June 23, 2020

Potential Indirect Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Use of Emergency Departments for Acute Life-Threatening Conditions — United States, January–May 2020

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• In the 10 weeks following the COVID-19 emergency declaration in the US (March 15–May 23, 2020), emergency department visits reported in the National Syndromic Surveillance Program declined by 23% for heart attacks, 20% for strokes, and 10% for hyperglycemic crisis compared with the previous 10-week period. The authors report that this system captures an estimated 73% of emergency department visits nationwide. The authors conclude that there is a potential for adverse health outcomes if these declines are due to avoidance of potentially beneficial medical care. 

Lange et al. (June 22, 2020). Potential Indirect Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Use of Emergency Departments for Acute Life-Threatening Conditions — United States, January–May 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6925e2