Many Delay or Avoid Medical Care During Pandemic

Sept. 11, 2020
 
A new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that more than 4 in 10 U.S. adults have delayed or avoided medical care – including urgent or emergency care – during the COVID-19 pandemic, which might increase morbidity and mortality associated with both chronic and acute health conditions. Avoidance of urgent or emergency care was more prevalent among unpaid caregivers for adults, persons with underlying medical conditions, Black adults, Hispanic adults, young adults, and persons with disabilities. The report says that increasing accessibility of medical and telehealth services might help prevent delay of needed care.