ offices and forced the postponement and cancellation of non-ur- gent surgeries. The pandemic also has shut down large portions of the American econ- omy, leaving many would-be patients with- out insurance or in a financial pinch that makes them curb spending. All of this has forced hospitals, health systems and doctors to lay off staff, cut costs and hope a return to normal arrives soon. “You couldn’t ask for a worse situation, really,” said Joe Antos, an economist with the American Enterprise Institute. Health care provided the biggest drag on the U.S. economy in the first quarter. Spend- ing on care fell at an annual rate of 18%, the largest drop for that sector among records going back to 1959. Economists point to hospital systems, a key driver of the sector’s performance, as a big reason behind the drag from COVID-19, which initially hit some parts of the sector more intensely than others. The nation’s largest hospital chain, HCA Healthcare, said its hospital-based out- patient surgery totals for last month were down about 70% through late April. In many cases, hospitals that lose those Tony Gutierrez/AP Photo profitable surgeries are gaining COVID- Dermatologist Dr. Seemal Desai in the waiting room of his office in Texas. Desai said that at this time of day, early afternoon, his office would 19 patients — and losing money on them. typically be filled with several patients. Those patients may require hospitals to expand intensive care units, spend more on will cover them. Even so, health care researchers expect setback if infection rates spike again. In Texas, Desai has pulled chairs out of Only about half the patients who were hospitals, doctor’s offices and surgery cen- infection control and stock up on gowns and offered a telemedicine visit actually did one. ters to rebound gradually. But they’re not his waiting rooms to increase social distanc- masks, among other items. The American Hospital Association esti- “You would think my volume would be sure yet how much patient volume will ing for patients and staff. He’s also asking mated in a recent report that the nation’s hos- shooting through the roof and people would return. other patients to wait in their cars until the pitals and health systems will collectively be clamoring for it, but it’s completely the People who have lost jobs and insurance exam room has been sanitized. The dermatologist got some government lose more than $36 billion from March opposite,” Desai said. coverage may not make doctor visits unless assistance in the first round of payroll pro- to June treating hospitalized COVID-19 The dermatologist cut expenses, includ- they absolutely have to. ing marketing, and he’s patients. The Kaiser Family Foundation recently tection loans, and that will help him for a When adding factors reduced some employee estimated that nearly 27 million people — few more weeks. like lost revenue from But he’s not expecting a quick rebound. hours. or about 8% of the U.S. population — could ‘WE’RE FACING postponed surgeries, the Nationally, the health have become uninsured at least temporar- It’s hard to rebuild patient volume when total balloons to more care sector shed nearly ily between March and early May due to the only two people can be in the waiting room PERHAPS at the same time. than $200 billion, said 1.5 million jobs from Feb- loss of employer-sponsored insurance. THE BIGGEST ruary to April, or about “After another month I honestly have It also may take a while for some patients the association. Congress 9% of its total, according no clue whether we will be able to remain to become confident that a hospital or doc- has set aside about $175 FINANCIAL CRISIS to the federal Bureau of tor’s office is safe enough to visit without open,” he said. billion so far to help hos- pitals and other care pro- Associated Press writers Martin catching COVID-19. IN OuR HISTORy.’ Labor Statistics. viders, but the hospital “People are just afraid to go to any med- Crutsinger, Josh Boak, Andrew Taylor, A big chunk of that Rick Pollack | American Hospital association says more came from dentist offices. ical setting right now,” Antos said, noting Linda A. Johnson and John Mone contrib- Association CEO and president assistance is needed. Preliminary data shows that the economy also could face another uted to this report. “We’re facing per- that employee totals for haps the biggest financial that slice of the sector crisis in our history,” association CEO and sank by more than 500,000, or 53%. president Rick Pollack said. Overall economic growth, as measured From the doctor’s office, the view also is by the gross domestic product, fell at an bleak. annual rate of 4.8% in the January-March Dr. Seemal Desai said patient visits quarter even though the severe impact of for his Dallas-area dermatology practice the virus was only felt in the last couple of plunged about 85% after COVID-19 hit. weeks of March. He started seeing patients over the inter- The current quarter is expected to be net with help from smartphone or tablet much worse. The Congressional Budget cameras. But that created fresh problems. Office forecasts that the GDP will plunge