May 6, 2020 - Health

When doctors think patient visits will rebound

Examination room, sterilized supplies

Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Image

Roughly three out of four doctors believe patient appointments will resume to normal, pre-coronavirus levels no earlier than July, and 45% expect a rebound to occur sometime between July and September, according to a survey of 163 doctors conducted by SVB Leerink.

Why it matters: States are reopening businesses now, but people may not want to trek to their doctor and sit in a waiting room with other potentially sick patients. And if doctors don't see typical numbers of patients return by this summer, many may have to sell their practice or close completely.

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