Cancer Screenings and Routine Care Drop During Public Health Emergency

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Cancer Screenings and Routine Care Drop During Public Health Emergency

May 12, 2020, 08:41 AM by MSDC Staff

Statistics confirm what many already know: routine medical care is being delayed all over in response to COVID-19

A new report by Komodo Health shows that the number of routine medical screenings have plummeted during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The company, which has one of the country's largest medical claim's databases, provided data to Reuters for an article. Its analysis showed that all routine scans dropped dramatically and even more so in areas with large COVID-19 outbreaks. For example, nationally cervical cancer screenings were down 68%, cholesterol panels fell by 67%, and blood sugar tests to detect diabetes were down 65%. The diabetes result is particularly concerning as it is a potential risk factor in COVID-19 mortality.

The additional concern is that the delay in routine care will create a backlog - and additional delay - in receiving overdue care. An added complication is that many physician practices are struggling to stay open, and fewer offices mean fewer opportunities for care outside of a hospital. Many patients may need to turn to hospitals (already overburdened) to receive treatment they could have received with their primary care physician.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.