New Poll: Nearly a Third
are Delaying or Avoiding Medical Care Due to COVID-19
Concerns
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[April 30, 2020]
With some waiting rooms nearly empty, emergency physicians are seeing a
worrisome trend play out across the country. Nearly a third of American
adults (29 percent) say that they have delayed or avoided medical care
because they are concerned about contracting COVID-19, according to a
new poll from Morning Consult and the American College of Emergency
Physicians.
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“Waiting to see a doctor if you think you’re having a medical
emergency could be life threatening,” said William Jaquis, MD, FACEP,
president of ACEP. “While it’s important to stay home and follow
social distancing guidelines, it’s critical to always know when to
go to the emergency department.”
The country has understandable angst about seeking medical care
outside their homes during a pandemic. Nearly three-quarters of
respondents (73 percent) are concerned about overstressing the
health care system, and more than half (59 percent) are worried they
will not be able to get treated by a physician if they need care,
with lower-income adults among those most concerned about access.
“Despite all the uncertainty around us, the emergency department
remains the best place for you to get medical care any time you need
it,” said Dr. Jaquis. “Emergency physicians are expertly trained for
these situations and have protocols in place to keep their patients
protected even in the midst of a pandemic.”
The poll results also made clear that there is a strong appetite for
more federal action to protect and support emergency departments and
protect frontline health workers. Nearly all respondents (97
percent) said that the federal government needs to support efforts
to increase access to protective equipment for emergency physicians.
And nine of out 10 believe that emergency physicians should receive
hazard pay as they risk their lives to protect patients.
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“Emergency physicians are risking their lives on the frontlines to protect our
communities. We must do more to make sure that these brave heroes are supported
and have the protective equipment that they need today and, in the weeks and
months ahead,” said Dr. Jaquis. “This pandemic gives our leaders and legislators
an opportunity to address immediate needs and strengthen our health care safety
net. We have to make sure that patients remain confident in our health system at
a time when everyone needs us most.”
The poll was conducted on April 18-April 20, 2020 among a national sample of
2201 adults. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or
minus 2 percent. View the full results here.
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical
society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research,
public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its
39,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they
treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit
www.acep.org and
www.emergency physicians.org.
[American College of Emergency
Physicians]
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