Desai said some patients don’t have the 40%. That would be four times the largest technology to do online visits. Others hesi- drop on quarterly GDP records that go back tate because they aren’t sure their insurance to 1947. The Astorian wants to hear from you. Tell us your COVID stories Some words of wisdom Dear Annie: I am 81 years old and a about north-south-east-west or heaven and longtime reader of your advice column. I earth, that is true happiness! Don’t educate thought the message below might be use- your children to be rich. Educate them to ful to you and your readers somehow. It is be happy. So when they grow up they will certainly authentic. I received it as a know the value of things and not the link to click on. I couldn’t open it, price. Eat your food as your medi- DEAR cine, otherwise you have to eat med- but the sender, who is president of ANNIE icine as your food. a local seniors group that has been “The One who loves you will keeping members entertained with never leave you for another because, all sorts of items in her daily email, even if there are 100 reasons to give kindly typed the test for me. It was up, he or she will find a reason to Steve Job’s final essay before dying hold on. There is a big difference a billionaire at age 56. — Words of Wisdom between a human being and being “I reached the pinnacle of success ANNIE LANE human. Only a few really understand Creators in the business world. In some oth- it. You are loved when you are born. Syndicate Inc. ers’ eyes, my life is the epitome of You will be loved when you die. In success. However, aside from work, between, you have to manage! I have little joy. In the end, my wealth is “The six best doctors in the world are only a fact of life that I am accustomed to. sunlight, rest, exercise, diet, self-confidence At this moment, lying on my bed and recall- and friends. Maintain them in all stages and ing my life, I realize that all the recognition enjoy a healthy life.” and wealth that I took so much pride in have Dear Words of Wisdom: Thank you for paled and become meaningless in the face passing these words along. Though it’s been of my death. disproven that Steve Jobs wrote this, its mes- “You can employ someone to drive the sage is still important. I love the idea that we car for you, make money for you but you are loved when we are born and when we cannot have someone bear your sickness die and the point is to maintain and return to for you. Material things lost can be found love while we are here and now. Hold your or replaced. But there is one thing that can family a little closer; cherish friends. Help never be found when it’s lost — life. Which- those who are unable to help themselves, ever stage in life you are in right now, with and always forgive yourself first so that you time, you will face the day when the curtain can forgive others. When we truly love our- selves, we are able to love one another. comes down. “Treasure love for your family, love for Use this time of quarantine to fall in love your spouse, love for your friends. Treat with yourself again. Journal, garden, pick up yourself well and cherish others. As we a new hobby, run, walk, hike, sing, dance, grow older, and hopefully wiser, we realize laugh, eat healthy foods and keep in touch that a $300 or a $30 watch both tell the same with your friends and family on a daily time. You will realize that your true inner basis. Whatever brings you joy each day, do happiness does not come from the material it. things of this world. Whether you fly first And if you are too sad, tired or anxious class or economy, if the plane goes down — to engage in one of those activities, then let you go down with it. yourself be sad, tired or anxious. Because “Therefore, I hope you realize, when you it is when we allow our feelings to be felt have mates, buddies and old friends, broth- fully that we can move past those feelings ers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh and begin to feel better. Thank you for this with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk realization. The Astorian is partnering with the Astoria Public Library to publish weekly audio stories of how residents in Clatsop County are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Share your story with us. Here’s how: 1. Call 503-325-5590 2. Tell us your first and last name, age, area of residence, profession and the best way to reach you 3. Then tell us your story in 1-2 minutes on the recording Your story will be included in a weekly audio digest published on The Astorian’s website. The Astoria library will preserve the audio file in a local history archive accessible to library users. We want to hear from everyone — essential workers in health care, food service, financial, cleaning, logging, fishing and construction, to business owners, care-center residents, educators, graduating high school and college seniors and those sheltering at home — on how you are experiencing the pandemic. The Astorian and Astoria Library may follow up with some voicemails for news stories and extended interviews. Questions? E-mail Jonathan Williams at jwilliams@dailyastorian.com