they could die. reporter: spoehlhof s constantly looking for around 90 critical drugs. doctors actually have to raion care based on drug supply. yes, absolutely. reporter: the f.d.a. lists 109 drugs in such short supply nationally, the american medical association calls the shortage an urgent public health crisis that threatens patient care and safety. three of the top five shortages, drugs used for chemotherapy, heart conditions and antibiotics. with tocilizumab, uva s hospital made a tough choice, save it for chemo patients, deny it to covid patients. the important thing is knowing the course of the disease. reporter: the doctor treated by dr. patrick jackson. patients are getting the drug i would not ideally want to give them. reporter: potentially worse outcomings.