When the coronavirus pandemic gained a foothold in the U.S., hospitals that were concerned about having enough capacity to treat seriously ill COVID-19 patients began canceling elective procedures.
At the same time, some people who were worried about acquiring the virus avoided clinic and hospital visits over a fear of contagion.
The result of both actions is that patients may have delayed potentially life-saving care and diagnosis and hospital systems have lost critical revenue.
Joining Smart Talk on Wednesday to investigate the impact are Dr. Peter Dillon, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Penn State Health’s Hershey Medical Center and Andy Carter, President and CEO of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.
While there are many people in need of surgeries or other treatments put off during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are those in pain who are turning to opioids. So how to stop these indirect casualties of the pandemic? Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss is Dr. Asif Ilyas, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon in the Philadelphia area, Director of the Rothman Opioid Foundation, Past President of the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, Medical Director of the Rothman Orthopaedic Surgicenter, and Professor at Jefferson Medical College.
Also, last week Gov. Tom Wolf said the state would implement universal COVID-19 testing at Pennsylvania nursing homes; where more than two-thirds of deaths have occurred. An investigation by Spotlight PA found not all residents or staff will be tested and testing won’t be mandatory. Some are calling the plan insufficient and confusing. Spotlight PA reporter Aneri Pattani explains what she found on Wednesday’s Smart Talk.
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