Wall Street analysts are predicting recovery of elective surgery volumes after analyzing a consumer sentiment survey and hospital tracking data, but the forecasts come amid a stark warning from the head of the CDC that rising COVID-19 metrics jeopardizes progress.
Results from two surveys from Needham and Jefferies suggest people are visiting hospitals more and are increasingly comfortable with undergoing elective procedures. If, as Needham analysts predict, the trends translate into a significant increase in procedure volumes, medical device sales could bounce back.
A major caveat comes with data highlighted by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, who warned rising COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths suggest the U.S. is on the same trajectory as European countries that are now contending with another resurgence.