Pandemic Lessons in Improving the Medical System

The pandemic resulted in many people missing or delaying medical care, leading to more serious disease and more costly treatment, notes the New York Times . However, experts say the pandemic is also revealing ways health care can become less expensive, more efficient, and more effective at protecting people's health. For instance, Dr. Amol S. Navathe at the University of Pennsylvania says the pandemic demonstrated how convenient and effective it can be to use telemedicine for many routine medical problems. Dr. William H. Shrank at Humana suggests instead of instantly turning to surgery for things like a bad back or bum knee, patients are being encouraged to undergo physical therapy, do certain exercises while sheltered in place, or use topical remedies to achieve relief.