Updated Statement from Lafayette Surgery Center regarding Elective Surgery and COVID-19 (4/21/20)
As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released updated guidance on elective surgeries. It is the intent of the regulatory agencies that hospitals and health systems use this guidance to evaluate whether to provide elective surgeries during community spread of COVID-19. CMS provides recommendations on whether to perform or postpone the surgery based on the urgency of the procedure, health of the patient, and surgical setting. Among other factors, CMS said providers should consider the supply of PPE equipment in the region, ventilator availability and staffing availability.[1]
CMS emphasizes that decisions are left up to the local delivery systems, including state and local health officials and surgeons who have direct responsibility to their patients. The agency intends to refine the guidance over the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak based on feedback from subject matter experts.[2]
Following the updated guidance from CMS, CDC, and your state mandates, Lafayette Surgery Center will resume normal operations on Monday, April 27, 2020, in order to provide needed services to our community in this critical time. The following guidelines will be observed at Lafayette Surgery Center.
- Continued point of entry screening.
- Additional time allocated to cases for cases in order to follow the recommended practices for safety of patients, staff, and physicians.
- Continued adhered to current PPE recommendations.
- Rescheduled cases will likely need an updated H&P, re-authorizations re-verified.
- The facility websites will be updated as needed for guidance to patients on screening policies, social distancing, etc.
As a critical component of the healthcare system, we are keenly aware of how our actions can materially impact the health of the communities we serve.
ASCs can serve as alternative settings that provide surgical care for those patients who would suffer from a delay, while allowing our local hospital partners to create the incremental capacity needed during these dynamic times. As the pandemic progresses, we will continue to assess our approach, in coordination with experts throughout the healthcare system, to best serve the needs of patients and communities.
Lafayette Surgery Center stands ready to work with federal officials, state, and local governments, and all our colleagues in the healthcare system to provide needed care during these challenging times.
If you have any questions, please contact our facility directly at (720) 673-8188.
[1] https://www.aha.org/advisory/2020-03-19-coronavirus-update-new-information-elective-surgery-ppe-conservation-and
[2] https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cms-non-emergent-elective-medical-recommendations.pdf
