Houston Hospitals See Patients Gradually Returning for Elective Procedures

Local hospitals say they're seeing an uptick in patients going back to the doctor for their health checks.

For months, many have canceled or delayed elective surgeries amid fears of catching COVID-19. However some Houstonians are starting to return. That’s according to Houston Methodist and Memorial Hermann hospitals. Doctor James McCarthy, Executive Vice President of the Memorial Hermann Health System, says a fear of COVID is only one reason why many have yet to get their regular check-ups this year.

“I’ve also never met men or women who have rushed back for colonoscopies, and women for mammography. It’s not the favorite test to get done, but we do it because we know it’s important for our long term health. And some of it may be tied to insurance status too, for people who have lost jobs during this period,” McCarthy said.

He adds Memorial Hermann, like many local health systems, are urging patients to contact them or their doctor if they’re afraid of contracting the virus. He says their medical staff has been taking the time to contact patients who have been hesitant to return for cancer screens, mammograms and colonoscopies.


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