Changes in our Medical World

STRICKLER MEDICAL MONTHLY MESSAGE

July 2020

Changes in our Medical World

Dear Friends and Colleagues-

Things have changed, not only in our society, but closer to home in our medical world. Are we ready and positioning our practice, our skills, our patient marketing for these changes? Here are a few significant trends-

Unemployment– Higher unemployment, recently at 14%, now closer to 11% will mean consumers are not spending or are deferring expenses on healthcare. Not included in the 11% are a significant number of people who are no longer searching for work.

Insurance– Those that have insurance are experiencing higher deductibles and higher out of pocket costs. Those consumers may also defer elective healthcare procedures.

Clinical Practice Cuts– Behind restaurant and hospitality markets, clinical medical practices were the 3rd most likely to cut or furlough employees in the past 120 days. What is your plan to bring them back and what will the morale be when you do?

Testing Technology– Besides your digital thermometer, have you invested in any tracking or contact tracing to ensure staff and employees are safe and when infected, can you immediately respond to minimize an outbreak?

Medicaid Reimbursement– Maybe nothing new here, but rates have been falling and will continue to experience downward pressure.

Expenses Are Up– Clinical practices are spending significantly more on gowns, hand sanitizer, face shields, gloves, and masks. Room turnaround time is longer cutting into efficiencies.

One thing that does not change is the fact that I am still working for you. New products like reusable and disposable masks, face shields, swabs for C-19 testing, a COVID-19 compliant small bowel capsule, have all become part of the Strickler Medical portfolio. I have performed client in-servicing virtually and the feedback has been positive.
I hope you all are staying healthy and well as we continue to wash our hands, social distance and wear masks.

Father’s Day breakfast homemade by my wife and kids including the Blood Mary!