While concerns about contracting COVID-19 drive delays in doctor visits, deferred care has serious consequences. Industry experts including Gail Trauco, a patients' rights advocate, caution that delaying health services can:
Increase appointment backlogs. As people begin to resume their medical care, they may find their wait becomes even longer as health care providers experience appointment backlogs. Providers may face challenges catching up with the demand from this surge.
Exacerbate medical problems. Delaying health care can result in undiagnosed and untreated conditions, including early stage cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes. This can lead to emergency hospitalizations and permanent damage to the body.