The Financial Impact of COVID-19 What U.S. Doctors Have to Say

November 20, 2020

The AMA surveyed 3,500 physicians nationwide to learn more about the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physician practices. The survey was conducted during the months of July and August. 

Some of the key findings include:

• 81% of physicians said that their income during the summer was still lower than it was in February 2020, before the pandemic began.


• The average drop in revenue was 32%.


• While the use of telehealth expanded significantly, this revenue stream did not completely offset the decline of in-office visits.


• Spending on personal protective equipment (PPE) increased.


• Physician-owned practices experienced the most difficulties in acquiring PPE.


• Most physicians who applied for the various federal financial relief programs were successful and found them helpful.

View the AMA’s comprehensive survey results.

If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.