November 16, 2020 Thousands of medical practices are closing, reports Reed Abelson in the New York Times business section:
“Thousands of medical practices have closed during the pandemic, according to a July survey of 3,500 doctors by the Physicians Foundation, a nonprofit group. About 8 percent of the doctors reported closing their offices in recent months, which the foundation estimated could equal some 16,000 practices. Another 4 percent said they planned to shutter within the next year.
“Other doctors and nurses are retiring early or leaving their jobs. Some worry about their own health because of age or a medical condition that puts them at high risk. Others stopped practicing during the worst of the outbreaks and don’t have the energy to start again. Some simply need a break from the toll that the pandemic has taken among their ranks and their patients.”
In related news, American Medical Association president Susan R. Bailey issued the following statement on October 30:
“Throughout this pandemic, physicians, nurses, and frontline health care workers have risked their health, their safety and their lives to treat their patients and defeat a deadly virus. They did it because duty called and because of the sacred oath they took. The suggestion that doctors—in the midst of a public health crisis—are overcounting COVID-19 patients or lying to line their pockets is a malicious, outrageous, and completely misguided charge. COVID-19 cases are at record highs today. Rather than attacking us and lobbing baseless charges at physicians, our leaders should be following the science and urging adherence to the public health steps we know work—wearing a mask, washing hands and practicing physical distancing.”
President Trump had claimed at a campaign rally in Michigan that US doctors inflated Covid fatality statistics because they receive “like $2,000 more” if they report Covid-19 as the cause of a patient’s death.”You know, our doctors get more money if someone dies from Covid. You know that right?” Trump told supporters in Waterford Township, Michigan.
In response to similar accusations, the AMA website has highlighted the excess COVID-19 deaths our nation is facing, and published an editorial by Dr. Bailey,“The Assault on Science and Physicians Must Stop”.
