Hospitals Losing Billions As Elective Procedures Are Paused

During the COVID-19 outbreak, hospitals are losing over $50 billion monthly due to paused elective procedures, which form a significant part of their revenue. Elective procedures include surgeries like colonoscopy and hip replacement. Meanwhile, health insurance companies are seeing increased profits as the delay in procedures offsets the costs of COVID-19 care. Experts suggest that normal levels of elective procedures will resume only after a COVID-19 treatment or vaccine is developed, and hospitals may take years to recover financially.

What is the estimated monthly financial loss for hospitals due to the pause in elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• $100 billion

• $200 billion

• $50 billion

• $10 billion

What percentage of hospital revenues is typically generated from surgical stays?

• 25%

• 48%

• 60%

• 75%

How are health insurance companies financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

• They are experiencing losses.

• Their profits are decreasing.

• Their profits are increasing.

• They are unaffected.

What is offsetting the additional costs of COVID-19 patient care for insurance companies?

• Reduced administrative costs

• Delays in elective procedures and preventative care

• Government subsidies

• Increased premiums

According to medical experts, when will doctors be able to resume normal levels of elective procedures?

• Never

• Immediately

• In a few months

• Once a COVID-19 treatment or vaccine is developed