NYSSOS penned a letter to the Governor, making him aware of issues concerning resumption of elective surgery and the necessity for ambulatory surgery centers to be included in the strategy.
NYSSOS stated that emergency and urgent surgeries have been proceeding at both hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) but there are many patients with significant musculoskeletal problems that have received alternative conservative treatments that now require surgical intervention and appropriate time for recovery to get back into the workforce. These patients have been unable to work and awaiting surgery before the massive layoffs and COVID-19 restrictions.
NYSSOS advocated that ASCs need to be included with resumption of surgeries based off the community individual needs while collaborating with hospitals and health systems to coordinate care. Surgeons and providers should be the ultimate decision makers regarding the appropriate site of service for their patients keeping in mind quality, safety, and risks. With state guidance and coordination, hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities should be given the data and guidance to allow the appropriate level of elective cases best indicated by their medical staff, administration and current needs of the community.
Resumption of elective surgeries in less affected counties has only referenced hospital settings. So far, there has been no direction about how this applies to other care settings such as ASCs in counties that are allowed to re-open or ASCs in general. We request additional clarification in order to assemble an adequate healthy workforce and sufficient resources to protect and care for these patients.
Read the
detailed letter
