15 April 2021

---

Americans choose clinics over hospital amid COVID-19, confused about vaccine options

Katherine E. Pfaff

---

US patients are choosing urgent care clinics for health issues over hospitals due to leeriness about COVID-19, according to a report by software company Deputy. Among those who participated in the survey, 35% shared that in 2020 they were purposefully not visiting a hospital due to concerns over becoming infected with the virus. Others (44%) were staying away from hospitals to not further add to patient volume. Respondents also shared hesitancy about the currently approved vaccines and the misconception that only hospitals can give patients vaccines (42%). Though not part of the survey, misunderstanding about the vaccine could impact dental practices, recently approved to become vaccination sites. The report was based on a random double-opt-out survey and study of 2,000 US residents.  

Source:  https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covid-19-healthcare-urgency-report-highlights-americans-preference-for-urgent-care-clinics-over-hospitals-301258816.html