News: One in five clinicians considering leaving primary care in light of COVID-19

A new survey from the Larry A. Green Center and Primary Care Collaborative on COVID-19 found that one in five primary care clinicians are now considering leaving the primary care field. Additionally, 13% said they were uncertain of their future profession.

Collecting data from August 21 to the 24, the survey garnered 636 respondents from 47 states and also found that 2% of primary care practices have closed due to the pandemic, and another 10% are considering bankruptcy. Another 10% noted being uncertain of their solvency a month out.

The survey found other indicators of financial concern for primary care practices, such as 47% of practices having staff out due to illness or quarantining, and 21% experienced layoffs or furloughs. Nearly half of all respondents (46%) have seen a 30%-50% drop in patient volume, and 28% have seen a similar drop in fee-for-service revenue. Practices have also experiences shutting down pre-COVID-19 quality initiatives, reduction in the number of services offered, and pulling back or eliminating educational training.

Amid their own financial concerns, practices have noted worsening patient health and social conditions. 86% of respondents have seen higher levels of mental health concerns among patients, 77% noted more sleep issues, and 73% have seen an increase in weight gain.

Some practices are increasing their scope, according to the survey, and trying to mitigate social insecurities despite their lack of resources. 70% of responded have increased the support they provide for mental health and related concerns, 26% have offered support or extensions for health-related bills, and 17% have become more involved helping with food insecurity.

Editor’s note: The Quick COVID-19 Primary Care Survey results can be found here. To read all of ACDIS’ coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, click here. To read about anticipated physician shortages, click here.