Survey

COVID-19’s Impact on Physician Practice and their Patients

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The Physicians Foundation’s 2020 Survey of America’s Physicians finds that the majority of physicians believe COVID-19 won’t be under control until January 2021, with nearly half not seeing the virus being under control until after June 1, 2021. Furthermore, a majority of physicians believe that the virus will severely impact patient health outcomes due to delayed routine care during the pandemic.

Part 3

Key Findings

Part One of The Physicians Foundation’s Survey of America’s Physicians: COVID-19 Impact Edition focuses on how the coronavirus has affected physicians’ practices and their patients. The survey was conducted from July 15 – 26, 2020. Data is based on 3,513 responses. Complete methodology available on page 16 of the full report.

Key survey findings include:

  • 12 percent of physicians have switched to a primarily telemedicine practice as a result of COVID-19. In 2018, only 6,000 physicians were in a primarily telemedicine practice, according to data from The Physicians Foundation.
  • 52 percent of physicians plan to increase use of telemedicine in their practices.
  • Close to three quarters (72 percent) of physicians indicated that COVID-19 will have serious consequences for patient health in their communities because many patients delayed getting care they needed during the pandemic.
  • A primary cause of harm to patients presented by COVID-19, cited by 76 percent of physicians, is employment changes that may result in patients losing health insurance.
  • 37 percent of physicians saw volume decreases in their practices of 25 percent or less.
  • By contrast, 41 percent saw volume decreases of 26 percent or more, which may be difficult or impossible for most physician practices to sustain for more than a few months.
  • Of those physicians who applied for Paycheck Protection Program support, 75 percent indicated they received the support and it was sufficient for them to stay open.
  • 12 percent of physicians have switched to a primarily telemedicine practice as a result of COVID-19. In 2018, only 6,000 physicians were in a primarily telemedicine practice, according to data from The Physicians Foundation.

  • The majority of physicians (59 percent) believe opening businesses, schools and public places presents a greater health risk to patients than prolonging social isolation.
  • 88 percent of physicians believe a potential spike in COVID-19 cases poses the risk of moderate to great harm to patients.
  • 8 percent of physicians have closed their practices as a result of COVID-19.
  • 43 percent of physicians have reduced staff due to COVID-19.
  • 72 percent of physicians have experienced a reduction in income due to COVID-19. Of these, 55 percent have experienced income losses of 26 percent or more. 
  • 52 percent of physicians plan to increase use of telemedicine in their practices.
  • The majority of physicians (72 percent) believe the widespread use of telemedicine will not continue unless reimbursement rates for telemedicine visits remain comparable to in-person visits.
  • The great majority of physicians (96 percent) will not leave medicine due to COVID-19 health risks.
  • The majority of physicians (59 percent) agreed that COVID-19 will lead to a reduction in the number of independent physician practices in their communities.
  • One-half (50 percent) said that hospitals will exert stronger influence over the organization and delivery of health care as a result of the pandemic.