Texas doctors are hoping they won't have to close their offices permanently. Some say they've seen patient visits cut in half or more.
The Texas Medical Association says doctors in the state have been forced to make difficult choices. In a recent survey, almost 70 percent of doctors cut their hours. 62 percent had to reduce their own salaries. The Association's President, Houston-based doctor Diana Fite, says some patients won't go see their doctor because they're worried they'll catch the virus.
“We are definitely seeing problems with delaying diagnosing new cancers or health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, people who have stopped taking their medication because they haven’t gone in,” Fite said.
She says others have lost their health insurance along with their jobs.
Her advice: don't be afraid to contact your doctor if you are afraid to go into the office. Many are conducting visits via Facetime or Zoom.