THE VALUED VOICE

The Wisconsin Hospital Association Information Center (WHAIC) has quantified and documented the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Wisconsin’s health care system in a new report published last week.
 
This week, The Valued Voice focuses on the shutdown of non-emergent care by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the spring of 2020. The goal of this shutdown was to contain virus spread and to preserve capacity for an expected surge of patients. Hospitals and health systems canceled or postponed diagnostic tests, health screenings and surgeries in response.
 
Why the Federally Directed Shutdown:

• Shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical staff
• Proactive measure to stop virus spread
• Opening hospital beds for anticipated case surge

What Happened:

• Inpatient activity down 19% comparted to 2019
• Outpatient surgeries and procedures down 45% compared to 2019
• Emergency department visits down 30% compared to 2019

Health Impact: Non-emergent procedures and preventive health care delayed
 
Hospital Impact: $2.5 billion in lost revenue for Wisconsin hospitals