Is there a silver lining for US health care from COVID-19 pandemic?

Naqvi, Tasneem Z

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on economy and health care system of every nation. United States has been the hardest hit country both with incidence and absolute mortality from COVID-19. In some of its states the health care system have been stretched to their limits. This has led to a rapid change in the health care practice due to newly approved emergency legislative bills, new state government laws, measures taken by institutions and practices as well as the changing consumer behavior. Some of these adaptations - in particular, the transition of patient care to virtual visits are revolutionary. Increased vigilance by health care organization and workers to minimize the spread of infection to others as well for personal protection may result in lasting behavioral change that will prevent hospital acquired or transmitted infections and may lead to reduced morbidity and mortality from the regular "flu". The recycling of personal protective equipment and the emerging research showing it a safe practice will reduce health care expenditure. It is quite possible that this pandemic may be the silver lining that will save the US health care from its unsustainable consumption of US gross domestic product.