We aren't Wise to Shut Down so Much of Our Medical System

  Is there wisdom in closing the doors at doctor's offices? Perhaps, the thought is that elective surgeries can wait. But, it is more than elective surgeries being put on hold. Many procedures and standard doctor's visits are being placed on wait.
  And, this is not wise.
  Two reasons: One, medical care remains important. Seeing a doctor to determine if you have gout or hives remains important. Being able to just go see a doctor for a check-up remains important. When we start denying medical care, we endanger the health of our people.
   And, we are postponing such care. We are telling patients they must wait.
   The second reason keeping our doctor's offices rolling is important? I do not know if jobs are being lost, but I wonder. And, even if nurses and aides are not being sent home without pay, what of the doctors? It would seem surely that if many procedures are not taking place, the doctors' incomes are suffering. Some of them might have savings to see them through. Others might not.
   The pandemic is real. Protecting ourselves is right. Wearing face masks for doctor's visits, and taking all measures to prevent spread is important. One thing we yet should do is to work on getting better air systems in our medical rooms.
   Do all we can to make things safe. But, do not shut down medical care as is being done.