Impact of public and private sector COVID-19 diagnostics and treatments on US healthcare resource utilization

Sheinson, D.; Wong, W.; Solon, C.; Cheng, M.; Elsea, D.; Meng, Y.; Shah, A.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has imposed a considerable burden on the United States (US) health system, with particular concern over healthcare capacity constraints. Methods: We modeled the impact of public and private sector contributions to developing diagnostic testing and treatments on COVID-19-related healthcare resource use. Results: We estimated that public sector contributions lead to [≥]30% reductions in COVID-19-related healthcare resource utilization. Private sector contributions to expanded diagnostic testing and treatments lead to further reductions in mortality (-44%), intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU hospital beds (-30% and -28%, respectively), and ventilator use (-29%). The combination of lower diagnostic test sensitivity and proportions of patients self-isolating may exacerbate case numbers, and policies that encourage self-isolating should be considered. Conclusion: While mechanisms exist to facilitate research, development, and patient access to diagnostic testing, future policies should focus on ensuring equitable patient access to both diagnostic testing and treatments which, in turn, will alleviate COVID-19-related resource constraints.